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Ethernet Switches
Ethernet switches are critical elements of an Ethernet network that link together the assortment of network devices and serve as the means by which data travels so that it arrives at its intended destination. An Ethernet switch receives data packets from network devices connected via Ethernet cables and then sends those packets to the devices for which the packets were intended. Concerning the two main types of Ethernet switches (managed and unmanaged): managed switches allow for a greater range of configuration options (such as use with VLANs) and provide a much greater level of monitoring and traffic management that would only be desired in a larger network setting; unmanaged switches are much simpler, allow practically no configuration, and provide basic connectivity among network devices with a basically plug-and-play setup.
Ethernet switches with Power over Ethernet (PoE) take Ethernet connectivity a step further and are, in essence, powered Ethernet switches. They do not require special cabling, as you do not need to change the wiring if power is to be delivered over Ethernet. Using a PoE switch is particularly beneficial for powering devices like security cameras, access points, and a host of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in locations where you'd like more power outlets, but can't run additional wiring.
Subcategories
FAQs
How are wireless access points used in an Ethernet network?
Wireless access points in an Ethernet network extend connectivity by connecting to the wired Ethernet network and providing wireless access, allowing Wi-Fi-enabled devices to join the network and communicate with wired devices.
How do Ethernet switches work with wireless connectivity in other network devices?
Ethernet switches facilitate wireless connectivity by connecting to wireless access points, which then distribute the network connection wirelessly to other network devices.
Basics of Switches, Routers & Hubs
Ethernet hubs, switches and routers connect computers to networks, devices and other computers.
Ethernet hubs are the least intelligent of the three devices. They simply take any message that is received and transmits it to every other device connected to that hub. For example, if CPU 1 on a network wants to send a message to CPU 5, it will send that message through the hub.The hub will then take that message and send it out to every connected device on that hub regardless of the intended target. When CPU 5 receives that message and wants to respond, it will send its response through the hub which sends it to every connected device. Ethernet hubs do not manage any data that is sent and tend to bog down networks. They also do not offer much security for the network. For these reasons, Ethernet hubs are are being replaced with network switches.
Switches transmit data from one device to another on the same network. Unlike a hub, switches use a switch table to learn where data came from and where to send it. Switch tables store Mac addresses and device ports. By storing this data, a switch can operate more efficiently than a hub, greatly reducing the traffic within the network.
Routers transfer data between devices while learning the location of those devices within the network. They are also a junction between two or more networks. An example of this would be a home router where the home network is connected to the Internet. Another example would be when the router connects two or more networks with different business functions. In addition to connecting two or more networks, a router offers important security features that help protect the network.