Connector between users, applications and devices

What is a switch?

Simply explained: In almost all corporate environments, a network switch is a device that goes unnoticed by the average employee. Nevertheless, it fulfills an essential function.

This paper will explain the nature of a network switch and look at the different types of switches and their functions.

What is a network switch?

A network switch is a network component which, as a layer 2/3 device, forwards information via cable media in a network. Any number of ports for physical network connections can be found on the front of the device; these are usually RJ45 or Gbic ports for Ethernet or fiber optic cables. The number of ports can vary; there are network switches with four, eight or even 96 connections.

The switch acts as a kind of distributor that forwards the information to a central location. This prevents information from being forwarded to intermediate devices that may contain unsafe or unnecessary components. This function ensures stable, secure and efficient communication between the devices. The need for a wireless connection thus becomes obsolete.

Function and intended use of a LAN switch

In technical literature, switches are referred to as devices whose purpose is to provide physical connections. The connections provided by these devices are used to transmit information over a network.
Switches are particularly useful when a large number of devices need to be supported. However, a solution based solely on wireless connections cannot be considered viable at this stage.
Switches are divided into different Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 switches. Layer 2 switches only serve layer 2 of the OSI model, whereas layer 3 switches also support layer 3.

This allows multiple networks to be supported by a single network switch and results in significant advantages in terms of management and security.

Network switches: how they work and how to use them

A switch is a network component that is installed in a rack and establishes the physical connection between the devices in a network. The connection is made via cables connected to the network devices up to the ports on the front and rear of the switch. A network switch is a layer 2 device, which means that the information it receives is encapsulated into parts called frames. Each frame travels through the cables until it reaches the switch.

The network switch uses the MAC addresses that accompany the frames to identify the sender and receiver. MAC addresses are permanently assigned to a network device, and a switch keeps a record of which ports lead to which MAC addresses.

In this way, a LAN switch is able to send the right messages to the right devices.

An overview of the types of switches in networks

There are three logical types of network switches in network technology:

Unmanaged switch

The unmanaged switch is a device that only works on the second layer of the OSI model. This means that it only processes information that is available in the form of frames. It offers no network functions other than basic connectivity.

The managed switch is a switch with its own IP address.
This IP address is required to manage the network settings on the switch itself and allows the switch to be at layer 3 of the OSI model. This type of network switch allows for more precise control over what each port does and how traffic flows through the network. The third type is a smart switch, the cheaper counterpart to the managed switch. However, it has fewer and less complex configuration options.

Managed switch

Smart switch

The smart switch is the cheaper counterpart to the Managed Switch. However, it has fewer and less complex configuration options.

Managed switch vs. unmanaged switch

A managed switch, also known as a ‘managed switch’, is a LAN switch that has been explicitly designed to meet the requirements of network management. It has a dedicated IP address and offers an extensive range of tools. The configurable settings allow network operation to be optimised.

In contrast, the benefits of an unmanaged switch are severely limited.
Its only function is to enable a higher number of physical connections in the network.

Network switches: Do they have IP addresses?

Router vs. switch: What's the difference?

The primary function of a router is to present one or more IP addresses to the outside world, bridging the connection between the Wide Area Network (WAN) and the Local Area Network (LAN). A router uses these IP addresses, known as ‘external addresses’, to allow the outside world to contact it.

A router is usually equipped with a connection for the WAN cable and a small switch for LAN devices.

A network switch, on the other hand, is usually used to provide additional Ethernet ports to enable a larger number of physical LAN cable connections in the network.

Do I need a switch or a router?

Can a router be used instead of a network switch?

Switch vs. Ethernet hub: the difference

Hubs and switches have a number of similarities, but hubs are much less favourable in terms of distribution and practical applicability. This is due to the fact that switches are the preferred solution in many application areas. The main difference between hubs and switches lies in the way they work: Hubs send a copy of each communication to all hosts in the hub, which leads to increased complexity.

In addition, hubs are much less functional compared to switches, as they lack many of the features taken for granted in switches, such as support for full-duplex transmission and packet filtering. Ethernet hubs are also known as splitters.

How can I use the PATCHBOX with a switch in my rack?

The use of a PATCHBOX in combination with a switch in the network rack offers a number of advantages. The all-in-one cable management solution with retractable cables enables a clear organisation of the rack contents. The cables are housed in the cassettes, which prevents cable clutter and ensures optimised airflow and thermal conditions in the server rack. This results in a longer service life for the hardware, switches and other components.

To make optimum use of the space in the rack, we recommend placing the PATCHBOX between a patch panel and a network switch. The retractable cables are patched into the desired ports, with the excess cable length being placed in the patchcatch, which is supplied with each PATCHBOX as an 0RU cable manager alternative. For more information on our innovative products, please click here.