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What is a network switch and what does it do?

Need a better network? Make the switch.

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Connecting to the internet can be really simple. If you have one wired device, a modem is sufficient. But most of us have lots of devices - from phones to smart fridges - so we use a router. A router can handle multiple devices by creating a local network - with each device having its own IP address. Lots of us use routers for WiFi, but they have ethernet ports so can be wired in too.

To orchestrate all of this, a router uses a network switch - which lets all the devices on your Local Area Network (LAN) talk to each other. It connects all your devices together, so they can chat and share data packets - which is data that has been divided into pieces that can be put back together when it reaches its destination.

But what types of network switches do you need to know about? Let's break it down for you.

Types of network switches

Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches

Layer 2 switches filter and forward network traffic based on the device's MAC address - which is a 12 digit number unique to that device. It’s called a Layer 2 switch because it deals in data transfer - which is the second layer of something called the OSI Model. You won’t need to know more about, but you can always dazzle your mates with the trivia. Layer 2 switches make sure only the intended devices are talking to each other.

Meanwhile, Layer 3 switches can do everything a Layer 2 switch can, plus they can route data between different sub-networks - which is how one network is broken down into smaller pieces. As well as MAC addresses, they use IP addresses - so devices on different networks can talk to each other.

Most homes and smaller organisations will only need a Layer 2 switch, whereas larger networks with more devices will often do better with a Layer 3 switch. That’s because a large organisation might have lots of different departments that shouldn’t be sharing data by default.

Managed and unmanaged switches

Managed switches offer greater control and ways to set it up, allowing network administrators to monitor and adjust network performance. This is all pretty technical, so is only necessary for really demanding data transfers and organisations with a lot of devices - including computers, printers and lots more. It also allows administrators to fix issues remotely and apply different layers of security to different devices.

Most people will be fine with an an unmanaged switch - since they’re simple plug-and-play devices that don’t need complicated configuration. The downside is that you’re stuck with the manufacturer settings.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) switch

PoE switches have built-in power supply units that provide power to PoE-enabled devices, such as IP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points, over the Ethernet cable.

Local Area Network (LAN) switch

LAN switches connect devices within a local area network (LAN), like a computer, printer and file server. They help provide faster data transfer rates and improve network performance.

Smart switch

A smart switch offers a combination of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, while providing some of the advanced management features of a managed switch.

Modular switch

Modular switches enable administrators to add expansion modules to meet the changing needs of the network, like more ports or faster speeds.

Advantages of using a network switch

  • Increased network performance and efficiency

  • Ability to handle heavier traffic loads

  • Enhance network security and reduce the likelihood of unauthorised access

  • The abilitiy to grow your network and alter it as you do.

Disadvantages of using a network switch

  • Higher cost compared to other network devices, such as hubs or routers.

  • Reduced reliability if the switch fails, which can bring down the entire network connectivity.

  • Managed switches need a higher level of technical expertise to set up and configure.

When choosing a network switch, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each type to determine which switch best fits what you want to use it for. Fortunately, we’ve got network switches from trusted brands - like Netgear network switches, TP-link network switches and Linksys network switches.

Check out our Broadband and netwoking tech for more inspiration. Or become a networking pro with our Home network buying guide.

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