WHAT IS AN ETHERNET SWITCH?
In networking an Ethernet switch is a device that is used to connect together multiple computers in a local area network (LAN). It is an external device and is referred to as hardware peripheral. It is pretty much like a hub except that an Ethernet switch is a more intelligent device. It is intelligent in the sense that it not only receives packets of data but is also capable of inspecting them before sending them forward to the destined computer. When inspecting them an Ethernet switch is able to know where the data packet came from, what it contains, and the destination of that packet. This is why an Ethernet switches are capable of sending data packets only to their intended recipient rather than to all computers connected as is the case with hubs. This also enables a switch to use lesser bandwidth while giving you even higher performance.
TYPES OF ETHERNET SWITCHES:
There are different kinds of switches but the basic standard of a switch is either 10/100Mbit/s or 10/100/1000Mbit/s ports. Some switches are also available in larger sizes with ports of up to 10 Gigabit/s. This type is often called a gigabit switch while the later type is often called a fast Ethernet switch. Furthermore we have available to us the 10 gigabit Ethernet switch also called the 10 GB witch. The 10 100 Ethernet switch is the most commonly used type of Ethernet switch.
An Ethernet switch is available in a range of port numbers. You can find a 2 port switch which is the smallest, a 3 port switch for basic usage, a 4 port Ethernet switch and a 5 port Ethernet switch mostly for home usage, and an 8 port Ethernet switch and 24 port Ethernet switch for more elaborate business usage. The latest product to the market is the managed Ethernet switch. This type of switch provides you with the capability of modifying the switching operation. This is mostly done using a command line interface or a serial console.
If you are trying to set up a network where you will have many laptops that require mobility you should purchase a wireless Ethernet switch. With the help of the wireless cards in each laptop you can form a network. Another type of switch is the USB powered Ethernet switch. It is able to power up through any USB port on your laptop or computer. Plus it is so small in size that you can easily carry it around in your pocket.
If you are interested in fiber optic links for your Ethernet network and to achieve an immediate boost in the speed of your network than a fiber Ethernet switch would be a great device to buy. These are available in a number of ports. If you need an Ethernet switch in an environment that is extremely tough you should get a rugged Ethernet switch. Finally the PoE Ethernet switch will allow you to send power along with data over your cables. One of the best companies out there for network devices is CISCO and their Linksys Ethernet switch is really great. The D–link switch is also a solid performer. Based on your needs choose an Ethernet switch that fits your requirements.