Beginning with the assumption that you have the typical Ethernet local area network (LAN), this site provides information and solutions for improving the speed of the network.

An Ethernet network with Category 5 (Cat5) wiring and perhaps a fiber optic backbone. Originally, it worked fine. Now, as more wire was pulled, hubs and computers (clients) added and multimedia applications employed, the network began to slow down.

OK, how do we get the speed back without tearing out the existing network or breaking the bank? The answer, segmentation with switching hubs and routers. Also, moving to fast (100BaseT) Ethernet or ATM is another option yet a little more expensive.

So, lets take a look.

Begin with the understanding of an Ethernet network.

Schools are beginning to run Multimedia across the network.

Take a look at what Switching can do for your network.

Look at how a Router affects the speed of a network?

What are VLANs and how do they help?

What is the difference between OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3

Is ATM a possibility or a pipe dream?

Want to learn more? Visit the links and Resources.

Graphical Representations: Shared, Switched, & Bandwidth