
Chapter 4: Network Foundation Technologies—Switching and Routing
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• It wants to implement advanced technologies such as IP telephony,
storage networks, wireless mobility, and security or a VPN (virtual
private network).
• It wants to compete or partner with larger businesses—in terms of
geographic reach, types of customers served, or hours of operation.
The critical network foundation elements (switches and routers), along with
their value propositions and related investment decision criteria, are covered in
this chapter.
LAN Switching
Switches are a fundamental part of most networks. They let multiple users
communicate directly with each other