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In order to reduce Collision and Broadcast Domains, LAN switches and bridges emerge to provide for switching/routing of packets.

Unlike hubs and repeaters that broadcast every packet, LAN switches are able to filter and forward by the address of the packet called the MAC [Media Access Control] address. A LAN Switch/Bridge reads the MAC 48-bit address on the LAN card and can filter/stop frames within the LAN or network domain.

A LAN Switch/Bridge will forward frames with addresses not in its domain.

A LAN Switch/Bridge will duplicate and broadcast frames to devices within its domain (network).

Tags: collision, broadcast domain, lan, mac, switch, bridge