Network switch

A network switch (sometimes known as a switching hub) is a computer networking device that is used
to connect devices together on a computer network by performing a form of packet switching. A switch
is considered more advanced than a hub because a switch will only send a message to the device that
needs or requests it, rather than broadcasting the same message out of each of its ports.
A switch is a multi-port network bridge that processes and forwards data at the data link layer (layer 2)
of the !" model. !ome switches have additional features, including the ability to route packets. #hese
switches are commonly known as layer-$ or multilayer switches. !witches e%ist for various types of
networks including &ibre 'hannel, Asynchronous #ransfer (ode, "nfini)and, *thernet and others. #he
first *thernet switch was introduced by +alpana in ,--..
Network design
An *thernet switch operates at the data link layer of the !" model to create a separate collision
domain for each switch port. /ith four computers (e.g., A, ), ' and 0) on four switch ports, any pair
(e.g. A and )) can transfer data back and forth while the other pair (e.g. ' and 0) also do so
simultaneously, and the two conversations will not interfere with one another. "n full duple% mode,
these pairs can also overlap (e.g. A transmits to ), simultaneously ) to ', and so on). "n the case of
using a repeater hub, they would all share the bandwidth and run in half duple%, resulting in collisions
which would require retransmissions.
Applications
#he network switch plays an integral part in most modern *thernet local area networks (1A2s). (id-
to-large si3ed 1A2s contain a number of linked managed switches. !mall office4home office (!5)
applications typically use a single switch, or an all-purpose converged device such as a residential
gateway to access small office4home broadband services such as 0!1 or cable "nternet. "n most of
these cases, the end-user device contains a router and components that interface to the particular
physical broadband technology. 6ser devices may also include a telephone interface for 7o"8.