A good network consists of many components. One elementary component is the network switch. Today, it is difficult to imagine network technology without a switch. Here you can get an overview of the importance and behaviour of a switch within your network.

History of the switch

In 1990, the first switch developed by Kalpana today Cisco Systems came onto the market, which had seven 10-Mbit Ethernet ports. Since then, the switch has established itself, evolved and acquired the features of some other devices. As a result, the modern switch is often confused with other network technology components.

Hub vs. switch

Both can serve as a connection point within the Ethernet, but under certain circumstances also between different LANs or WANs. With a hub, the frames are sent to every port, which leads to increased traffic on your network. With a switch, on the other hand, it is possible to send the corresponding frames only to a selected port. A switch with Power over Ethernet capability is therefore more variable than a hub. Consequently, a switch is indispensable for large 10 Gigabit networks, especially since these can sometimes operate not only on Layer 2 but also on Layer 3. 

Functionality

Switches work in much the same way as a large logistics centre. It receives and sends the data packets from your network via each individual port and, if it is a Layer 3 switch, can also decide on, for example, urgency and other aspects. It collects the resources and distributes them optimally. Thus, a switch provides efficient work in your network. A modern switch usually works with a transmission rate of 1 gigabit per second (1000 Mbit/s). The switch therefore delivers the data packets of the source port to the other destination port as optimally as possible. The decisive features of a switch are the speed, the number of ports and the additional functions it requires in its area of application. A switch can be operated in different ways. From the fast but risky variant Fast Forward to the slower but safe method Store and Forward. Newer switches, especially Gigabit Ethernet switches, can also be connected to each other in any number.

Which switch suits your network?

The offerings of the many manufacturers vary in many facets. Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard Enterprise or Juniper Network offer a considerable range of different network devices. What is important in your network? Let's take a closer look at some crucial features.

It starts with the design of the switch - it can be compact or modular. Also adapt the design and the number of ports to your needs. Which devices will be connected? Do you possibly need a PoE-capable switch? But physical properties should also be included in the considerations. Which layer of  the OSI model do you need, do you need routing, for example? What kind of management is appropriate and does stacking make sense? You could also possibly replace other network technology due to redundancy. Finally, technical details of the switch should also factor into your decision. Pay attention to latency or need a PoE capable switch. As well as the question of a managed or unmanaged switch. So there are many criteria to find the right switch for your network.

An overview of the criteria:

• Number of ports and design
• Functionality (layer 2 or 3)
• Energy efficiency
• Data volume
• Bandwidth
• Latency
• Managed or unmanaged
• PoE capable

Buying the right network technology

A switch is smart and indispensable in today's corporate LAN. It is even capable of replacing other network technology components. The interface of your network opens up new possibilities. A cost saver and an engine within the Ethernet. It not only saves in the monetary area, but also the amount of data can be better coordinated.

The number of devices connected to your Ethernet provides information about the complexity of your network. An online shop for network technology like it-market.com and their competent advisors can be of help. We have an extensive repertoire of network equipment from a wide range of manufacturers. Our offers provide the highest quality, an enormous range and fair prices. Do you need a switch for your network? Then you will definitely find the right one here.