Network Segment

A segment is a physical subdivision of a network. A segment is bounded by physical internetworking devices such as hubs, routers, and switches. All nodes attached to the same segment have common access to that portion of the network. The segment can link a number of devices, or serve as a connection between two specific nodes.

Segmenting for perfomance

Dividing a network into segments can make network perfomance more efficient. With segments, traffic is confined to a portion of the network containing nodes that communicate with each other often. However, perfomance can suffer if nodes must regularly communicate with other nodes on other segment. Devices, such as switches and routers, that link segments can have slower transmissions between segments.