An
Ethernet LAN that uses
switches to connect individual
hosts or
segments. In the case of individual hosts, the switch replaces the
repeater and effectively gives the device full 10
Mbps bandwidth (or 100 Mbps for
Fast Ethernet) to the rest of the network. This type of network is sometimes called a
desktop switched Ethernet. In the case of segments, the
hub is replaced with a
switching hub.
Traditional Ethernets, in which all hosts compete for the same bandwidth, are called shared Ethernets. Switched Ethernets are becoming very popular because they are an effective and convenient way to extend the bandwidth of existing Ethernets.
Also see the Ethernet Designations chart in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia.
