This is an essential part of a local network (Local Area Network – LAN). commutator. To connect local network computers, wires and a hub or switch are most often used, which perform the functions of a common connection point for various devices.
Complex modern networks cannot exist without data network switches, where it is important to ensure efficient data transmission between devices and optimize network performance.
How does the switch work?
As we have already found out, the computer network switch is a device used to connect computers and other network devices to a single network. Because computer networks can include multiple computers and devices that communicate with each other simultaneously, a switch can help increase network efficiency by ensuring that information is sent only where it is needed.
A switch acts as an intermediary between devices on a network, controlling data transmission between them. When a computer needs to send information to another computer, it sends the data packet to a switch, where it is processed and sent only to the computer for which the information is intended.
Switches can be both physical and logical. Physical switches are individual devices that are connected to other devices in a network, while logical switches are software solutions that are used to simulate the functionality of a switch.
What does a commutator consist of?
A switch is often called a multi-port bridge. A commutator usually consists of several important components:
- Ports: The switch has multiple ports that allow multiple devices to be connected. Typically, switches have at least four ports, but can have hundreds of ports, depending on the size and functionality of the device;
- Processor: The switch has a built-in microprocessor that processes and sends data packets between ports;
- RAM and ROM: RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory) are types of memory used in a switch to store data and configuration information;
- Arp cache: The ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) cache is a table maintained by a switch that stores MAC addresses and their assigned IP addresses to facilitate sending a data packet to the correct device;
- Backplane: The backplane of a switch is the technology that enables data transmission between all ports;
- Software: The switch software is the operating system that enables the configuration and management of the switch.
The number of switch components may vary depending on the size and functionality of the device.
What determines the price difference for switches?
The price of a switch is influenced by the device’s features, capacity, manufacturer, quality and support services.
Cheaper switches may only offer basic features and will have limited capacity, number of ports and support services. They can be used in small home networks where a large amount of data transmission is not required.
More expensive switches may offer additional features, such as the ability to configure and monitor network activity, as well as greater capacity and more ports.
Can you do without a commutator?
If you only have one computer and you want to access the Internet, then you can connect the computer directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable. If you have, for example, only two computers in your home office, then you can use a direct connection between them, also using an Ethernet cable. In this case, you can create a network by connecting the computers via an Ethernet cable and set the IP addresses manually.
However, if you have multiple computers and want to create a network with multiple connections and multiple devices, a switch may be necessary to ensure data transmission is efficient.
Is a switch needed if there is a WiFi network?
If there is a WiFi network and all the devices accessing the network are wireless, then there is probably no need to install a switch. A WiFi router usually provides network management and device connectivity.
However, if multiple devices need to be wired together and a more stable connection is required, then a switch may be required.
220.lv offers a diverse range of switches for setting up various internet networks and their efficient operation.
2023-04-29 05:02:33
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