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Collisions
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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