|  | 9.7 | Switching Methods
| 9.7.1 | Symmetric and asymmetric switching
Symmetric switching is a switch with ports of the same bandwidth as shown in Figure . Switching may be optimized through even distribution of network traffic. Asymmetric switching is a switch with ports of different bandwidth as shown in Figure . Asymmetric switching is appropriate when certain switch ports have devices that need more bandwidth, such as servers. Another use for switch ports that need higher bandwidth is when that port is connected to another switch. Whether that switch port needs higher bandwidth depends on the amount of network traffic that is received and transmitted through that port. Proper LAN design, network analysis and network traffic monitoring will help network administrators determine which switch ports need the additional bandwidth.