What is the use of Switch?

A switch is a network device that routes data packets between devices in a local area network (LAN). Switches usually operate over Ethernet and are equipped with one or more Ethernet ports.

What are the Basic Functions of Switches?

Data Routing

The switch dynamically routes data packets between connected devices. Each connected device (for example, computer, printer, server) has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address on the network. Using these MAC addresses, the switch ensures that data packets reach the correct device.

Reducing Collision Fields

Switches reduce collision domains in the network. It creates a separate collision domain for each port. This improves network performance and makes data transmission more efficient.

Optimizing Bandwidth Usage

The switch only forwards to the packet's destination, which optimizes bandwidth usage. This means that data packets are not unnecessarily sent to all devices on the network.

Network Segmentation

It simplifies management and improves performance by dividing a large network into small segments.

VLAN Support

Advanced switch models support creating Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). In this way, you can create logic networks regardless of physical location.

QoS Support

With Quality of Service (QoS), certain types of traffic can be prioritized. For example, bandwidth can be reserved for critical applications such as VoIP traffic or video conferencing traffic.

Security

Advanced switch models can monitor network traffic and apply specific security policies. This helps prevent unauthorized access.

Switches are commonly found in home, office, and larger corporate networks. Various models are available designed to suit different needs and performance requirements.

What are the Switch Types?

Switches can be of various types and capacities. They are basically divided into several different types as I have outlined below:

Unmanaged Switch

These types of switches operate on a plug and play basis and are generally the simplest type suitable for home or small office networks. They require no configuration or management.

What can be done with Unmanaged Switch?

Unmanaged switches are generally "plug-and-play" devices and automatically route network traffic. These are designed to meet basic networking needs and come with pre-configured settings. Here's what you can typically do with unmanaged switches:

Basic Networking

An unmanaged switch connects multiple devices and provides basic data transmission between these devices. For example, you can connect a computer, a printer, and a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.

Extended Network Capacity

It provides more Ethernet ports so you can add more devices to your network. For example, with a 4-port unmanaged switch, you can add 3 new devices to your existing network (one port is usually reserved for uplink).

Simple Workspace Connections

It can be used in small offices or workgroups for basic file and resource sharing.

Home Network Expansion

Ideal for connecting multiple devices at home. For example, you can connect a game console, smart TV, computers and other devices.

Gigabit Speeds

With the 5-port gigabit unmanaged switch, you can transfer data between your devices at gigabit speeds. This supports fast moving of large files or high-quality video streaming.

PoE Support

With the 4-port unmanaged PoE switch , you can connect PoE compatible devices (e.g. IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points, VoIP phones) with a single Ethernet cable for both power and data.

Media Players and Smart TVs

You can connect media players or smart TVs to play streaming services or media files on the local network.

Simplicity and Low Cost

Unmanaged switches are generally affordable and do not require complex configurations or network management knowledge.

However, unmanaged switches do not support advanced network management features such as QoS, VLAN, SNMP. While they are suitable for basic networking needs, they are limited in large or complex network configurations.

Managed Switch

These switches allow network administrators to configure various settings on the switch. Many features such as port speed, VLAN settings, traffic routing and QoS can be configured on such switches.

What Can Be Done with Managed Switch?

Managed switches offer more control and configuration options over the network. The features provided by managed switches and what you can do are listed below:

VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) Configuration

You can create multiple virtual networks and control how these networks interact with each other. This is used to segment network traffic and increase security.

QoS (Quality of Service) Settings

QoS features let you prioritize certain types of network traffic. For example, you can allocate more bandwidth to real-time applications such as VoIP or video conferencing.

Port Mirroring

This feature ensures that all data passing through one port is copied to another port. This is useful for network monitoring and troubleshooting.

Port Security

You can ensure that only certain MAC addresses can access a particular port, thus preventing unauthorized access.

Link Aggregation

By combining multiple physical ports, it provides increased bandwidth and redundancy.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

You can use the SNMP protocol to monitor and manage the status of network devices.

ACL (Access Control Lists)

You can filter network traffic based on criteria such as IP address, MAC address or port number.

Loop Prevention

It is used to prevent data loops that may occur in the network and to intervene quickly in such a situation.

STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)

It prevents loops from occurring by automatically managing backup routes in the network and uses backup routes effectively.

Software Updates

You can make firmware updates to add new features or close security vulnerabilities.

Collecting Logs and Statistics

You can collect statistics such as network performance, number of errors, and use them to detect potential problems in the network.

Thanks to these and many other features, managed switches are ideal for complex and large-scale network configurations. However, each of these features may require some expertise in network administration. Managed switches are generally more expensive than unmanaged switches, but the level of flexibility and control they offer can justify the cost.

Smart or Web-Managed Switch

This type is a middle ground between managed and unmanaged switches. Some basic configuration can be done via the web interface, but they are generally not as flexible as fully managed switches.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) Switch

What does Poe switch do? These switches can provide electrical power to devices connected via Ethernet cable. They are useful for devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and some wireless access points.

Wireless Access Points

Wi-Fi access points are often mounted on ceilings or walls, and such places may not have electrical outlets. PoE switches can easily power such devices.

IP Cameras

Security cameras are usually placed on the exterior of buildings or at high points. Reaching an electrical source can be difficult, which is why PoE is useful.

VoIP Phones

Many VoIP phones can be powered with PoE. This means there is no need for a power outlet on the desktop, keeping wiring neat and clean.

IoT Devices

Smart buildings, sensors and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices can often be powered by PoE, making installation and maintenance easier.

Other Network Devices

Some network security cameras, network storage devices, and even some computers can be powered by PoE.

Advantages of PoE Switches

• Ease of Installation : Both data and power can be provided with a single Ethernet cable, without the need for an electrical outlet.
• Cost Savings : There is no need for separate electrical wiring, which reduces installation costs.
• Flexibility : Provides greater flexibility in where devices will be placed, because it does not matter where the electrical outlet is located.
• Security and Management : Thanks to managed PoE switches, power distribution and network traffic can be managed centrally.
• Energy Savings : Advanced PoE switches may have the ability to automatically shut down unused ports or put them into low power mode.

PoE switches are available in both managed and unmanaged types and have models with different port numbers and power capacities. In other words, it is possible to choose a PoE switch that suits your needs.

Stackable Switch

These types of switches allow several switches to be combined and managed as a single unit. This makes it easier to expand and manage the network.

Modular Switch

It is possible to add different port types and features to these switches by adding or removing various modules or cards. They are often used in large and complex networks.

Industrial Switch

These switches are designed for harsh conditions such as a factory environment. They can be resistant to environmental factors such as high temperature, humidity and dust.

KVM Switch

It is used to connect one or more keyboards, video monitors, and mice to multiple computers. This is useful for managing multiple systems with the same set of keyboard/monitor/mouse.

Data Center Switch

These types of switches are generally designed for high capacity and high speed requirements and are used in large data centers.

Each type of switch may be better suited for certain use cases and needs, so it's important to carefully consider your needs when choosing.

What is a gigabit switch?

A Gigabit switch is a network switch that supports Gigabit Ethernet, a version of the Ethernet standard. Gigabit Ethernet has a data rate of 1 gigabit (Gb) per second, which is approximately 1000 megabits (Mb). This is much faster than the Fast Ethernet standard, which can offer speeds of up to 100 megabits/s. Gigabit switches typically have RJ-45 Ethernet ports that support 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds and manage data traffic between connected devices through these ports.

Advantages of Gigabit Switches

High Data Rate

Gigabit switches are ideal for networks with high bandwidth needs. High data speeds are very beneficial, especially in networks where large files are transferred frequently or there are many users.

Better Performance

Switches operating at gigabit speeds can improve overall performance on the network. It provides a better user experience for bandwidth-intensive operations such as video conferencing, HD video streaming, database applications.

Backwards Compatibility

Most Gigabit switches also support legacy 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds, ensuring compatibility with existing network equipment.

Investment for the Future

Gigabit switches can be viewed as an investment for the future growth and bandwidth needs of the network.

Different Usage Scenarios

Gigabit switches can be used in networks of different sizes, from home to large data centers. Both managed and unmanaged gigabit switch versions are available.

These types of switches are used in many different environments, from home networks to small and medium-sized businesses, large corporate networks and data centers. If you have high data transfer speed requirements, you may consider using a Gigabit switch.

Does Switch Affect Internet Speed?

How the switch affects internet speed generally depends on the overall configuration of the devices and network it is connected to. However, certain situations and factors can affect the switch's internet speed:

Port Speed

The switch's port speed (for example, 10/100 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps, i.e. Gigabit) limits the maximum data transfer rate of connected devices. A switch with a Gigabit port offers higher data transfer speeds than a switch with a 100 Mbps port.

Device Capacity

The maximum data transfer capacity of the switch is also important. A high-capacity switch can support more devices without any problems.

High Traffic

High amounts of network traffic passing through the switch can cause performance problems, especially on unmanaged switches. Features such as QoS (Quality of Service) on managed switches can help better manage such situations.

Loops

If loops occur in the network, this can negatively affect network traffic and therefore internet speed. Managed switches can prevent such loops with protocols such as STP (Spanning Tree Protocol).

Cable Quality and Length

The quality and length of the Ethernet cable can also have an impact on speed. For example, Cat 6 cables generally offer faster speeds than Cat 5 cables.

Device Age and Firmware

An old or unupdated switch may not be able to adapt to new standards and speeds, which can negatively impact performance.

Network Topology

The general topology of the network where the switch is located and other network elements (router, modem, other switches, etc.) can also affect the internet speed.

Generally, a good quality and properly configured switch should not negatively impact internet speed. However, considering the factors mentioned above, the switch has the potential to affect internet speed.