Lesson 2 NETWORK LAN TECHNOLOGIES

Local Area Network (LAN) technologies form the backbone of network communication
within small geographic areas, such as homes, schools, and businesses. These technologies
allow multiple devices to connect and share resources, such as files, printers, and internet
access. Over time, various LAN technologies have been developed to improve speed,
reliability, and efficiency, adapting to the growing demands of modern network
environments (Sophos, n.d.).

This lesson explores key LAN technologies, including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit
Ethernet, as well as more advanced concepts like Virtual LANs (VLANs) and wireless LANs.
Understanding these technologies is essential for building and managing efficient, scalable
networks.

Lesson Objectives: Network LAN Technologies

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

▪ Define Local Area Network (LAN) and explain its key functions.
▪ Identify and differentiate between various LAN technologies, such as Ethernet,
Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet.
▪ Describe how Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
operates in Ethernet networks.
▪ Explain the concept of Virtual LANs (VLANs) and their role in improving network
segmentation and security.
▪ Understand the significance of network switches, broadcast domains, and
collision domains in LAN environments.
▪ Analyze the advantages and limitations of different LAN technologies in real-
world scenarios.
▪ Apply knowledge of LAN technologies to design efficient, scalable networks.

ETHERNET

ETHERNET is one of the most commonly used technologies for local area networks (LANs).
It was invented by Bob Metcalfe and D.R. Boggs in the 1970s and later standardized by IEEE
as 802.3 in 1980.

Ethernet allows devices to share the same communication medium (like a cable), but this
can lead to data collisions when two devices try to send data simultaneously. To manage
this, Ethernet uses a protocol called Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection
(CSMA/CD). This system listens for activity on the network before sending data and detects
collisions. If a collision occurs, all devices stop transmitting, wait for a random period, and
then try again.

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Each Ethernet device has a network interface card (NIC), which includes a unique 48-bit
MAC address. This address helps devices identify each other on the network and enables
communication between them.

Traditional Ethernet operates under the 10BASE-T standard. Here:

• "10" represents a transmission speed of 10 megabits per second (Mbps).

• "BASE" indicates baseband signaling, which means the entire bandwidth is
dedicated to Ethernet.
• "T" stands for Twisted Pair cabling used for connections.

10BASE-T Ethernet typically uses coaxial cables or Category 5 twisted-pair cables with RJ-
45 connectors. It employs a star topology, where each device connects to a central hub or
switch. The maximum segment length (distance between devices and the hub/switch) is
100 meters.

FAST-ETHERNET

is an evolution of the standard Ethernet technology, developed to accommodate the

growing need for higher data transmission speeds as computer hardware and software
became more advanced. Traditional Ethernet, which operates at 10 Mbps, was no longer
sufficient to support emerging technologies, such as multimedia applications, high-traffic
servers, and more complex network infrastructures. Fast Ethernet addresses these needs
by providing faster data rates of up to 100 Mbps (TutorialPoints, Nd).

Key Features of Fast Ethernet

1. Multiple Media Support:

Fast Ethernet is versatile in its compatibility with different types of network
media, including:

▪ Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables: These are commonly used in

local area networks (LANs), and Fast Ethernet can run on Category 5
(Cat-5) cables, which are widely deployed for wired connections.
▪ Optical Fiber: Fiber optic cables are used for longer distances and
higher speed requirements, offering superior bandwidth and less
signal interference compared to traditional copper cables.
▪ Wireless Networks: Fast Ethernet can also function in wireless LANs,
allowing for flexible connections without physical cabling.

2. Increased Speed:
Fast Ethernet is defined by the 100BASE-T standard, which allows data transfer at
100 Mbps. This is a significant improvement over the traditional 10 Mbps
Ethernet standard. The "100" in 100BASE-T refers to the speed of 100 Mbps,
"BASE" indicates baseband signaling (where the entire bandwidth is used for one
communication channel), and "T" refers to the use of twisted pair cabling.
3. Collision Management Techniques:

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 ▪ CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection): This is
the same technique used in traditional Ethernet. It ensures that devices on
a wired network check whether the communication channel is clear
before sending data to avoid collisions. If a collision occurs, the devices
stop, wait for a random period, and try again.
▪ CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance): In wireless networks, where detecting
collisions is more difficult, Fast Ethernet uses CSMA/CA. Instead of just
detecting collisions, this method tries to prevent them by having devices
request access to the network before transmitting data, reducing the
likelihood of conflicts.

4. Fiber Optic Standard (100BASE-FX):

Fast Ethernet can also run on fiber optic cables under the 100BASE-FX standard,
which supports data rates of up to 100 Mbps. This is commonly used in
environments where higher data capacity and longer distances are required.

✓ In half-duplex mode (where data transmission and reception cannot

happen simultaneously), Fast Ethernet on fiber can reach up to 100
meters.
✓ In full-duplex mode (where data can be transmitted and received at the
same time), Fast Ethernet can span distances of up to 2000 meters when
using multimode fiber cables, making it ideal for large-scale networks,
such as those across campuses or between data centers.

5. Improved Performance:
With Fast Ethernet’s 100 Mbps speed, networks can handle more traffic and
larger files, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications, such as:

✓ Streaming video and audio

✓ Transferring large files between servers
✓ Running data-intensive applications like databases and cloud-based
software

Practical Applications

Fast Ethernet is widely used in corporate offices, educational institutions, and data
centers. Its ability to support both wired and wireless configurations, as well as fiber
optics for extended reach, makes it a flexible solution for businesses that need reliable
and scalable network infrastructure. Moreover, the speed increase significantly boosts
productivity by allowing for faster file transfers, smoother streaming, and more efficient
data handling across networks.

GIGABIT-ETHERNET

Gigabit Ethernet is an advanced version of Ethernet technology introduced in 1998 (a

correction from the original reference to 1995). It offers speeds up to 1000 megabits per
second (Mbps) or 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), which is 10 times faster than Fast

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Ethernet (100 Mbps). The introduction of Gigabit Ethernet was a response to the growing
demand for higher network speeds to handle more extensive data transfers, multimedia
applications, and increased network traffic.

Key Features of Gigabit Ethernet

1. High-Speed Data Transfer:

Gigabit Ethernet represents a significant leap in performance, offering data
transmission rates of 1 Gbps, making it ideal for data-intensive applications, high-
volume servers, and fast-growing network traffic. This speed enables quicker file
transfers, smoother streaming, and more efficient network performance,
especially in high-demand environments like data centers, large enterprises, and
cloud-based systems.
2. IEEE Standards for Gigabit Ethernet:
o IEEE 802.3ab: This standard defines Gigabit Ethernet over unshielded
twisted pair (UTP) cables. It allows Gigabit Ethernet to run on the widely
used Category 5 (Cat-5), Category 5e (Cat-5e), and Category 6 (Cat-6)
cables.
▪ Cat-5 cables: Support Gigabit Ethernet, but only for shorter
distances (up to 100 meters) and with less reliability than the
newer cables.
▪ Cat-5e cables: An enhanced version of Cat-5, providing better
performance for Gigabit Ethernet and reducing interference and
crosstalk over the same 100-meter range.
▪ Cat-6 cables: Offers improved performance and can handle higher
data rates more reliably, providing better results for Gigabit
Ethernet over longer distances.
o IEEE 802.3ah: This standard defines Gigabit Ethernet over fiber optic
cables. Fiber optics provide longer distances and higher reliability
compared to copper cables, making it ideal for connecting large networks
across buildings, campuses, or data centers.
3. Compatibility and Transition:
One of the major advantages of Gigabit Ethernet is its backward compatibility
with earlier Ethernet standards, such as Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and 10 Mbps
Ethernet. This compatibility allows organizations to upgrade their networks
incrementally. For instance, an existing network using Cat-5 cables can be
upgraded to Gigabit speeds with minimal infrastructure changes, providing a cost-
effective path for scaling up.
4. Improved Performance in Enterprise and Data Center Networks:
The increase in speed to 1 Gbps significantly enhances network performance,
allowing for:

▪ Faster File Transfers: Large files, such as video, audio, or data backups,
can be transferred at significantly faster rates, improving overall
productivity.
▪ Better Support for Virtualization and Cloud Computing: As businesses
increasingly adopt cloud-based services and virtual machines, the
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 higher bandwidth of Gigabit Ethernet supports faster access to remote
resources and more efficient handling of virtualized environments.
▪ Enhanced Streaming and Multimedia Support: Gigabit Ethernet can
handle multiple high-definition video streams or large amounts of data
simultaneously, making it ideal for multimedia applications and real-
time collaboration.

5. Gigabit Ethernet Over Copper (1000BASE-T):

Gigabit Ethernet can run over copper cables through the 1000BASE-T standard,
which allows the use of twisted-pair cables (Cat-5, Cat-5e, Cat-6). This standard is
widely used in local area networks (LANs), as it provides gigabit speeds without
needing to switch to more expensive fiber optic cables. 1000BASE-T allows
network administrators to extend the life of their existing cabling infrastructure
while achieving higher speeds.
6. Gigabit Ethernet Over Fiber (1000BASE-X):
For longer distances and environments requiring higher reliability, Gigabit
Ethernet can be deployed over fiber optic cables using the 1000BASE-X standard
(defined by IEEE 802.3ah). Fiber optics can transmit data over much greater
distances than copper cables—sometimes up to several kilometers—while
maintaining high speeds and low latency. This is particularly useful for:

▪ Inter-building connections: Such as between buildings on a campus or

between data centers.
▪ High-traffic backbones: Gigabit Ethernet over fiber is often used for the
backbone of a network, connecting large network segments or supporting
wide-area network (WAN) links.

7. Future-Proofing and Scalability:

Gigabit Ethernet provides a foundation for future growth. With more devices
requiring high-speed internet and growing amounts of data being transferred,
Gigabit Ethernet ensures that networks can handle these demands without
bottlenecks. It also serves as a stepping stone to 10 Gigabit Ethernet and beyond
for those requiring even higher bandwidth.

Practical Applications

Gigabit Ethernet is widely used in both corporate and enterprise environments for:

1. Data Centers: Where high-speed connections between servers and storage are
critical for performance.
2. Backbone Networks: Supporting large-scale networks that span buildings,
campuses, or city areas.
3. Streaming Services: Allowing fast and reliable delivery of high-definition
multimedia content.
4. Cloud and Virtualization: Providing the necessary bandwidth to support cloud
applications and virtual machines that demand fast, low-latency connections.

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 5. High-Demand Corporate Networks: Gigabit Ethernet is ideal for businesses where
many employees or clients need simultaneous access to large amounts of data or
network resources.

VLAN ( Virtual Local Area Network)

is a networking technology used to logically segment a physical Local Area Network

(LAN) into multiple, isolated networks (Omnitron Systems, n.d.). This segmentation
enhances network efficiency, security, and management, even when all devices are
connected through the same physical switches and infrastructure. VLANs essentially
create virtual divisions within a network, allowing devices to behave as if they are part of
separate networks, despite sharing the same physical hardware.

The Problem with Traditional LANs

In a traditional Ethernet-based LAN, all devices connected to the network share the same
broadcast domain. A broadcast domain is the set of all devices on the network that can
receive broadcast messages (messages sent to all devices in the network). As more
devices are added, the volume of broadcast traffic increases, which can lead to network
congestion and slower performance.

• Shared Media: In Ethernet networks, devices originally shared the same

communication medium. This means that every message sent by one device could
potentially collide with messages from other devices, creating collision domains.
This was particularly problematic in older Ethernet systems.
• Switches and Collision Domains: The introduction of network switches solved the
problem of collision domains by creating a separate collision domain for each
device connected to a switch. This allowed each device to communicate without
worrying about collisions with other devices’ messages. However, switches do not
solve the problem of broadcast domains.
• Broadcast Domain Issue: Even when using switches, all devices in a LAN remain in
the same broadcast domain by default. When one device sends a broadcast
message (a message intended for all devices), every other device in the LAN

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 receives it. This can lead to unnecessary network traffic, especially in larger
networks with many devices.

How VLAN Solves the Broadcast Domain Problem

A VLAN divides a single broadcast domain into multiple virtual broadcast domains. This
segmentation allows network administrators to control which devices can communicate
with each other, even if they are physically connected to the same switch or network.

• Isolation of Devices: Devices within the same VLAN can communicate as if they
are in a single network, but they are isolated from devices in other VLANs. By
default, devices in one VLAN cannot communicate with devices in another VLAN.
For instance, a computer in VLAN 1 cannot directly communicate with a computer
in VLAN 2 without the help of a router or a Layer 3 switch.
• Logical Grouping: VLANs allow for logical grouping of devices based on factors
like function, department, or user access levels, rather than their physical
location. This means that devices in the same VLAN do not need to be physically
located next to each other—they can be spread across different floors or even
buildings, but still act as part of the same network segment.

Benefits of VLANs

1. Improved Network Performance:

By segmenting a large network into multiple VLANs, broadcast traffic is limited to
only those devices within a specific VLAN. This reduces the overall network load
and prevents unnecessary traffic from reaching devices that do not need to
receive it. This leads to better network performance, especially in environments
with a large number of devices.
2. Enhanced Security:
VLANs provide a layer of security by isolating different types of traffic. For
example, users in a Guest VLAN can be kept separate from users in a Corporate
VLAN, ensuring that sensitive internal data is not accessible to guest users. VLANs
also help protect critical systems by restricting access to specific devices or groups
within the network.
3. Simplified Network Management:
VLANs simplify network management by allowing administrators to easily group
and isolate devices based on logical criteria rather than physical location. This
flexibility is especially useful in large networks, such as corporate offices,
universities, or hospitals, where different departments or user groups need
isolated access to resources.
4. Network Flexibility:
VLANs provide flexibility in terms of network design. As organizations grow or
change, VLANs allow administrators to reconfigure network segments without
physically re-cabling or relocating devices. Changes can be made remotely
through software configurations, saving time and reducing downtime.
5. Reduced Broadcast Traffic:
Since broadcast traffic is confined within each VLAN, devices only receive
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 broadcast messages relevant to their VLAN. This helps reduce congestion on the
network and improves overall communication efficiency.

VLAN Configuration and Types

1. Default VLAN:
By default, all devices connected to a switch are placed into the same VLAN,
typically referred to as VLAN 1. This means that, unless configured otherwise, all
devices share the same broadcast domain. Administrators need to configure
additional VLANs to create separate broadcast domains.
2. Tagged and Untagged VLANs:
o Untagged VLAN: Devices within a VLAN do not require special
configurations, and the switch treats all traffic as belonging to the same
VLAN. This is known as untagged traffic.
o Tagged VLAN: When a device or switch port belongs to multiple VLANs,
VLAN tagging is used. Each packet of data is tagged with a VLAN ID that
identifies which VLAN it belongs to. This allows devices to communicate
with multiple VLANs while keeping the traffic separate.
3. Inter-VLAN Routing:
While VLANs provide isolation, sometimes communication between VLANs is
necessary. This is achieved through inter-VLAN routing, which involves using a
router or Layer 3 switch to allow traffic to pass between VLANs securely.
4. VLAN Trunking:
Trunking allows multiple VLANs to pass through a single network link between
switches. This is useful in situations where switches are located in different parts
of a building or campus, but the VLANs need to span across all of them. IEEE
802.1Q is the most common protocol for VLAN tagging in trunk links, ensuring
that VLAN traffic remains separate as it moves between switches.

Practical Uses of VLANs

1. Departmental Segmentation:
In a large organization, VLANs can be used to separate departments. For example,
the Finance department can be placed in one VLAN, while the Marketing
department is in another. This ensures that traffic between these departments is
isolated, improving security and reducing unnecessary traffic between
departments.
2. Guest Networks:
Many organizations create a Guest VLAN to provide internet access to visitors.
This VLAN is isolated from the internal corporate network, ensuring that guests
cannot access sensitive resources or data while still allowing them to connect to
the internet.
3. Voice VLANs:
Voice over IP (VoIP) phones are often placed in their own VLAN, called a Voice
VLAN, to ensure that voice traffic is given priority over regular data traffic. This
helps prevent delays in voice communication, improving call quality.

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4. Data Center Segmentation:
In data centers, VLANs can be used to segment different types of traffic, such as
management traffic, storage traffic, and user traffic. This improves security and
ensures that critical traffic is prioritized and kept separate from less important
data flows

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