Posted by Among the various networking hardware available for ensuring the connectivity of a device, an ethernet switch is the most significant among them. It forms the backbone of the computer network and is one of the building blocks of LAN. Although Ethernet switches are often by the software modules in virtualized technologies, the traditional hardware switches with multiple Ethernet ports still hold their significance in all networks. These switches are differentiated based on their design, architecture and functionality. By understanding the types of ethernet switches, you can find the right solution to keep up with your changing business requirements. Look at the specific benefits of each type of ethernet switch as you explore the options here.
Types of Ethernet Switches:
There are two primary types of switches: modular and fixed configuration ethernet switches, with other categories sharing the same purpose.
Fixed-configuration switches: These are the most popular switches. They can be managed or unmanaged (see below). Fixed switches have limited ports and cannot be expanded, which makes them affordable. They are ideal for every network size, such as homes, small businesses, large organizations etc.
Applications:
Fixed configuration switches are used in every network, from home to large enterprise networks. All you need is to know the number of network hosts you want to connect to select the switch with a specific number of ports. If you want more than one fixed switch, connect them with a network cable and create a shared port between them.
Modular Switches: They are expandable. It means you can add expansion modules depending on your requirement, thus offering you flexibility, additional ports and performance. Modular switches come within the chassis and have extra ports to connect multiple users. These switches come with added interfaces, power supplies and cooking units but at a higher cost.
Applications: Modular switches are used in large Data Centers and enterprise networks. These switches can split large LANs into hundreds of VLANs and provide inter-VLAN routing.
Unmanaged Switches: These are simplistic switches used for basic connectivity. They don’t require any particular configuration, but they are used to connect devices within the same VLAN. You can plug in and play. It means there is no management interface or graphical interface to configure anything within the switch. However, unmanaged switches are only effective when basic switching and
Applications:
Unmanaged switches are SOHO (small office home office). You will often find them in home networks, which don’t require any special network features and where a few ports are needed, such as a desk or conference room to connect computers, WiFi routers, printers etc.
Managed Switches: Unlike their counterparts (unmanaged switches), managed switches offer a comprehensive set of features and are more flexible, providing the best service, security, manageability and scalability. However, you need networking knowledge to handle managed switches. Therefore, they are often used as aggression switches in large networks and core switches in smaller networks. Besides this, managed switches are the most expensive among fixed-configuration switches. But if you need the best flexibility and features, a managed switch should be your choice.
Applications.
Large LAN networks, wherein ethernet switches provide all the necessary scalability and flexibility to build a robust and reliable network.
The Architecture of Ethernet Switches:
The main components of Ethernet switch architecture are the CPU, replication engine, forwarding engine, switch fabric, controllers and buffers.
- CPU: It is responsible for managing all the fundamental instructions of the device.
- Replication Engine: It duplicates the data packets and sends them to their selected destinations. By transmitting multiple data packets at once, it helps maintain data flow and efficiency in the network.
- Forwarding Engine: It is responsible for all the switching decisions on the devices and forwards data packets based on the destination written on them.
- Switch Fabric: It includes hardware and software containing switching nodes enclosed in a network node. It basically indicates switching paths and ports.
Working of an Ethernet Switch:
An Ethernet switch reads the unique address and MAC (media access control) address of the connected device, and based on this information, it sends data to its desired destination. The Ethernet switch is similar to a hub with the difference that an Ethernet switch sends data packets to its intended recipient. On the other hand, a hub forwards data packets to every port except where it was received.
Switches can also store and forward frames, so they can later send data whenever the ports are available on the network.
To overcome network traffic, most Ethernet switches use a CSMA/CD protocol when transmitting data on shared media segments to a pod collision and ensure networks run smoothly and efficiently.
Conclusion:
That’s all about ethernet switches as an overview. However, if you are planning to use an ethernet switch, you may have to consider additional factors, like transmission speed, number of switch ports, network infrastructure, features, price, and more.