SWITCHES
A network switch (also called switching hub, bridging hub, officially MAC bridge[1]) is a computer networking device that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device.
It is networking device which transfers data only to the host where it is being addressed. It checks the destination address to route the packet appropriately.
Following are features of the network switches.
• It operates at layer-2 (data link layer).
• It is available in various configurations and as per data transfer speeds such as 10/100/1000 Mbps or 10/100 Gbps.
• Operates in full duplex mode
• Packet collision is avoided due to port to port data transmission.
Benefits or advantages of Switches
➨They increase the available bandwidth of the network.
➨They help in reducing workload on individual host PCs.
➨They increase the performance of the network.
➨Networks which use switches will have less frame collisions. This is due to the fact that switches create collision domains for each connection.
➨Switches can be connected directly to workstations.
NON POE
MANAGED POE SWITCH
UNMANAGED SWITCH
