Computer Networks, 5th Edition

3.5. Summary

This chapter has begun to look at some of the issues involved in building scalable and heterogeneous networks by using switches and routers to interconnect links and networks. The most common use of switching is the interconnection of LANs, especially Ethernet segments. LAN switches, or bridges, use techniques such as source address learning to improve forwarding efficiency and spanning tree algorithms to avoid looping. These switches are extensively used in data centers, campuses, and corporate networks.

To deal with heterogeneous networks, the Internetworking Protocol (IP) was invented and forms the basis of today's routers. IP tackles heterogeneity by defining a simple, common service model for an internetwork, which is based ...