The decision to use an internetworking
device depends on which problems you are trying to solve for your
client. Media contention refers
to excessive collisions on Ethernet caused by too many devices, all
with a high demand for the network segment.
The number of broadcasts become
excessive when there are too many client packets looking for services,
too many server packets announcing services, too many routing table
updates, and too many other broadcasts dependent on protocols such
as ARP.
The need to transport new payloads
includes the need to offer voice and video network services. These
services may require much more bandwidth than is available on the
network or backbone.
Network layer addressing issues include
running out of IP addresses, the need for physically separate subnets,
and other issues dependent on the protocols.
|