Switch
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Introduction
Switches are devices used by networks to connect wired devices to a single network. Unlike hubs, they manage the traffic flowing over the network and pass data directly to the appropriate port - increasing throughput and security. Small switches are typically built into residential routers, however they can also be purchased seperately to expand the size of the network.
Usage
Switches and hubs form the fabric of a computer network - they allow a number of devices to communicate with one another and, when connected to a router, allow them to access other networks (such as the Internet). All devices connected to a switch can communicate with one another. Additionally, modern switches can also be attached to one another, thus allowing users to expand the network by chaining a number of switches together.
Features
Gigabit Ethernet
While most switches are limited to Fast Ethernet's 100mbps transfer rates, some newer switches add support for Gigabit Ethernet. These switches allow each device on the switch to communicate at speeds of up to 1000mbps (~125MB/s). While this is not necessary for all tasks, it can be a significant asset when dealing with high-speed data transfers.
Auto MDI/MDI-X
Older switches and hubs required special crossover cables in order to be connected to one another. Newer switches with this feature, however, can automatically detect when this situation occurs and correct for it. While this was relatively rare a few years ago, almost all modern switches have this feature even if it isn't listed in the specifications.
Managed Switches
Some advanced switches offer management capabilities providing administrators with extensive control over the operation of the network. These features are beyond the scope of this document and are generally not needed for simple network installations.
See Also
- Hubs - Perform the same function as a switch, however instead of inteligently directing traffic they simply repeat all received data on all ports.
- Routers - Connect a number of different networks together while providing basic layers of isolation.
- Access Points - Devices that connect wired networks with wireless ones. Behave in a manner very similar to that of a switch.
