What are the benefits of segmenting an Ethernet network?

Ethernet network segmentation divides a computer network into small clusters, helping the network operate faster and more efficiently. Single-segment networks are often efficient enough to handle small home and office networks. However, larger networks with dozens of computers will see more performance increases than segmented networks.

Ethernet segments break up a wired computer network into smaller units, while still maintaining connectivity to all other devices on the network. Ethernet segments maximize bandwidth resources and alleviate network congestion problems.

Segments

An Ethernet segment is a group of networked devices connected to a single Ethernet port. The Ethernet part refers to the wired connection or physical connection within network components. A home network that connects 3 computers, 2 game consoles, and a smartphone to the same WiFi-enabled router and broadband modem is an example of a single-segment network.

A two-segment network might include 2 computer labs in a school. All computers in each lab connect to a single network hub, while both hubs connect to a shared network switch that allows the two gateway groups to communicate.

 Advantages of hubs

Segmented Ethernet networks help reduce traffic congestion for computer networks that use network hubs instead of switches. Network hubs direct all traffic to every connected system, while networks pass traffic directly from source to destination. Hubs are less efficient than switches and force all devices to share bandwidth.

A group of 10 computers connected to a single hub sends all network traffic to 9 other systems. If that network is segmented into groups of 5 computers, then the segment traffic is shared with only 5 direct systems.

Increasing productivity

Segmented Ethernet networks can give network traffic a significant performance boost. While a switch can direct network traffic from source to destination, it can still only process a finite amount of information at once. Ethernet segments can be grouped into computer clusters so that multiple devices are most likely to share information with each other.

Ethernet segmentation can also help manage internal and external data requests. For example, if 40 computers are connected to the same switch, which is then connected to the router and the incoming Internet connection, that switch must handle all traffic directions for internal traffic and Internet traffic.

 A multi-level segmented network can prevent local traffic from reaching the network switch that bridges the segments together, as well as handle incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. Segmentation reduces packet loss or data requests that go unfulfilled due to overloaded network hardware.

Large networks

Ethernet segments allow networks to grow in scope beyond the maximum number of devices a single hub or switch can support.

For example, if you have 3 network switches, each supporting 8 devices, you can use 2 of the 3 switches to connect to 8 systems and then connect to the third switch to connect the networks into network of 16 systems.

Micah Soto

Update 17 October 2023