ABSTRACT
Although there are a large number of hardware and software products that can be used to obtain network utilization information, the use of those products obviously requires an existing network. If you are planning the installation of a new network, you cannot use a performance monitor to measure network utilization until the network is established. At that time you might notice a high level of utilization, requiring the network to be subdivided through the use of a local bridge or switching hub to provide a better level of performance to local area network (LAN) users. Thus, it is important to understand how you can estimate network traffic and use the results of that traffic estimation process. Doing so provides you with the ability to determine whether or not you should consider the subdivision of the network via the use of a local bridge, switching hub, or similar communications device to enhance the performance level of each network segment.
