Overview Network switch

a switch device in computer network connects other devices. multiple data cables plugged switch enable communication between different networked devices. switches manage flow of data across network transmitting received network packet 1 or more devices packet intended. each networked device connected switch can identified network address, allowing switch direct flow of traffic maximizing security , efficiency of network.

a switch more intelligent ethernet hub, retransmits packets out of every port of hub except port on packet received, unable distinguish different recipients, , achieving overall lower network efficiency.

an ethernet switch operates @ data link layer (layer 2) of osi model create separate collision domain each switch port. each device connected switch port can transfer data of other ports @ time , transmissions not interfere. because broadcasts still being forwarded connected devices switch, newly formed network segment continues broadcast domain.

segmentation involves use of switch split larger collision domain smaller ones in order reduce collision probability, , improve overall network throughput. in extreme case (i.e. micro-segmentation), each device located on dedicated switch port. in contrast ethernet hub, there separate collision domain on each of switch ports. allows computers have dedicated bandwidth on point-to-point connections network , run in full-duplex mode. full-duplex mode has 1 transmitter , 1 receiver per collision domain, making collisions impossible.

the network switch plays integral role in modern ethernet local area networks (lans). mid-to-large sized lans contain number of linked managed switches. small office/home office (soho) applications typically use single switch, or all-purpose device such residential gateway access small office/home broadband services such dsl or cable internet. in of these cases, end-user device contains router , components interface particular physical broadband technology. user devices may include telephone interface voice on ip (voip).

cite error: there <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on page, references not show without {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see page).