Chapter 5. Interconnecting the LANs

Chapter Outline

5-1 Introduction

5-2 The Network Bridge

5-3 The Network Switch

5-4 The Router

5-5 Interconnecting LANs with the Router

5-6 Configuring the Network Interface—Auto-negotiation

Summary

Questions and Problems

Objectives

• Describe how a bridge is used to interconnect LANs

• Describe how a switch is used to interconnect LANs

• Discuss the advantages of using a switch instead of a hub

• Describe the function of a router when used to interconnect LANs

• Describe the interface associated with a router

• Describe the function of a gateway in a computer network

• Describe the concept of a network segment

• Describe the concept of auto-negotiation

Key Terms

campus network

bridge

bridging table

association

broadcast

ARP

broadcast storm