FAQs - Network Switches
General information and technical advice on network switches, what they are and how they are used in IT networks including managed and unmanaged switches.
A network switch is used to connect devices to a local area network (LAN) and allows the connected devices to be reached across the network. Typical products connected via network switch in an IT network include computers, workstations and servers, storage devices and printers. The difference to an Ethernet network hub is that a hub transmits data to all devices on a network. A network switch only delivers data to the designated device, and this helps to improve operational efficiency and helps to optimise bandwidth within the network.
A network switch is a networking device that connects multiple IT devices (using RJ45 cables) on a network to other networked devices and resources. The use of network switches allows for connectivity and the sharing of data and resources with other users and devices on the network. Some network devices allow for port connections to be managed and controlled using a built-in software interface.
Whilst an internet router may have one or more built-in Ethernet ports, a more robust connectivity solution is provided by installing a network switch between the router or a server and other devices on the network. Sizing network switches is therefore based on the number of ports required and the bandwidth, capacity and data transmission speeds required. Port numbers can range from single digits (small office LAN) to switches with 50 or 100 or more ports (server rooms and data centres).
The primary difference between the switches and routers is that a switch allows multiple devices on the same IP network to communicate with each other. A router allows multiple different networks to communicate with one another. An example of a router is a Wi-Fi router which connected the local network an external connection and network provider.
Routers, hubs and switches can seem to provide similar functions due to the range of functions built into the devices. An example being multiple ethernet ports. Even when combination products include both router and network switch functions, their roles remain technically separated.
Most switch manufacturers provide a wide range of switches to meet specific applications including switches for home/office environments to larger data centre applications. Network switch manufacturers tend to use 3 categories to group switches. These include (1) Fast Ethernet switches (FS) – 10/100 Mbps (standard IEEE 802.3u), (2) Gigabit network switches (GS or JGS) – 10/100/1000 Mbps (standard IEEE 802.3-2008) and (3) Ten-gigabit network switches (GSS) – 10/100/1000/10000 Mbps (standard IEEE 802.3a). Other Ethernet speeds and standards also referenced including: 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 50 Gbps or 100 Gbps but these tend to be for more specialised applications.