What are the different types of network switches?

What is a network switch?

So, what is a network switch? A network switch is a vital component of a computer network that connects multiple devices, like computers, printers, and servers, within a local area network (LAN). It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and ensures seamless communication between devices by forwarding data packets based on their destination MAC addresses. The primary function of a network switch is to enhance network performance by optimizing the flow of data traffic. Unlike a hub, a network switch smartly directs data packets only to the devices that need them, reducing network congestion and improving overall efficiency.

Network switches offer several key benefits for your network infrastructure. Firstly, network switches provide increased bandwidth by allowing multiple devices to communicate simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial in environments with heavy network usage or multimedia streaming. Secondly, network switches enhance network security by isolating traffic between devices. Each port on a network switch creates a separate collision domain, preventing data collisions and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Advanced switches offer features like VLANs (Virtual LANs) that further improve network security. Lastly, network switches offer scalability and flexibility. They can be easily expanded by adding more ports or connecting switches together to create larger networks. This allows businesses to adapt their network infrastructure to accommodate growth and changing needs without significant disruptions.

Common uses of network switches

Network switches are essential for the smooth functioning of local area networks (LANs) in small businesses. They connect devices within the office network, enabling data transfer and multimedia streaming.

One of the primary uses of network switches in small businesses is to create local area networks (LANs). LANs are widely used to connect multiple devices within the office, facilitating communication and data sharing. Network switches provide the necessary ports and connections to establish a reliable LAN infrastructure..

Another common use of network switches in small businesses is to connect various devices within the office network. Whether it is a small home office network or a larger corporate network, network switches allow seamless communication between devices such as computers, printers, servers, and storage devices. By providing reliable and high-speed connections, network switches enhance the overall productivity and efficiency of the office network..

Network switches also play a vital role in supporting data transfer and multimedia streaming in small businesses. With the increasing reliance on digital data and media, network switches ensure uninterrupted data transfer between devices. Whether it involves transferring files between computers or streaming high-definition videos, network switches provide the necessary bandwidth and performance to handle the demands of modern data-intensive applications..

Choosing the right switches for your small business

Understanding the types of network switches will help you find the right solution to keep up with your changing business requirements. Think about the categories of switches as well as specific switch benefits as you explore your options.

Key features and functionalities.

Understanding the key features and functionalities of network switches is crucial to ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Let's explore three important aspects: VLANs, QoS, and port mirroring.

VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, segregate network traffic and enhance security. By dividing a physical network into multiple virtual networks, VLANs enable efficient data transmission and improve network performance. They also provide enhanced control over network traffic, allowing administrators to manage access and prioritize certain types of data.

Quality of Service (QoS) is another essential feature of network switches. QoS ensures that critical applications and services receive the necessary bandwidth and priority to function smoothly. By prioritizing network traffic based on predefined rules and policies, QoS helps avoid congestion and bottlenecks, enhancing overall network performance and user experience.

Port mirroring is a valuable feature provided by network switches for effective network monitoring. It involves duplicating network traffic from one port to another, allowing administrators to capture and analyze data packets for troubleshooting and security purposes. Port mirroring enables real-time monitoring of network traffic without disrupting normal operations, making it an indispensable tool for network administrators.

Types of switches

Setting up a reliable and efficient network requires the right type of network switch. Network switches connect devices within a local area network (LAN) and facilitate communication between them. Let's explore the different types of network switches:

Modular switches vs. fixed-configuration switches

There are two main categories of switches: modular and fixed configuration. There are variations among these categories of network switches, but the primary definition of each remains the same.

Modular switches

Modular switches let you add expansion modules as needed, giving you flexibility as network requirements change. Expansion modules are application-specific and include those for firewalls, wireless connectivity, or network analysis. They may also allow for additional interfaces, power supplies, or cooling fans. This type of switch provides you with the most flexibility, but at a higher cost.

Fixed-configuration switches

Fixed-configuration switches provide a fixed number of ports and are typically not expandable, which makes them less expensive overall. Fixed-configuration switches include unmanaged switches, smart switches, and managed switches.

Unmanaged switches

Unmanaged switches are typically used to provide basic connectivity. They're designed to be plug and play; no configuration is needed. Unmanaged switches are most effective when only basic switching and connectivity are required. You will often see them in home networks or wherever only a few ports are needed, such as at a desk, in a lab, or in a conference room.

Some unmanaged switches do offer limited advanced capabilities, however—as the name implies—these switches generally cannot be modified or managed.

Smart switches

Smart switches offer some management and segmentation, quality of service, and security capabilities, so they can be a cost-effective alternative to modular switches. Still, they are not as scalable as managed switches. These switches are typically deployed at the edge of a large network (while managed switches are used in the core), as the infrastructure for smaller networks, or for low complexity networks.

Managed switches

Among fixed-configuration switches, managed switches are designed to deliver the most comprehensive set of features to provide the best application experience, the highest levels of security, the most precise control and management of the network, and the greatest scalability. As a result, managed switches are usually deployed as aggregation/access switches in very large networks or as core switches in smaller networks.

Managed switches are the most expensive option of fixed-configuration switches and are most common in organizations with large- or growing- networks.

Four switch options to keep in mind

In addition to evaluating switch categories, you should also consider network switch speeds, number of ports, power-over-Ethernet features, and stacking capabilities.

Switch speeds

Switches are available in different throughputs or speeds, the rate they transmit data in megabits per second (Mbps). For example, fixed-configuration switches can provide Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), Ten Gigabit (10/100/1000/10000 Mbps), and even 40/100 Gbps (gigabits per second) speeds. The switch speed you choose depends on the type of throughput you need. If, for example, you need to move large data files on a regular basis, you should consider a Gigabit Ethernet switch.

Number of ports

As is the case with switch speed, the number of ports available in a switch can vary. The bigger your small business and the more network users you have, the more ports you'll need. Fixed-configuration switches are usually available with five, eight, 10, 16, 24, 28, 48, or 52 ports.

Power over ethernet (PoE) vs. non-PoE

PoE lets you power a device—such as an IP phone, surveillance camera, or wireless access point—over the cable that is used for data traffic. This allows you to place endpoints anywhere, even in those areas that are usually difficult to reach. Switches with PoE are more expensive, however. As you evaluate your options, think about the devices you would like to connect to determine whether PoE is required.

Stackable vs. standalone switches

As your business (and your network) grows, you will likely need to support more and more devices, which will mean investing in more switches. Just as its name implies, a standalone switch is managed and configured as an individual entity with limited capacity. If there is a problem, troubleshooting is also switch specific.

In contrast, stackable switches can be connected to increase the capacity and availability of your network. Rather than configuring, managing, and troubleshooting each switch, you can treat the "stack" as a single unit. This means that if any part of the stack fails, the stack will route around the failure, so your network keeps running.