What defines a broadcast storm in a networking context?

A broadcast storm is specifically defined as a situation in a network where there is an overwhelming amount of broadcast traffic that disrupts network performance. In this context, broadcasts refer to network packets that are sent to all devices on a network segment. When too many broadcast packets are generated—often as a result of misconfiguration, a faulty network device, or a loop in the network topology—it can consume the available bandwidth and processing power of network devices. This excessive traffic can slow down or completely halt communications across the network, leading to poor performance or outages.

Understanding the nature of broadcast storms is crucial for network management, as they can severely affect the usability and reliability of the network. Solutions to mitigate broadcast storms often involve implementing techniques such as VLAN segmentation, broadcast storm control, and loop prevention protocols.