What is a network switch? How many types are there?

What is a network switch? How many types are there?

What is a network switch?

Network Switch is a device that connects the system to transmit data in the form of IP between each device in the system together via Ethernet cable (UTP Cable) or fiber optic cable (Fiber Optic Cable) to transmit data back and forth. The principle between source and destination is that each device connected to a network switch is assigned a network address, representing the number of each device. so that traffic can be routed to the device according to the number of each of the devices specified in it in a specific and accurate way. It also increases the security of computer networks.

How many types of Network Switch are there?

Network Switch can be divided into 3 types:

1.Core Switch is used as a central hub to connect the main network between Server and Router/Gateway. Including the connection between the Server and the Access Switch and Distribution Switch is like a large pipe that can transmit a large amount of data (Switch Capacity). Fiber Optic Cable) Technically explained that core switches work on Layer 3, make access lists to route across VLANs to be used as trunks or uplinks to each access switch or even server directly.

2. Distribution Switch is used as an interconnection medium for transmitting data between multiple Access Switches to the Core Switch. It is like a medium-sized pipe, capable of transmitting data less than the Core Switch but higher than the Access Switch. The cable used for data transmission is usually UTP cable and fiber optic cable. It operates on Layer 3 and may have redundancy capability.

3. Access Switch or Edge Switch is used as an interconnection medium to transmit data to end devices. It is like a small pipe for data transmission. The signal cable used to transmit data is usually a LAN cable (UTP Cable). In a small network, an Access Switch may be used to connect the main network between the Server and Router/Gateway. Access Switch works on Layer 2 (Managed), some models work on Layer 3, used to define the VLAN of each port to connect to the destination device such as Access Point, Computor, Printer, IP Phone, IP Camera, etc.

What is the difference between Unmanaged and Managed Network Switches?

1. Unmanaged Network Switch is a standard network switch whose main function is to increase the number of ports (Ethernet Port) to the network network. unable to manage Easy to use, no need to set up, just plug and play, it's cheap.

2. Managed Network Switch is a network switch used for control. and manage more efficient Has more advanced functions, with built-in Dashboard or built-in interface, often used to connect to a Web Browser for setting up again, allowing users who are admins or IT departments to have tools for monitoring Or check the status of all network traffic while the traffic is running, including other interesting features such as access control, port mirroring, redundancy, device priority management, and Many other things. Managed Network Switch can be designed to work as a flexible manual or Smart Switch that is easier to use. It can be used for systems that require high availability, system stability, and high cost.

What is PoE Network Switch?
Network Switch, a Managed Network Switch or Unmanaged Network Switch, if it is a model with PoE (Power over Ethernet), in addition to transmitting data, there is also a power supply from each port. If the terminal devices connected to the network are PoE-enabled, there is no need to wire the power to the terminal devices such as VOIP IP Phones, IP Cameras, RFID Reader, etc.