Collision Domain vs Broadcast Domain.
The most common network devices used are routers and switches. But we still hear people talking about hubs, repeaters, and bridges. Do you ever wonder why these former devices are preferred over the latter ones? One reason could be: ‘because they are more efficient and powerful’. But what actually is the reason behind their efficiency? This is when terms like “Collision Domains” and “Broadcast Domains” come into the picture.? Before going further, let us recall that a hub is a multiple-port repeater. Similarly, a switch is a multiple-port bridge, so you can understand why repeaters and bridges are not typically used in production networks(because of the number of ports).? Now, narrowing it down to Hubs, Switches and Routers, let us discuss them in reference to the below domains.?
So, which of our network devices break collision domains, and which of them break broadcast domains??
Also, as repeaters and bridges differ from hubs and switches only in terms of the number of ports, a repeater does not break collision and broadcast domains, while a bridge breaks only collision domains.?
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Collision Domain and Broadcast Domain in Computer Network:
Advantages of Collision Domain:
High Network Performance: Collision Domain helps to improve network performance by reducing collisions on the network, which can improve data transmission and reduce packet loss.
Efficient Use of Network Resources: Collision Domain enables efficient use of network resources, such as bandwidth, by reducing the number of collisions and avoiding wastage of network resources.
Better Network Security: Collision Domain can help to improve network security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access and network attacks, which can occur due to network congestion.
Disadvantages of Collision Domain:
Limited Scalability: Collision Domain may not be scalable in larger networks as the number of devices connected to the network increases, which can lead to network congestion and performance degradation.
Complex Network Management: Collision Domain can be complex to manage, requiring the use of protocols such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD), which can be difficult to configure and maintain.
Advantages of Broadcast Domain:
Efficient Network Communication: Broadcast Domain enables efficient network communication by allowing multiple devices to receive the same message simultaneously.
Simplified Network Management: Broadcast Domain can simplify network management by allowing administrators to manage network devices and policies more easily.
Improved Collaboration: Broadcast Domain can improve collaboration by enabling real-time communication and collaboration among network users.
Disadvantages of Broadcast Domain:
Increased Network Congestion: Broadcast Domain can lead to increased network congestion, particularly in larger networks, which can impact network performance and lead to packet loss.
Reduced Network Security: Broadcast Domain can reduce network security by increasing the risk of unauthorized access and network attacks, particularly in environments with a large number of devices.