Ethernet Switch is a popular and important type of network device in the enterprise network system. Ethernet switches allow all wired devices, such as computers, laptops, printers and wireless access points, routers to connect to transmit and receive data. In the following article, DNG Corp will introduce to readers all the information about what an Ethernet Switch is, its features and how to classify the device in the most detailed way.
What is an Ethernet Switch?
An Ethernet Switch is a network connection device and uses multiple ports to communicate between other devices in the LAN using Ethernet cables. Ethernet switches are used to connect wired devices such as computers, laptops, routers, servers and printers to a local area network (LAN). In addition, multiple Ethernet switch ports allow faster connections and smoother access to multiple devices at the same time.
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An Ethernet switch differs from a router in that it allows for network connectivity and uses only a single LAN and WAN port. Unlike an Ethernet hub, which sends packets to all ports, an Ethernet switch has the ability to understand the packet’s addressing scheme and send packets to their correct destination port, thus limiting the number of data collisions sent to the destination port at the same time.
However, most corporate networks use a combination of switches, routers, and hubs, as well as wired and wireless technologies.
What is Ethernet Switch?
How Does an Ethernet Switch Work?
An Ethernet switch provides connectivity for multiple devices to each other using physical cables. That is, the devices will either connect to the same switch or to another switch on the same network. These cables include: coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, and twisted pair Ethernet cable.
Once a device is connected to a port, the Ethernet switch will manage the flow of data between the devices and other applications, data, cloud services, and the internet. The switching process will direct data to and from the correct port on the Switch based on the port of the sending device as well as the sending and destination MAC addresses. The MAC addresses of both the sender and destination are identical to the data sent in the Ethernet frame.
Every Ethernet-compatible device has a hard-coded physical address called a MAC address that the connected switch uses to uniquely identify a device.
When a Switch receives an Ethernet packet, it stores the sending device’s MAC address and the port it is connected to in a locally stored table called the MAC address table. The Switch then checks the MAC address table to see if the destination MAC address is connected to the same switch. If it is, the Switch forwards the packet to the known destination port. If not, the Switch broadcasts the packet to all ports and waits for a response.
If the switch is directly connected to the destination device, the device accepts the data packet, responds, and the transmission is complete. If the device is connected to another Switch, the next Switch repeats the lookup and forwarding process until the frame reaches its intended destination.
Chuyển mạch Ethernet hoạt động như thế nào?
In addition, Ethernet switches are researched and manufactured in many types to be able to handle different network sizes or structures: access, distribution and core. Switched networks often have a tree-root structure, with small switches connected to devices at the access edge, larger switches acting as distribution, and then core switches.
Popular Ethernet Switch Types
The demand for Ethernet switches is increasing today. Accordingly, manufacturers also research and develop many types to suit different access network needs. DNG Corp has summarized for readers the popular Ethernet Switch types today:
By feature
– Managed Ethernet Switch: Managed switches offer a wide range of configuration options, especially suitable for medium and large enterprise LANs. This type of device provides full control over network traffic, allowing each Ethernet port to be customized individually. This ensures optimal performance in data transmission over the network, leveraging gigabit or 10 gigabit connectivity.
Managed Ethernet Switches allow administrators to configure custom security policies for authentication and authorization as new devices and users are added to the network. End devices or users can be intelligently assigned dedicated or shared bandwidth using advanced QoS, improving overall network efficiency.
To build virtual local area networks (VLANs, 802.1Q), these switches are tasked with segmenting the network to control broadcast flooding. Additionally, they are designed with Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), ERPS, and OAM capabilities to enable seamless L2 switching in metropolitan and enterprise Ethernet networks.
– Unmanaged Ethernet Switches: Unmanaged switches are primarily plug-and-play devices that require minimal installation, typically only an Ethernet cable. The Switch configuration uses auto-negotiation between Ethernet devices, facilitating communication between them.
Unmanaged switches act like a port multiplier, automatically determining the appropriate data rate, switching between full-duplex and half-duplex modes.
To access unmanaged switches, administrators need to make physical changes. At the same time, these switches will provide incredible basic network access functionality without any customization. However, they do not provide the flexibility and security of managed switches.
By function
– Workgroup Switch: This type of switch is responsible for connecting computers together to form a peer-to-peer network system. This Ethernet Switch does not require large memory or high processing speed.
– Segment Switch: This is an Ethernet Switch that connects Workgroup Switches or Hubs together, creating a link at the second layer of the system. This type of switch requires high processing speed.
– Backbone Switch: This is a type of switch used to connect segment switching devices together. Backbone Switches require a very large amount of memory and transmission speed to be able to fully contain the addresses of all computer devices in the system. From there, they can promptly convert data between networks.
The Functionality of Ethernet Switch
An Ethernet Switch offers numerous benefits to businesses when installed, integrated, and managed correctly.
– Reduces Network Downtime: Minimizes the time that the network is offline.
– Improves Network Speed and Increases Available Bandwidth**: Enhances the overall speed of the network and provides greater bandwidth.
– Reduces Load on Personal Computers: Decreases the strain on individual computing devices.
– Protects Company Networks: Provides stronger security features to safeguard the network.
– Reduces IT Investment and Operating Costs: Lowers costs through remote management and consolidated cabling systems.
– Scales IT Infrastructure Appropriately: Facilitates infrastructure sizing and future expansion planning using modular switch devices.
Most corporate networks support a combination of wired and wireless technologies, with Ethernet switching being a part of the wired infrastructure. Dozens of devices can connect to the network through an Ethernet switch. At the same time, network administrators can monitor traffic, control communication between machines, manage user access securely, and troubleshoot issues quickly.
Is Ethernet Different from Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi can be considered an extension of the Ethernet access network, enabling wireless connectivity to the Ethernet network. With Wi-Fi, users can move freely without needing a wired network connection.
Typically, Wi-Fi requires a wireless access point to serve as the interface with the network. End devices connect to the access point, which in turn is connected to a part of the Ethernet switch rather than connecting directly to the switch via physical cables.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet differ in their IEEE 802 protocols. Ethernet is defined by IEEE 802.3, while Wi-Fi is defined by IEEE 802.11.
From a user’s perspective, Ethernet connections require physical cables and provide a dedicated link from the switch to the end device with bandwidth up to the speed of the connected port. Wi-Fi connections, on the other hand, are wireless and allow devices to receive Wi-Fi signals from anywhere within range. However, they require sharing the bandwidth of the Wi-Fi access point with other devices connected to the same AP.
Difference between Ethernet and Wifi connection
Managed and Unmanaged Ethernet Switches
Unmanaged Ethernet Switches refer to switches that come with no user configuration options; these devices simply need to be plugged in and turned on.
Managed Ethernet Switches are switches that can be managed and programmed to deliver specific results and perform certain tasks. Users can adjust settings such as speed, create VLANs, and monitor network traffic.
We hope the information provided by DNG Corp has given you a comprehensive understanding of what an Ethernet Switch is, along with detailed insights into its features and classifications. This will help you choose the right type of device based on your business needs and objectives.
For professional and reliable distribution of authentic switches from renowned brands like Sotech, contact DNG Corp. We are committed to providing your business with comprehensive services, including consultation, installation, and warranty for network switch devices with various configurations. Call our Hotline at 0983 959 796 / 0988 712 159 for detailed advice.
