A network segment is its physically or logically isolated part. This, so to speak, is the main part of global connecting systems. In other words, a segment is a collection of nodes that use a shared common transmission medium. Networks can be divided into many parts, and each of them can simultaneously be a division of various communication systems.
Networks are divided into both physical and logical parts. A physical segment is a section that is separated from other parts by a bridge (switch), a repeater (hub), and a router. That is, there is a division into parts using additional network equipment. This allows you to simplify the understanding of the construction of the entire data transmission medium.
A logical segment is a subnet resulting from the partitioning of a global communications system created on the IP protocol. At the same time, all of them have their own address range specified by the network mask and address, and are combined using switches and routers.
The communication devices used to communicate between the segments are repeaters and bridges. The former, transmitting information between parts of the network, do not analyze it. When transmitting frames, bridges can filter them or combine them.
When splitting networks, you can achieve several goals. If it is made taking into account groups in which the majority of the traffic is in the same local segment, with the allocation of the necessary different bandwidth to them, then the network stream will be optimized.
Another result of this separation is increased reliability. If one network segment fails, then others may work normally.
Segmentation is also necessary to achieve security. Defining those who have access to this part, limiting the way out, implement different levels of protection.
The main thing, dividing the network into segments, is to think through everything well so that, if all these goals are achieved, the communication of all groups is maintained at the required level.
The process of the network must be controlled. First, monitoring is performed, that is, collection of data on its functioning.
Checking the operation of the network, as well as analyzing the segment, consists in processing all the information received at this stage, conclusions about the possible causes of failures, requires the obligatory participation of a person.
The technical means used for these purposes include agents of control mechanisms, expert, internal diagnostics and control systems, protocol analyzers, instruments for diagnosing cable systems.
A segment is a simple logical connection. It can greatly simplify the construction of networks with complex topology. After all, there is no need to think through global scenarios, just set up inter-segment connections. For each individual part, the logic of work can be completely individual. All this greatly simplifies the work process of network affairs of masters and allows them to create high-level hierarchical structures.
The study of segmented networks is simply necessary for all professionals who are involved in network technologies and building local and global networks.
