Large numbers of hosts on a single network:
Actual Data Overhead
A big part of the overhead is broadcasts.
In this context, each network is called a broadcast domain.
Switches forward broadcasts to each device connected to a switch port.
If we can reduce broadcast overhead, it would improve performance on the network.
Excessive broadcast traffic can cause network congestion, and cause systems within that broadcast domains to be slowed down by having to process large amounts of packets.
Broadcast traffic can lead to network congestion, as it sends data packets to all devices on a network segment, potentially overwhelming bandwidth and causing slowdowns. This type of traffic can also increase the likelihood of collisions and packet loss, impacting overall network performance and reliability. Additionally, excessive broadcast traffic can create security vulnerabilities, as sensitive information may be exposed to unintended recipients. Managing and limiting broadcast traffic is essential for maintaining an efficient and secure network environment.
elimination of broadcast traffic
To reduce broadcast traffic, network segmentation can be implemented through the use of VLANs, which limits broadcast domains and confines broadcast messages to specific groups. Additionally, configuring routers and switches to filter or limit broadcast packets can help manage their flow. Implementing protocols like IGMP snooping can also optimize multicast traffic and minimize unnecessary broadcasts. Lastly, regularly reviewing and optimizing network configurations can help identify and eliminate sources of excessive broadcast traffic.
Complex address schemes
A broadcast storm is what occurs when the number of broadcasts on a broadcast domain reaches a certain level that causes the network to shut down for useful traffic entirely.
A broadcast storm can cause a network to become too congested to transfer any useful traffic; switches are susceptible to broadcast storms.
This device is called a ROUTER. Routers are by default configured to not pass the broadcast traffic to another networks to which it connects. But by some means it could be also a SWITCH - sometimes it can be configured to filter different type of network traffic.
Generally speaking, routers will unicast-forward incoming packets which have a network broadcast address as destination, unless they are directly connected to that network/subnet and therefore know that the destination address is a broadcast address
10.56.176.0 is your network. 255.255.240.0 is your subnet mask. Valid broadcast addresses would be 10.56.176.255 (network broadcast) and 255.255.255.255 (general network broadcast). The general network broadcast would actually broadcast to every machine on the internet, but internet routers will block all traffic from it to prevent this. In effect if you use either 10.56.176.255 or 255.255.255.255, the result is broadcasting to all machines on your network.
To reduce traffic bottlenecks in a NetBEUI network, implementing network segmentation can be effective. By dividing the network into smaller segments, broadcast traffic is limited, allowing for improved performance and reduced congestion. Additionally, using higher-capacity network devices, such as switches, can help manage traffic flow more efficiently. Lastly, minimizing unnecessary broadcasts and optimizing network configurations can further alleviate bottlenecks.
HUB in a collision Domain, Switch in Local Network.Broadcasting in network is done to locate devices in Network. Hub broadcasts through all its port whereas Network Switch Broadcast traffics within a Port & out of all ports only if new device is to be found.