Good day everyone! Today I going to discuss more about local area network (LAN) in which I going to talk about how we actually can expend the local area network (LAN). In order to expand the LAN, several hardware component have to be add. Following are all the hardware components that can be add in to the LAN to expand the network.

Ethernet Switch

An Ethernet switch can be used to expand a local area network. It is a device similar in function and appearance to a router. Unlike a router, an Ethernet switch cannot be connected directly to the Internet. Instead, when placed in a local area network, it must be connected to the primary computer, the primary computer controls Internet and network protocols. Most Ethernet switches allow at least four devices to be added to the network. If even more devices are required, more Ethernet switches can be added. Each additional Ethernet switch is connected to the preceding switch, in tandem, leading back to the primary Ethernet switch. Therefore, if each switch has a total of four ports, but each Ethernet switch is connected to the preceding one, each switch, except the final one, can only connect three additional devices to the local area network.

Network Hubs

A network hub is a small unit with multiple ports. This number can ranges from four to sixteen. To increase the number of devices on a local area network with a network hub, users add an Ethernet switch into one of the vacant ports. Network hubs are available with different data transfer speeds, and it is important to select the speed which can cope with the needs of the users. A slow transfer rate often produces unsatisfactory results across every device on the network. Hubs do not tend to perform as well as Ethernet switches, but are designed for use in areas where cost and space constraints are a factor. Because hubs are available with a large number of ports, and because they are very compact, they negate the need for multiple Ethernet switch units. This is advantageous, because Ethernet switches take up space and require additional, unsightly cables.

However, the longer the cable that been use, the weaker the signal transmitting data. It is not recommended to use a cable longer than 100 meters, as the signal deteriorates rapidly beyond this distance. However, this can be overcome by including a repeater, hub or switch at less than 100 meters of cabling. The 100 meter limit will applies to each individual segment between Ethernet switches, hubs, or repeaters.