In today’s world, computer networks play an important role in helping devices to communicate with each other. Whether you’re sending an email or printing a document over Wi-Fi, all these happen because of computer networks. One of the most important devices that help in managing this data flow is a switch in a computer network. It helps in delivering the information to the right place, faster and without any confusion. In this blog, you will learn how a switch in computer networks works and different switching techniques in computer networks.
Table of Contents:
What is a Switch in Computer Network?
A switch in computer networks is a device that helps in connecting multiple computers, printers, servers, and other devices within a local network (LAN). In simple words, it is defined as the device that ensures the data sent from one device reaches the correct destination device, without getting lost or mixed along the way. Switches are commonly used in various places, like homes, offices, schools, and large businesses, to keep multiple devices connected and working smoothly.
Features of a Network Switches
A switch in a computer network has several important features that make it an important part of any local network. Here are some of the important features of the network switches:
- Switches have the destination address of each packet. Thus, they do data forwarding very smartly and send the data only to the device it’s meant for.
- Switches will allow devices to send and receive data at the same time. This helps in establishing faster communication between the devices that participate in communication.
- Switches in computer networks help in reducing data collisions by creating separate connections for each device.
- Switches offer many ports, which means you can connect lots of devices, like computers, printers, and servers, in a single place.
- A switch in computer network supports unicast (one-to-one), multicast (one-to-many), and broadcast (one-to-all) communications.
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Why are Network Switches Important?
A switch in computer networks is important because it helps devices to communicate with each other. Switches play an important role in computer networks. Here is why it is important:
- Switches help in transferring information only to the device for which it is meant. This saves time and makes the network faster.
- Switches support full duplex communication, which means they use the network’s bandwidth more efficiently.
- A switch in computer networks can handle multiple devices at once without slowing down the network.
- Modern switches work well with the various switching techniques in computer networks, like packet switching.
- Switches help in separating traffic into smaller parts (called segments) in larger networks.
How does Switch in Computer Network Work?
A switch in computer networks works like a smart traffic director. It takes data coming from one device and sends it directly to the receiving device. Here is how the switch works in computer networks:
- Devices in computer networks, like a printer or computer, transfer the data in the form of small packets. These packets contain important information. Each packets have a sender’s and receiver’s address, which helps in moving to the right destination address.
- Now, switch checks the packet and reads the destination MAC address. This helps the switch know which device should get the data.
- The switch in computer networks keeps a table, called a MAC address table or forwarding table. This MAC address table helps in finding which device is connected to which port. Once the switch knows where to send the data packet, it forwards it only to that correct port.
- Now, the switch creates a separate communication line for each connected device, which means devices can talk to each other at the same time. This makes the network faster and efficient.
- The connection between the sender and receiver is temporary, which means it stays active only while the data is being sent. Once done, the switch is ready to handle new connections.
Types of Network Switches
There are different types of switches in computer networks, and each one has its own use case. Here are the different types of switches in computer networks:
1. Based on Functionality
On the basis of functionality, there are two types of switches, one is layer 2 switches and the other is layer 3 switches. Let’s discuss each type in detail:
a. Layer 2 Switch
This type of switch works at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model. A Layer 2 switch uses the MAC address to send data to the correct destination address. This Layer 2 switch is commonly used in local area networks (LANs).
b. Layer 3 Switch
A layer 3 switch works like both a switch and a router. It uses IP addresses to transfer the data between different networks or VLANs. It is good to use in large networks that require both switching and routing functions.
2. Based on Management Capability
On the basis of management capabilities, there are three types of switches in computer networks. Let us discuss each one of them in detail:
a. Managed Switch
A managed switch in computer networks allows you to control and change your network. You can do things like set up VLANs, monitor traffic, add security rules, etc. These switches are good for business networks where more control is required over the network.
b. Unmanaged Switch
An unmanaged switch doesn’t require any setup or configuration. You can just connect the cables, and it works. Unmanaged switches are mostly used in small offices and homes.
c. Smart Switch
Smart Switches offer more advanced features. They are easier to manage than managed switches and provide more flexibility than unmanaged switches. It is great for medium-sized networks.
3. Based on Use Cases or Special Features
On the basis of use cases, switches are of 4 types. Let’s discuss each of them in detail:
a. PoE Switch (Power over Ethernet)
These switches can send power and data through the same cable, which means you can power devices like IP cameras or Wi-Fi access points without using extra power cords.
b. Stackable Switch
Stackable Switches can be connected together and function as one big switch. These stackable switches help when your network grows and you require more ports without using any separate switches.
c. Modular Switch
Modular Switches in computer networks are high-end switches used in large networks. They offer flexibility and are easy to upgrade. In modular switches, you can add different cards or modules for various features.
d. Virtual Switch
A virtual switch is not a physical device. It is a software that is used inside virtual machines (VMs) to manage traffic between them. It is commonly used in cloud computing.
Setting up a Network Switch
Setting up a switch in computer networks is a simple process, especially for small networks like homes or small offices. Here is how you can set up a network switch:
- Choose the Right Switch
Pick a switch according to your needs, like you can choose managed, unmanaged, or any other switches.
- Connect the Switch to the Router
Take an Ethernet cable and plug one end into your router and its other end into any port on the switch. If your switch has a special uplink port, then it is good to use that one.
- Power On the Switch
Now, in this step, you have to plug the switch into a power outlet and ensure that the light on the switch blinks.
- Connect Your Devices
Use the Ethernet cables to connect your devices, like the computers, printers, or servers, to the switch. Each device is connected to different ports in the switch.
- Configure IP Addresses for managed switches only
If you are using a managed switch, then for this, you need to log into the managed switch interface by using a web browser. This will be required to configure settings like IP addresses, VLANs, or traffic control.
Uses of Network Switches
A switch in computer networks is used in different places and helps devices to communicate faster. Here are some important use cases of switches in computer networks:
- It enables multiple devices, like computers, printers, and servers, to communicate at the same time. This helps in improving the performance and speed of the network.
- It helps in improving the network performance by sending data to the right device.
- Switches allow network administrators to control communicating devices and create separate virtual networks (VLANs).
- Some switches, called PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches, can send both power and data through a single cable. The PoE switches are important for things like IP cameras.
Advantages of Switches in Computer Networks
A switch in computer networks offers various benefits that help in fostering communication between devices. Here are some important advantages of using a switch in computer networks:
- Switches send data directly to the device that needs it instead of sending it to all devices. This will help in faster data transfer.
- It helps in reducing network traffic and keeps the network from getting too busy.
- A switch in computer networks supports full-duplex mode, which means it allows the network to send and receive data at the same time.
- Each port creates a separate data connection. This will help in avoiding data collisions and keep the network stable.
- Managed switches provide more security and control to the network.
Disadvantages of Switches in Computer Networks
While a switch in computer network offers many benefits but it has some disadvantages. Here are some of the disadvantages of using switches in computer networks:
- Switches can be more expensive than basic devices like hubs and are limited to local network communication.
- Managing switches is more difficult for people who aren’t familiar with networking.
- A switch in computer networks works well within a local area network (LAN), but it is unable to stop data that is meant for another network.
Difference Between Switch and Router
Both a switch and a router are important devices in computer networks. Here is the difference between a switch and a router:
| Feature |
Switch |
Router |
| Function |
Switch helps in connecting multiple devices within a local area network. |
A router connects different networks, usually to the internet. |
| Layer |
It works on the data link layer, which is 2nd layer of the OSI model. |
It works on the network layer, which is 3rd layer of the OSI model. |
| Data Type |
It transfers data by using the MAC address in the form of data frames. |
While routers transfer data by using the IP address in the form of data packets. |
| Wireless Support |
It supports wired connections only. |
It supports both wired and wireless connections. |
| Use Cases |
Switches are used in a LAN to link devices like printers and computers. |
Routers are used to connect LAN to WAN, like a home network to the internet. |
Difference Between Switch and Hub
Here are some of the important differences between a switch and a hub in computer networks:
| Feature |
Switch |
Hub |
| Function |
A switch in computer networks is defined as a device that sends data only to a specific device that needs it. |
A hub sends data to all devices in the network, whether they need it or not. |
| Working Layer |
It works at layer 2, which is the data link layer of the OSI model. |
It works at layer 1, which is the physical layer of the OSI model. |
| Data Transfers |
It transfers data by using the MAC address. |
It doesn’t use a MAC address. It just broadcasts the data to every port. |
| Speed |
It is fast and supports full-duplex communication, which means it allows you to send and receive at the same time |
It is slower and supports half-duplex communication, which means either send or receive at a time. |
| Use Cases |
It is used in modern LANs, offices, and schools. |
It is mostly used in small networks. |
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Conclusion
A switch in a computer network plays a very important role and helps in communicating various devices like computers, printers, and servers. Switches are smarter than hubs and other older devices. They reduce data collisions and improve overall performance and speed of the network. Depending on your needs, you can choose any switches, like managed, unmanaged, layer 2, layer 3, or any other switches. Using a proper switch according to your requirements makes your network faster and efficient.
To learn more about Switches and Routers, check out this Cyber Security course and also explore Cyber Security Interview Questions prepared by industry experts.
What is a Network Switch and How Does it Work – FAQs
Q1. What is a network?
A network is defined as a group of interconnected devices, like printers, computers, and phones, that help in sharing data and resources.
Q2. What is a switch in computer networks?
A switch in computer networks is defined as a device that is used to connect multiple devices in a local network. This will send data to the destination device by using MAC addresses.
Q3. What is switching, and its types?
Switching refers to how data is transferred between devices in a network. There are various ways to transfer data between devices, like circuit switching, message switching, and packet switching.
Q4. What are layer 3 switches?
Layer 3 switches act as both switches and routers. They can transfer data within a network and also route it between different networks using IP addresses.
Q5. What is the full form of DHCP?
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It automatically gives IP addresses to devices in the network.