D-Link 1008TL User Guide - Page 6

switch can be used to split parts of the network into different collision domains, making it possible to expand your Ethernet network beyond the 205-meter network diameter limit for 100BASE-TX networks. Switches supporting both traditional 10Mbps Ethernet, 100Mbps Fast Ethernet, 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet are also ideal for bridging between existing 10Mbps networks, 100Mbps networks, and new 1000Mbps networks. Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network hubs and bridges, which were characterized by higher latencies. Routers have also been used to segment local area networks, but the cost of a router, the setup and maintenance required, make routers relatively impractical. Today switches are an ideal solution to most kinds of local area network congestion problems.