A network switch is a device used to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and forward data intelligently to the correct destination.
Switch: A Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) device that receives data frames and forwards them to the specific device based on MAC addresses.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Ports | Typically 5, 8, 16, 24, or 48 Ethernet ports |
| Speed | 10/100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps |
| Type | Unmanaged (plug-and-play) or Managed (configurable) |
| Form Factor | Desktop, Rackmount, or Modular |
| Power over Ethernet (PoE) | Powers devices like IP cameras or access points via Ethernet |
| Backplane Bandwidth | Total data capacity handled internally |
| Switching Capacity | Max amount of data the switch can handle per second |
A switch is a vital networking device that connects and manages communication between multiple LAN devices. Unlike hubs, switches send data directly to the correct destination, improving speed, efficiency, and security.