What happens to collision domains when using a switch in a network?

When a switch is introduced into a network, collision domains are segmented. A collision domain is a network segment where data packets can collide with one another when being sent on a shared medium. In traditional hub-based networks, all connected devices exist within a single collision domain, meaning that only one device can send data at a time to avoid collisions.

However, switches operate at the data link layer and provide each connected device its own collision domain. This means that when a switch is used, every port on the switch creates a separate collision domain, allowing multiple devices to communicate simultaneously without the risk of collisions. This segmentation greatly improves network efficiency, as it reduces the chances of data collisions and enhances overall network performance.

By effectively creating individual collision domains, switches facilitate better data traffic management and higher bandwidth availability for each device connected to the network. This results in more reliable and efficient communication in a networked environment.