Introduction to network switches

1. Introduction to Network Switches
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2.  A Network Switch is a device which is used to connect multiple
computers inside Local Area Network (LAN).
 Network Switches operate at Layer Two (Data Link Layer) of the
OSI model. There are Network Switches that can operate at the
Network Layer (layer 3 and above) also.
 Network Switches operate in Layer 3 are often referred to as
Layer 3 switches or multilayer switches
 Basic Function of a Network Switch and a Network Hub are
same. That is to forward Layer 2 packets (Ethernet frames) from
source device to destination device. But a Network switch
generally contains more intelligence than a hub.

3.  Most common Local Area Network (LAN) architecture is
Ethernet and most of today’s Network Switches are for Ethernet
Local Area Network (LAN) architecture. You can find Network
Switches of different input and output bandwidths.
 Today’s Ethernet Network Switches can have bandwidths of 10,
100, 1000 or 10,000 Megabits per second.

4. Some of the features/advantages of Network Switch are
listed below.
 Network Switches are used to connect network devices together
in a Local Area Network (LAN).
 Network Switches can learn Layer 2 (MAC) addresses and
forward Layer 2 packets (Ethernet frames) to exact destination
[network hubs forward Layer 2 addresses (MAC addresses) to all
ports]
 Network Switches can control of who has access to various parts
of the network.
 Network Switches have provision to monitor network usage.
 High-end switches have pluggable modules.