What is the Function of Switch in Networking
Network switches have been an indispensable component in corporate or data center networking. However, faced with the question that what the exact function of
What Is the Network Switch
The network switch in networking is a small hardware device that can be regarded as a network bridge with multi-ports, centrally addressing communications among all sort of connected devices, like servers, PCs, and access points within one local area network (LAN).
![Network Switches in Networking](http://www.china-cable-suppliers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Network-Switches.png)
Figure 1: Network Switches in NetWorking
Types of the Network Switches
As shown in the market, there is a wide range of switches in the market. If you want to figure them out, you should bear in mind with clear criteria. With different standards, types of the switch are matched differently. For example, based on the transmitting rapid, you can get subbranches, like fast Ethernet switch, Gigabit Ethernet switch, 10Gigabit switch, etc. When looking at the configuration options, unmanaged switch
In networking, an unmanaged switch is used to achieve basic connectivity without any configuration interface or options. Just plug them in, they will work. Mostly, they
Comparing with an unmanaged switch, the managed switch, also called smart switches, gives users more flexibility to configure switches as they need. Surely, it brings greater security and targeted networking to users. It supports many management interfaces, like Web UI, CLI, or both. The configuration of VLAN is the common application for a managed switch. For this type, 10gbe switch, 40gbe switch and 100gbe switch are the common choices.
![Unmanaged Switch (Left) and Managed Switch (Right)](http://www.china-cable-suppliers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Unmanaged-Switch-Left-and-Managed-Switch-Right.jpg)
Figure 2: Unmanaged Switch (Left) and Managed Switch (Right)
The Function of Switch in Networking
No matter in your home or small offices, the network switch seems to be ubiquitous in network applications. For people outside the industry, you may wonder what the switch function is or what the benefits will the network switch brings about. Here, the main function of
- Saving cost. Running cables to industrial Ethernet nodes one by one, it’s a huge cost and even unreliable. Therefore, the switch can be a cost-effective choice in
wiring . - Easy installation. Without the need for the climate controlled enclosure, switch installation will be easier and more convenient.
- Low latency. When the transmission of network packet between the source device and target device has low latency, the time will be saved.
- Eliminating collision. With specified ports of the network switches, the access of the data packet sent by different devices will be spotted faster and targeted transmitted to the matching devices without unnecessary collision.
![Front and Back Panel Overview of S5800-8TF12S Fully-Managed Switch](http://www.china-cable-suppliers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Front-and-Back-Panel-Overview-of-S5800-8TF12S.png)
Figure 3: Front and Back Panel Overview of S5800-8TF12S Fully-Managed Switch
Summary
As an essential component in network cabling, the function of