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Collisions
- (February - 2009)
Ethernet is a shared media, so there are rules for sending
packets of data to avoid conflicts and protect data integrity.
Nodes determine when the network is available for sending
packets. It is possible that two nodes at different locations
attempt to send data at the same time. When both PCs are
transferring a packet to the network at the same time, a
collision will result.
Minimizing collisions is a crucial element in the design and
operation of networks. Increased collisions are often the result
of too many users on the network, which results in a lot of
contention for network bandwidth.
This can slow the performance of the network from the user's
point of view. Segmenting the network, where a network is
divided into different pieces joined together logically with a
bridge or switch, is one way of reducing an overcrowded network.
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