Symmetric switching is a switch with ports
of the same bandwidth as shown in Figure .
Switching may be optimized through even distribution of network
traffic.
Asymmetric switching is a switch with
ports of different bandwidth as shown in Figure .
Asymmetric switching is appropriate when certain switch ports have
devices that need more bandwidth, such as servers. Another use for
switch ports that need higher bandwidth is when that port is connected
to another switch.
Whether that switch port needs higher
bandwidth depends on the amount of network traffic that is received
and transmitted through that port. Proper LAN design, network analysis
and network traffic monitoring will help network administrators
determine which switch ports need the additional bandwidth.
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