Recent Whitepaper
Network Switches: Guide, How They Work, Types, and Their Role in Connectivity
In today's digital age, network connectivity and efficient data routing are paramount for businesses across industries. Reliable and fast communication between devices within a network is essential for seamless operations, data exchange, and user experience.
Network switches, including internet switch, network power switch, network switch port, network switch layers, internet port switch, powered network switch, and internet network switch, play a crucial role in enabling efficient data routing and network connectivity.
This whitepaper explores the intricacies of computer networking switches, their types, functionalities, key considerations when choosing the right switch for specific network requirements, and their significance in powering modern networks.
What are Network Switches?
Network switches are intelligent devices that operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model. They are responsible for directing data packets to their intended destinations within a local area network (LAN). Unlike hubs, switches use MAC addresses to intelligently forward packets to the correct ports, minimizing collisions and optimizing network performance. They create dedicated communication channels, enabling simultaneous data transfer and reducing network congestion.
How Does a Network Switch Work?
A network switch is a crucial networking device that operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model. Its primary function is to facilitate the efficient forwarding of data packets within a local area network (LAN).
Lets delve into how a network switch works:
- MAC Address Learning: When a data packet arrives at a network switch, it examines the source MAC address of the packet. The switch records this MAC address and its associated ingress port in its MAC address table. This process is known as MAC address learning. The switch builds a database of MAC addresses and their corresponding ports, enabling it to make forwarding decisions based on this information.
- MAC Address Forwarding: When a network switch receives a data packet destined for a specific MAC address, it consults its MAC address table to determine the egress port to which the packet should be forwarded. The switch then directs the packet only to the port associated with the destination MAC address. This approach minimizes unnecessary network traffic and improves overall network efficiency.
- Filtering and Flooding: If the network switch does not have the destination MAC address in its MAC address table, it employs a technique called flooding. In flooding, the switch forwards the packet to all ports, except the ingress port. This ensures that the packet reaches its destination, even if the switch is not initially aware of the destination MAC address. Once the switch receives a response from the destination device, it learns the MAC address and updates its MAC address table accordingly.
- Loop Avoidance: Network loops can occur when multiple connections create redundant paths between switches. To avoid loops, network switches utilize a protocol called Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). STP identifies and disables redundant paths, allowing for a loop-free topology. If a switch detects a loop, it blocks one of the redundant links to maintain a stable and efficient network.
- Buffering and Queuing: Switches have built-in buffer memory to temporarily store incoming packets before forwarding them. This buffering mechanism helps accommodate bursts of data traffic and prevents packet loss or congestion. Additionally, switches employ various queuing algorithms, such as First-In-First-Out (FIFO) or Weighted Fair Queuing (WFQ), to prioritize and manage outgoing packet traffic.
- Broadcast and Multicast Forwarding: When a switch receives a broadcast or multicast packet, it forwards the packet to all connected devices within the broadcast domain. This ensures that all devices on the LAN receive the broadcast or multicast message.
What is the Purpose of a Network Switch?
The purpose of a network switch is to facilitate efficient data communication within a local area network (LAN). It acts as a central connecting point for devices in a network, enabling them to share information and resources.
Here are the key purposes of a network switch:
Here are the key purposes of a network switch:
- Packet Forwarding: The primary function of a network switch is to forward data packets between devices within a LAN. It receives incoming packets and determines the appropriate egress port to which each packet should be forwarded based on the destination MAC address. By selectively forwarding packets only to the intended recipient, a switch minimizes network congestion and optimizes data transmission.
- Local Area Network Segmentation: Switches enable network segmentation by dividing a LAN into multiple smaller segments known as virtual local area networks (VLANs). Each VLAN operates as a separate broadcast domain, enhancing network security, reducing broadcast traffic, and improving overall network performance.
- Enhanced Bandwidth and Performance: Network switches provide dedicated bandwidth to connected devices. Unlike hubs or repeaters that share bandwidth among all connected devices, switches allocate a separate data path for each port. This ensures that devices can communicate simultaneously without contention, resulting in improved network performance and reduced latency.
- Increased Network Capacity: By providing multiple ports, computer networking switches enable the connection of numerous devices to a LAN. This increased capacity allows for the expansion of the network to accommodate additional devices such as computers, servers, printers, IP phones, surveillance cameras, and other network-enabled devices.
- Network Security: Switches offer security features to protect the network from unauthorized access and data breaches. Features such as port security, access control lists (ACLs), and secure management protocols help control network access, prevent unauthorized devices from connecting, and enforce security policies.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Support: Network switches often include QoS capabilities that prioritize certain types of network traffic. This ensures that critical applications such as voice or video conferencing receive sufficient bandwidth and lower-priority traffic does not impact their performance. QoS helps maintain optimal network performance and enables efficient resource utilization.
- Centralized Network Management: Managed switches, in particular, provide centralized management capabilities, allowing network administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network from a central location. They offer features such as remote management, SNMP support, and traffic monitoring tools, enhancing network visibility and control.
Different Types of Networking Switches
Computer Networking switches play a vital role in data transmission within computer networks. Understanding the different types of switches in networking is crucial for optimizing network performance and scalability.
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Unmanaged Switches:Unmanaged switches are known for their simplicity and ease of use. They are typically plug-and-play devices that require minimal configuration.
Unmanaged switches are suitable for small-scale deployments or environments where basic connectivity is the primary requirement. They are cost-effective and straightforward to set up, making them ideal for non-technical users. However, unmanaged switches have limitations in terms of scalability and advanced features.
They offer limited control and visibility over network traffic, making them less suitable for complex network environments that require advanced management capabilities. - Managed Switches: Managed switches provide advanced features and customization options that allow network administrators to have granular control over their network.These switches offer a wide range of capabilities, including VLAN support, link aggregation, Quality of Service (QoS), and security features. Managed switches require configuration and management through a web-based interface or a command-line interface (CLI). They are highly scalable and adaptable, making them suitable for medium to large-scale networks where network optimization, security, and advanced management capabilities are crucial.
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) Switch: A PoE switch can deliver both data and electrical power to connected devices over Ethernet cables, eliminating the need for separate power sources for those devices. Common applications of PoE switches include powering IP phones, wireless access points, IP cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices.
- Stackable Switch: A stackable switch allows multiple switches to be physically interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. It simplifies network management as configuration changes, and updates can be applied to the entire stack simultaneously, improving scalability and redundancy.
- Chassis Switch: A chassis switch is a modular switch with interchangeable line cards and power supplies, providing flexibility in network design. Administrators can customize the switch by adding or upgrading modules to meet specific port and performance requirements.
- Industrial Switch: An industrial switch is specifically designed to operate reliably in harsh environmental conditions commonly found in industrial settings. It can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and other challenging conditions, making it suitable for use in factories, outdoor locations, and other industrial applications.
- Distribution Switch: A distribution switch is strategically positioned between the core and access layers in a hierarchical network design. It aggregates traffic from access switches and forwards it towards the core, optimizing the flow of data within the network.
- Core Switch: A core switch is a critical component that sits at the center of the network and handles high-speed and high-volume data traffic. It serves as the backbone of the network, interconnecting different segments and ensuring efficient data flow between them.
- Cloud Managed Switch: A cloud-managed switch is remotely managed and configured through cloud-based management interfaces. This allows network administrators to control and monitor the switch's settings from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for distributed networks or businesses with multiple locations.
- KVM Switch: KVM switches also known as "Keyboard, Video, Mouse" switches are hardware devices used to control multiple computers from a single console. They allow users to switch between different computers using a single keyboard, monitor and mouse setup. By pressing a button or using keyboard shortcuts users can seamlessly switch their input devices to control different computers connected to the KVM switch. KVM switches are commonly used in data centers, server rooms and offices to simplify management and save space by reducing the need for separate peripherals for each computer.
- Smart Network Switches: These are self-managed network switches, which are also known as intelligent switches. Smart network switches operate on the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) or data link layer (Layer 2). These switches have management features that allow remote port reset, partial LAN modification and port bandwidth, and local device monitoring. Smart network switches are less expensive than managed switches, and are easy to set up, feature multiple ports with multicast support, and come with PoE options. The networking switches support gigabit and fast Ethernet options.
- Fixed-configuration switches:As the name suggests, these switches feature fixed number of Ethernet ports like 8 Gigabit ports, 48 ports, 24 ports, and so on. These ports differ in connection and speed, with the least port speed being 1 Gbps. These switches cannot accept new modules, which limits their application to home networks or medium-sized networks. Managed, unmanaged, and smart switches can be fixed configuration switches.
- LAN Switches: Local area network switches or LAN switches are used to make connections in local area networks. LAN switches are generally known as data switches or Ethernet switches. They help alleviate network congestion by sending the data packets to intended receiver in the network. These switches allocate specific bandwidth for data packets, which helps avoid their overlapping and congestion. LAN network switches ensure high speed and seamless data flow in the localized networks of institutions, homes, and offices.
- Data center switches: These high-performance switches have gained immense popularity in recent years. Data center switches are mainly used by cloud providers and large enterprises that use virtualization. These switches possess high-security features like port security, access control lists, and encryption to protect data as well as prevent access. They are usually deployed to anchor one-tier flat mesh or fabric, or two-tier (spine-leaf) architecture.
How to Set up a Network Switch?
To Set up a Network Switch, follow these steps:
- Gather Equipment: Collect the network switch, Ethernet cables, and a power source.
- Physical Connection: Plug one end of Ethernet cables into devices (computers, printers, etc.), and the other into the switch's ports.
- Power On: Connect the switch to a power source and turn it on. LEDs will indicate power and connection status.
- Configuration (Optional): For basic setups, no configuration is needed. For advanced setups, access the switch's management interface via a web browser to customize settings.
- Testing: Check connectivity between devices to ensure proper functioning. Your network is now set up!
Switch Architecture
The architecture of a networking switch is a critical component that determines how it functions in a network. Networking switches can be categorized into two main types of architecture:
- Shared Memory Architecture: In a shared memory architecture, the switch has a central memory unit that stores all the data, frames, packets, and addresses that pass through the switch. Each port of the switch has equal access to this central memory unit. Shared memory switches can handle large amounts of traffic, but they can also suffer from latency and reduced performance as the traffic load increases.
- Crossbar Architecture: In a crossbar architecture, the switch has dedicated pathways that connect each port directly to one another. This type of architecture is faster and more efficient compared to shared memory switches since each port has a direct connection. Crossbar switches are ideal for high-traffic environments since they can handle a large volume of data without any compromise in performance.
What is the Difference Between Stackable and Standalone Switches?
The main difference between stackable and standalone switches is in their connectivity and management capabilities. Stackable switches can be interconnected and managed as a single unit, offering enhanced scalability and centralized management. Standalone switches, on the other hand, operate independently and are not designed to be stacked or interconnected with other switches.
What is the value of a Network Switch?
Network switches have significant value in modern computer networks. They play a crucial role in efficiently transmitting data packets between devices within a local area network (LAN). By providing faster data transfer rates, improved security, and better bandwidth management, switches enhance network performance and ensure seamless communication among connected devices. Their ability to optimize network traffic makes them indispensable for businesses and organizations relying on smooth and reliable data exchange.
Different Uses of Network Switches
Network switches have diverse applications across various industries and environments. Some key uses of computer networking switches include:
- Business Networks: Switches form the backbone of local area networks (LANs) in office environments. They connect computers, servers, printers, and other devices, allowing for efficient data transfer, collaboration, and resource sharing.
- Data Centers: Network switches play a crucial role in data centers, connecting servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. They provide high-speed connectivity and ensure reliable data transmission within the data center infrastructure.
- Industrial Networks: Industrial environments, such as manufacturing plants, utilize switches to connect control systems, monitoring devices, and machinery. Switches in industrial networks often have ruggedized designs to withstand harsh conditions.
- Campus Networks: Educational institutions and large campuses rely on switches to connect classrooms, administrative buildings, and student dormitories. They provide network segmentation, enabling efficient traffic management and ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the campus.
Advantages of Network Switches
Network switches offer many advantages over other types of networking devices. The following are a few key advantages of using these switches.
- Optimized Bandwidth: Network switches help ensure dedicated connections between different devices in a network. This allows full duplex communication and optimizes the network bandwidth.
- Minimized Network Congestion: Computer networking switches are slowly replacing network hubs because they help reduce network congestion. Generally, the hubs broadcast data to all devices connected in the network, whereas switches only send data to intended recipient devices through dedicated pathways. This helps prevent network congestion, which usually occurs, when multiple devices are sending data simultaneously in the same bandwidth.
- Improved Security: Network switches scans the MAC addresses of the recipient device before sending the data. This offers a degree of security and helps prevent unauthorized access.
- Low Latency: As these switches refer to MAC addresses and dedicated pathways, both these switches offer low-latency communication. This is advantageous for real-time applications like VOIP, video conferencing, and gaming.
- Improved Network Management: The switches used in growing networks are managed through various tools, such as command-line interfaces, web interfaces, and so on. These tools help monitor and manage the traffic flows in the network and optimize the performance of the network.
- Scalability: Most network switches can be stacked or connected in the networks to form large networks. They help add new devices to the network. Thus, they are now becoming integral part of many growing networks.
- Cost-effectiveness: With their security, performance, and effective communication, these network switches can be termed more affordable than routers. They also ensure faster rate of data transfer than routers or hubs.
Challenges of Network Switches
Although network switches offer several benefits, they also have their own challenges. The following pointers will help you understand it better.
- Complex Configuration: Setting up a network switch in many industrial environments can be challenging. It requires an in-depth understanding of QoS settings, VLANs, networking protocols, security mechanisms, and networking protocols. This means, it can only be set up by an expert.
- Monitoring and Management: When the network requirements grow, monitoring and managing these switches may get challenging, especially in distributed environments.
- Security Issues: Although many computer networking switches are equipped with security features, still, they are vulnerable to attacks if not properly maintained and configured. Outdated firmware, misconfigurations, and unauthorized access can lead to security issues.
- Future Proofing: Some older switches may not support new protocols and standards when the network requirements grow. These switches may require regular hardware upgrades to make them compatible with emerging technologies.
- Increased Energy Costs: Many growing organizations use multiport switches, sometimes with up to 52 ports. These ports consume a significant amount of power, which leads to high energy costs.
- Performance Bottlenecks: Although designed for high efficiency, these switches still experience performance bottlenecks due to misconfigurations, inefficient bandwidth planning, and oversubscription.
Network Switch Management Features
Managed switches offer additional management features that provide network administrators with enhanced control and visibility. These features include:
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): SNMP allows centralized network monitoring and management. It enables administrators to monitor switch performance, track network traffic, and receive notifications about network events or issues.
- Port Mirroring: Port mirroring is a feature that allows network administrators to capture and analyze network traffic. It helps in diagnosing network issues, optimizing performance, and monitoring for security threats or abnormal behavior.
- VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks): VLANs enable network segmentation by logically dividing a single physical switch into multiple virtual switches. This segmentation enhances network security, improves traffic management, and simplifies network administration.
- Quality of Service (QoS): QoS is a feature that prioritizes network traffic based on predefined rules or policies. It ensures that critical or time-sensitive applications receive the necessary bandwidth and network resources, guaranteeing optimal performance.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Network Switches
When selecting network switches for a specific network environment, several factors should be taken into account:
- Network Size and Scalability: Evaluate the current network size and anticipate future growth. Choose switches that can accommodate the expected increase in devices and network traffic.
- Speed and Bandwidth Requirements: Switches come in various speeds or throughputs, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Fixed-configuration switches offer different options, including Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), Ten Gigabit (10/100/1000/10000 Mbps), and even higher speeds like 40/100 Gbps. The choice of switch speed depends on the specific data transmission requirements. When considering the switching speed, it is important to assess the need for high-speed connections and sufficient bandwidth to support data-intensive applications, multimedia streaming, or real-time communication. For tasks involving frequent transfer of large data files, a Gigabit Ethernet switch is recommended. By selecting the appropriate switch speed, you ensure that your network can efficiently handle the demands of various activities without experiencing performance limitations or bottlenecks.
- Switching Capacity: Switching capacity refers to the amount of data traffic a switch can handle. It is measured in terms of throughput and is usually specified in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Higher switching capacity is preferable for networks with heavy data transfer requirements to avoid congestion and bottlenecks.
- Network Security Features: Consider switch security features such as access control lists (ACLs), port security, and secure management protocols to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and network attacks.
- Management and Monitoring Capabilities: Determine the level of control and visibility required for network management. Consider features like remote management, traffic monitoring tools, and compatibility with network management systems.
Comparison of Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches
Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches are two types of network switches with distinct functionalities and capabilities. Virtual Area Network (VLAN) has become popular as network complexity has exceeded the capacity of the local area network (LAN)Here is a comparison between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches
Layer 2 Switches:
- Operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
- Forward data packets based on MAC addresses.
- Efficiently handle Ethernet traffic within a LAN.
- Support VLANs for network segmentation.
- Have limited or no routing capabilities.
- Provide basic network connectivity and switching functions.
- Suitable for small-scale networks and basic connectivity requirements.
- Operate at the Network Layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model.
- Forward data packets based on both MAC and IP addresses.
- Can perform IP routing between different networks.
- Support VLANs for network segmentation.
- Offer advanced routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP.
- Provide enhanced scalability and flexibility.
- Enable more efficient network management and control.
- Suitable for medium to large-scale networks requiring advanced routing and security features.
Key Features and Functionality
- Port Density and Speed: Port density refers to the number of physical ports available on a switch. It determines the capacity of the switch to accommodate connected devices. Evaluate the required number of ports based on the number of devices that need to be connected to the network. Different switches offer varying port speeds, such as Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps). Consider the speed requirements of the network and choose switches with appropriate port speeds.
- VLANs and Network Segmentation: Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) allow logical segmentation of a network, isolating traffic and improving network performance and security. Consider the need for network segmentation and VLAN support when choosing switches. VLANs provide benefits such as improved network management, enhanced security through the isolation of sensitive data or departments, and efficient traffic management by separating broadcast domains.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Quality of Service ensures that critical or time-sensitive applications receive the necessary network resources and bandwidth to maintain optimal performance. Consider the importance of QoS for your network environment and choose switches that offer QoS features and prioritization mechanisms.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology enables the transmission of power along with data over Ethernet cables. It eliminates the need for separate power cables for network devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, or VoIP phones. Consider the need for PoE in your network environment and choose ethernet switch powered by poe if required.
How Network Switches Can Help in Your Project
- Network switches help boost the efficiency and reliability of your expanding networks. Equipped with advanced features, these switches stand out due to their robustness and help optimize the performance of any network.
- Computer networking switches can be tailored to meet your project's requirements. It doesn’t matter, if you require Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize important data, or VLAN segmentation for boosting security, or multicast support for efficient group communication, you can easily achieve with these switches.
- In projects where reliability is paramount, Network switches have built-in feature failover mechanisms reducing the risks of downtime and ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Whether you are building a data center or wish to build a robust network, Network Switches can serve you the best. They possess the features needed to boost your network performance.
FAQ
1. What is an Internet Switch?
An internet switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices within a network and enables them to communicate with each other and access the internet.
2. What is a Network Switch
A Network switch is a device used to connect multiple devices in a local area network (LAN) and facilitate communication between them. They efficiently route data packets, ensuring fast and reliable network connectivity.
3. What is a layer in a Network Switch?
A layer in a network switch refers to a specific level of the OSI model that governs its functionality.
4. Does a Network Switch improve network performance?
Yes, a network switch can improve network performance by enabling efficient data routing.
5. Do Network Switches add lag?
No, network switches typically minimize lag by providing direct data paths between devices.
6. Can you connect a WiFi router to a Network Switch?
Yes, you can connect a WiFi router to a network switch to expand wired connections.
7. How is ethernet speed distributed in Network Switches?
Ethernet speed in network switches is distributed dynamically based on device demands, with higher speeds allocated to devices requiring more bandwidth.
8. Why do I need a Network Switch?
A network switch enhances connectivity by efficiently managing data traffic, improving network performance, and enabling seamless communication among devices.
9. How do I connect two Network Switches?
Connect two network switches using Ethernet cables, linking their compatible ports to expand network capacity and coverage.
10. Does a Network Switch improve network performance?
Yes, a network switch can improve network performance by enabling efficient data routing.
| Managed Commercial Grade Switches | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (SFP Slots) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SG70660M | 6-Port Managed Switch | 6 | 10/100/1000 | 1 | 100 | LC |
| S70850M | 8-Port Managed Switch | 7 | 10/100 | 1 | 100 | LC |
| SG72860M | 28-Port Managed Switch | 24 | 10/100/1000 | 4 | 100/1G | LC |
| SGX72870MA | 28-Port Managed 10G Switch | 24 | 10/100/1000 | 4 | 1G/10G | LC |
| SGX75270M | 52-Port Managed 10G Switch | 48 | 10/100/1000 | 4 | 1G/10G | LC |
| Unmanaged Commercial Grade Switches | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (SFP Slots) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SG70460 | 4-Port Unmanaged Switch | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 1G | LC |
| SG70660 | 6-Port Unmanaged Switch | 4 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 1G | LC |
| Unmanaged Industrial Grade Switches | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (SFP Slots) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SF70460 | 4-Port Unmanaged Industrial Switch | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF70660 | 6-Port Unmanaged Industrial Switch | 4 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF70760 | 7-Port Unmanaged Industrial Switch | 6 | 10/100/1000 | 1 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF70960 | 9-Port Unmanaged Industrial Switch | 8 | 10/100/1000 | 1 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF71060 | 10-Port Unmanaged Industrial Switch | 8 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| Managed Industrial Grade Switches | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (MM, SFP Slots) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SF70460M | 4-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF70760M | 7-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 6 | 10/100/1000 | 1 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF71060MA | 10-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 8 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF71053M2 | 10-Port Managed Industrial 10/100 Switch | 8 | 10/100 | 2 MM | 100 | ST |
| SF72860M | 28-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 24 | 10/100/1000 | 4 | 1G | LC |
| Managed Industrial Grade PoE/PoE+ Switches | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (SFP Slots) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SF70460MP | 4-Port Managed Industrial PoE/PoE+ Switch | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF70760MP | 7-Port Managed Industrial PoE/PoE+ Switch | 6 | 10/100/1000 | 1 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF71060MPA | 10-Port Managed Industrial PoE/PoE+ Switch | 8 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| SF71860MP | 18-Port Managed Industrial PoE/PoE+ Switch | 16 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| Managed Commercial Grade PoE/PoE+ Switches | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (SFP Slots) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SG71060MPB | 10-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 8 | 10/100/1000 | 2 | 100/1G | LC |
| SG72060MP | 20-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 16 | 10/100/1000 | 4 | 100/1G | LC |
| SGX72870MP | 28-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 24 | 10/100/1000 | 4 | 1G/10G | LC |
| SGX75270MP | 52-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 48 | 10/100/1000 | 4 | 1G/10G | LC |
| “All Fiber” SFP Switches | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (SFP Slots) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SG10208 | 10-Port All Fiber Switch | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 8 | 1G | LC |
| SGX288164M | 28-Port All Fiber Switch | 8 (Combo) | 10/100/1000 | 28 | 100/1G/10G | LC |
| SGX368244M | 36-Port All Fiber Switch | 8 | 10/100/1000 | 28 | 100/1G/10G | LC |
| Pick-A-Port Modular Switch* | ||||||
| Model | Product Name | Copper Ports | Copper Speed |
Fiber Ports (MM, SM, SFP) |
Fiber Speed | Connector Type |
| SG71090A | 3-Slot Modular Switch Chassis | |||||
| SG71890A | SG71890 8-Port Module | 8 | 10/100/1000 | -- | -- | -- |
| SG71893A | SG71893 8-Port Module | 0 | -- | 8 MM | 100 | ST |
| SG71894A | SG71894 8-Port Module | 0 | -- | 8 MM | 100 | SC |
| SG71895A | SG71895 8-Port Module | 0 | -- | 8 SM | 100 | SC |
| SG71896A | SG71896 8-Port Module | 0 | -- | 8 SFP | 100/1G | LC |
| SG71896-44A | SG71896-44 8-Port Module | 4 | 10/100/1000 | 4 SFP | 100/1G | LC |
| SG71893-26A | SG71893-26 8-Port Module | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 6 MM | 100 | ST |
| SG71894-26A | SG71894-26 8-Port Module | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 6 MM | 100 | SC |
| SG71895-26A | SG71895-26 8-Port Module | 2 | 10/100/1000 | 6 SM | 100 | SC |
Conclusion
Network switches, such as internet switches, network power switches, and network switch ports, play a vital role in ensuring effective data routing and network connectivity. It is important to comprehend the various types of switches, including powered network switches and internet network switches, along with their functionalities and network switch layers. Understanding packet forwarding and considering key factors when selecting the right switch for specific network requirements is crucial. Whether businesses deploy Unmanaged Switches: for basic connectivity, managed switches for advanced features, or Stackable switches with customization options, they can establish robust and optimized networks that facilitate seamless communication, enhance productivity, and serve as a reliable foundation for their digital operations.