Network Switch

A network will consist of many devices connected to one another and this where a Network Switch may be useful. Even though a network router may appear to do a similar thing, its role within a network is to connect networks as well as defining one.

What is a Network Switch?

A Network Switch is a device that allows multiple devices to become part of the same network. A switch differs from a network router in the sense that it doesn’t offer new networks but only provides the opportunity to increase the size of the network. Furthermore, it is possible to connect other network switches to each other as well as network attached storage devices.

How a switch works?

When a Network Switch receives a packet from another source its job is to forward it to the correct device attached to it. Similar to a router, the switch gets aid from a table it stores over time that stores the MAC addresses of every connected device. A MAC address is a unique address that each device has as defined by an IEEE 802 standard. By comparing the packets frame and the MAC address table it forwards the packet with accuracy. Knowing where to send a packet saves bandwidth and increases performance.

Switch or Hub?

There is alternative to choosing a Network Switch is using a hub. A hub is similar to a switch but with distinct and important differences. Unlike a switch, a hub receives a packet but it doesn’t know which devices are connected to it. In turn, it broadcasts the packet to every device that is connected to it, hoping that the packet arrives at its destination. Not only does it decrease network performance it also could mean security breaches could be made because every device would receive the same packet.

Another difference is the performance allocation for each connected device. In a 10/100Mbps hub, the 10/100Mbps will be shared amongst all devices whereas in a switch, each device will have the full 10/100Mbps for its own use.

You may now be asking why hubs are still used today? The answer to this comes down to its costs. Hubs are generally cheaper than switches but don’t be surprised if hubs become phased out in the future.

Overall, the use of a Network Switch within a network will allow the network to become scalable and increase its performance.

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