Switch in Computer Network

A network switch connects devices in a network to one another and enables them to “speak” by exchanging data packets. Examples of these devices include computers, printers, and wireless access points. Switches can be software-based virtual devices or hardware devices that control physical networks.

In this article, we will look more into Switch in Computer Networks according to the GATE Syllabus for (Computer Science Engineering) CSE. We will read ahead to find out more about it.

What is a Switch in a Computer Network?
Features of Switches
Types of Switches

What is a Switch in a Computer Network?

Switches refer to the networking devices that operate at an OSI model’s layer 2 or data link layer. They establish connections between networked devices and employ packet switching to transmit, receive, or forward data packets or frames over the network.

There are numerous ports on a switch where computers can be connected. A network switch evaluates the destination address of each data frame that enters one of its ports, runs any necessary checks, and then sends the frame to the appropriate device(s). It enables broadcast, multicast, and unicast communications.

diagram 1

Features of Switches

Switches function in the OSI model’s layer 2 or data connection layer.
It is a smart network appliance that resembles a multiport network bridge.
The media access control (MAC) sublayer addresses are used to transport data packets to certain target ports.
To accept and transmit data packets from the source device to the target device, it employs packet switching technology.
It allows one-to-one (unicast), one-to-many (multicast), and one-to-all (broadcast) communications.
Full duplex transmission means that communication in the channel happens in both directions at once. As a result, collisions do not happen.
Switches are operational hardware that has network management and software capabilities.
Switches have the ability to carry out some error checking before sending data to the target port.
There are a total of 24/48 ports, which is more than usual.

Types of Switches

There are several switches that fall into one of the following four categories:

diagram 2

Unmanaged Switch

These affordable switches are frequently used in small enterprises and household networks. They are easy to set up, and once connected to the network, they are ready to use right away. This plug-and-play approach makes it easy to add more switches when new devices need to be added. Since they don’t need to be configured or monitored, they are referred to as “unmanaged.”

Managed Switch

Since the managed switches can be tailored to add functionality to a regular switch, these expensive switches are used in organisations with large and complicated networks. The added features could include QoS (Quality of Service) enhancements, including more precise control, stronger security standards, and total network administration. They are valued in expanding organisations despite their expense because of their scalability and adaptability. Switches that are monitored are configured using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

LAN Switch

Devices connected to a company’s internal LAN are connected by LAN switches. They are also known as data switches or Ethernet switches. These switches are very useful for easing network bottlenecks or congestion. They do this in a way that prevents data packets in a network from overlapping.

PoE Switch

In PoE Gigabit Ethernets, Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches are used. Devices linked to it can receive both energy and data over the same line due to PoE technology, which combines data and power communication over the same connection. PoE switches provide more flexibility and make cable hookups easier.

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