Explain how devices on a lan access resources in a small to medium-sized business network.

Solution:

Switches are a fundamental part of most networks. They let multiple users communicate directly with each other. As such, they offer the potential for collision-free, high-speed networking. In essence, switches create a system of simultaneous, parallel, point-to-point connections between pairs of devices

The benefits of the lan network that can be realized by using LAN switches are as follows:

•Increased network scalability—The network can expand easily as the business grows.

•Improved bandwidth performance for each network user—This is important in environments where users operate multimedia applications or conduct frequent client/server database interactions.

•Multiple simultaneous connections—Many simultaneous data transfers can take place between pairs of devices connected to switch ports. This is not possible with hub-based networks.

•Reduced congestion and information transmission delay—This translates to more efficient business application access. Remember that network segmentation is used to minimize the number of users contending for LAN bandwidth on each segment (switch port).

•No single point of failure—With proper network design, there are fewer chances for network failure.

•Improved manageability and security through the use of virtual LANs (VLANs)—VLANs group individual users into logical workgroups with common interests or business functions. Data broadcasts are restricted to designated members of the group (also called the broadcast domain). This functionality gives companies the flexibility to move employees around physically yet still maintain their functional ties via the VLAN without network reconfiguration.

This is the required answer.