Your organisation’s network has various devices that need to communicate with each other. For instance, your computers need to connect with the printers, and access points need to communicate with routers. This communication needs a medium to transfer data packets from one device to another. This is where network switches come in.

Defining A Network Switch

A network switch is a device in your network that connects and transmits data packets between devices within a local area network (LAN). Network switches provide connections through a multiport bridge system, packet switching, and media access control (MAC) address identification. Thus, it boosts resource-sharing and communication between devices within your network.

As linked devices transmit data to one another, the packets pass through a network switch. The switch scans the packets’ header to identify the MAC address of the destination. Thus, this allows it to direct the data packet to the correct port for transmission. However, you shouldn’t confuse network switches with routers and hubs. Given they’re all network devices, they differ entirely in various ways.

Differences With Routers And Hubs

Network switches significantly differ from routers and hubs. Routers can connect to several devices in a network, while network switches only connect with single devices they’re designed for. They can connect to a router, a computer, a printer, or even another switch.

A router’s function is to route a data packet to its destination using internet protocol (IP) address identification. However, a network switch transmits data packets to a specific destination using MAC address identification. You’ll also mostly find routers between networks while switches are within a network.

Hubs differ from network switches mainly in their operation. Hubs connect several devices to one network, while network switches connect several linked devices. Additionally, a hub distributes data packets across its available ports. But a switch directs data packets to a specific port by identifying the MAC address of the destination device.

Network switches are part of the data link layer (layer two) in the open system interconnection (OSI) model. However, some switches can operate at the network layer (layer three). The below brief description of each type of network switch can be helpful.

Types Of Network Switches

  1. Fixed-Configuration Switches

Fixed-configuration switches are some of the most common on the market and are more affordable than other switches. As the name sounds, they feature a fixed number of ports and can’t be expanded. You can either connect via optical fibre ports or wired electrical ports – usually indicated as registered jack-45 (RJ45) ports. The number of ports in a fixed-configuration switch can be eight, 16, 24, or 48. However, all port speeds are typically at least one Gigabit per second (1Gbps).

  1. Modular Switches

Modular network switches give you flexibility on the number of modules you want in your switch. You can add extension modules such as network analysis, firewalls, and wireless connections. Thus, if you expect your network requirements to increase over time, this can be the switch to take.

The flexibility of modular switches means that they’re more expensive than fixed-configuration ones. However, with the high price, you can have additional interfaces for cooling fans and power supplies if you need to upgrade. Not to mention the fact that modular switches can also operate under layer three (network layer) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.

  1. Unmanaged Switches

Unmanaged switches are the most basic type of switches. They come with set configurations and don’t allow the user to adjust or modify them. You’ll also find these switches in networks where few ports are required – for instance, a home network or a conference room. Unmanaged switches are often plug-and-play and most effective for basic switching and connectivity requirements.

  1. Managed Switches

Managed switches have a comprehensive set of features. Thus, they’re typically deployed in large and complex networks. They allow network administrators dynamic configuration functions like creating virtual LANs, enabling them to split local networks into smaller parts. The configuration functions also let admins customise the switches for peak efficiency.

For instance, network admins can use commands such as port mirroring and bandwidth rate-limiting to get the optimal data rate for each device. Managed switches also give you control of the traffic accessing your network. Furthermore, you get protocol agents with information about troubleshooting network issues. You gain scalability, better network security, and more precise network management with managed switches.

  1. Smart Switches

Smart or intelligent switches are a hybrid of managed and unmanaged switches. They have more advanced features than unmanaged ones but don’t offer complete control and scalability like the managed ones. They’re also less expensive than managed switches. Intelligent switches provide a cost-effective alternative to small networks that require medium-level network control.

  1. Power Over Ethernet Switches

Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches allow you to supply direct current (DC) power to low-voltage devices in your network. The switch distributes this power and data to connected devices using LAN cables. Thus, such devices as IP phones, wireless access points, or surveillance cameras can function without plugging them into power outlets. PoE switches also allow quicker, safer, and simpler installation of internet of things (IoT) devices.

Conclusion

Network switches are vital components that ensure devices in your network exchange data packets as needed. The rise of IoT devices and cloud computing means that your network needs one network switch or another. However, your choice of type can depend on your network’s size or operation.