Network switch

You want to connect several computers or other digital devices in a local network? The devices should be able to exchange data with each other? A network switch takes over this task. Find out here which functions a network switch takes on and what you should pay attention to when buying one.

What are network switches?

In our everyday life we are surrounded by more and more computers, laptops, mobile tablets and other digital devices. We use them not only at home, but also in offices, in administration and in numerous industrial processes. The more devices are to participate in a network, the more difficult their network integration becomes. After all, transferring information via CD, DVD or USB stick is now considered to be very time-consuming and cumbersome. This problem used to be solved by using so-called hubs, but these have now almost all been replaced by intelligent network switches. Coupling elements within computer networks that connect the network segments to one another are therefore referred to as switches or network switches. The devices represent the main node of a network. This is very useful in many situations, for example:

  • in an industrial network in which sensors monitor automated processes and transmit measurement data to a control center
  • in a company or office complex with a large number of computers, network printers and other digital devices
  • in a local home network, which consists of computers, laptops, tablets and smart TVs, for example
  • in a video surveillance system with computer and many cameras

 

Of course, there are numerous other use cases. These devices are often also referred to as network switches or distributors. When it comes to network switches, we basically differentiate between layer 2 switches and layer 3 switches or even higher switches.

What is the difference between Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 switches?

The Layer 2 switches are usually simpler models and have basic functions. These Layer 2 devices are usually available without management functions, but can have functions such as port blocking or statistics calculation.

 


TIP:

To increase bandwidth, you can combine two or more physical ports into one logical port. This is called bundling or Etherchannel.


 

How does a layer 2 switch work?

The switch receives data from devices that access it. A switching table is thus gradually filled with subscriber addresses. On subsequent accesses, the switch reads the address of the sending device. By evaluating the routing table, it is determined to which device the data should be sent. The other devices in the network are not affected by this transaction. If the switch does not find a recipient address in its table, the data is transmitted to all connected devices with the exception of the sender. As soon as the correct recipient replies to the data transmission, this also receives a new entry in the routing table. In the case of future data transfers with the same node address, the switch can carry out the transfer in a targeted manner. Sending is no longer done in bulk, which relieves the network.

What else does a layer 3 switch offer?

The professional Layer 3 switches or even higher switches usually have management functions such as additional control options and monitoring tasks. These include, among other things:

  • QoS – Quality of Service is the use of mechanisms or technologies to control traffic and ensure the performance of critical applications with limited network capacity.
  • VLAN – Virtual Local Area Network combines individual groups of network participants and isolates the data traffic for each group. They subdivide a physical switch into multiple logical (virtual) switches.
  • Port Mirroring - This refers to the forwarding of network traffic from a switch port directly to another port.
  • Limitation of data transmission rates for individual ports

 

The term port

Network devices connect to a switch through the port. The port is the connection interface for the data cable and can be configured taking into account the network architecture, speed and functionality.


Layer 3 switches are used in complex and branched networks.

How can I use the management functions of my layer 3 switch?

If you want to configure or control your network switch with management functions, this is possible depending on the manufacturer of the device as follows:

  • via a command line (Telnet or SSH)
  • via a web interface
  • via special control software

 

Modern network switches are designed in such a way that there are no data collisions when two or more network participants are sending at the same time. The speed and duplex mode can be negotiated independently at each port of a switch.

What is the difference between switches and hubs?

Not so long ago, hubs were widespread. These devices work according to a simple distribution principle and forward the received network traffic to all connected devices without exception. The addressing described above is not implemented in a hub. As the volume of data increased, this caused major problems with the speed of the networks and data transmission. As new computers were added to the network, the risk of transmission errors increased. The use of network switches eliminated these problems.

Are switches and routers the same thing?

While a switch is more functional than a hub, a router offers even more functionality. Routers are not only responsible for distributing data traffic to network participants. These also take over the communication between different networks with different architectures. The data and information are forwarded according to the parameters set by the administrator when configuring the router. By dividing forwarding addresses and filtering data packets, you can use a router to reduce the network load. It is possible to organize Internet access by combining Ethernet network and WAN connections. In this case, a router also takes on the role of a firewall and offers a certain level of data security. In this respect, any computer could take on the task of a router. A prerequisite for this would be an installed and specially configured routing software.

What are the special features of industrial Ethernet switches?

You will find industrial Ethernet switches at eibabo®. The network switches must be prepared for these special, specific requirements in industry and production. These industrial switches are designed for the specific different network connections in the industry:

  • distribution of energy
  • Monitoring and control of security functions
  • many other uses

 

What should I consider when buying a network switch?

Here in the shop you can get numerous models, which differ in functionality as well as in price. When choosing the right device, you should consider the following key features.

transfer rate

You will typically find this information in the product descriptions of the switches. Multiple speeds are often specified. Concentrate on the highest value. This represents the maximum for this device. If data arrives at the switch at a lower rate than this maximum, it automatically adjusts to it. Current models operate at speeds of 10/20/100/200/1000/2000 Mbps (megabits per second). Consider the characteristics of your network and the devices it contains. Not all devices are able to send the highest transmission rates.

 


Notice

As a rule, other speeds (up to the specified maximum) can be set on each port of the switch. Just use your devices as a guide.


 

number of ports

We currently offer network switches with up to 48 ports. When purchasing, please consider not only the number and performance of the current devices. Consider a future expansion of the network. Experience has shown that network switches with up to 16 ports are sufficient for use at home. In the commercial environment it can make sense to select the maximum available number of ports.

installation

You get desk switches. These are compact, perfect for small networks and quick to install. Wall mount models are similar. These have mounting devices for vertical surfaces. Models are also available for installation in a standard 19-inch rack and for the DIN rail.

management function

We have already reported on the differences in the possibility of managing additional functions. Choose a model according to your ideas. Unmanaged switches are usually compact, inexpensive and sufficient for home networks. Managed switches are suitable for branched networks. However, their configuration requires special knowledge and experience.

Source: eibabo®, Hager TN530 PoE switchImage: Hager TN530 PoE switch

PoE support

PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a convenient function and enables power to be supplied via the network cable. Additional power cables are not necessary. This does not affect the quality of the data transmission. Choose such a switch if you need to power devices directly through the network cable.

SFP ports

You need a switch with these ports if you need to connect the device to other switches or parent devices. It is a standardized transceiver module that enables network connections with Gbit/s speeds.

Notice

An SFP is just a hot-swappable, small metal component. You must first install a transceiver module in it, which in turn will allow non-standard connections (for example, via fiber optics).


energy saving function

Intelligent switches monitor the connected devices and detect inactive ports. These are temporarily put into sleep mode to save power.

VLAN support

Choose a model with VLAN support if you want to group traffic and need a logical distinction between sections of the local network. The segmentation can be done according to your needs.

stacking support

A stack is a network solution consisting of several stackable switches. These behave like a single device. The function is required if you need to provide more than 48 ports.

Protection against attacks

Many types of cyber attacks are aimed at overloading online services, servers or entire networks. Models with appropriate protection recognize overload attacks and switch off in good time so that the network remains stable.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Data and telecommunication > Network switch you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Automation
  • Base unit
  • Empty chassis
  • Metal body
  • Network distributor
  • Network switch
  • Network technology
  • Power supply


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Network switch:

  • DLink
  • Eaton
  • Fränkische
  • Grothe
  • Hager
  • Harting
  • Hirschmann
  • Homeway
  • Jung
  • LANCOM Systems
  • Metz
  • Microsens
  • Mobotix
  • Murrelektronik
  • Phoenix
  • Rutenbeck
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Sphinx
  • Televes
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller


 
You want to connect several computers or other digital devices in a local network? The devices should be able to exchange data with each other? A network switch takes over this task. Find out here... read more »
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Network Switch - For unrestricted data exchange

You want to connect several computers or other digital devices in a local network? The devices should be able to exchange data with each other? A network switch takes over this task. Find out here which functions a network switch takes on and what you should pay attention to when buying one.

What are network switches?

In our everyday life we are surrounded by more and more computers, laptops, mobile tablets and other digital devices. We use them not only at home, but also in offices, in administration and in numerous industrial processes. The more devices are to participate in a network, the more difficult their network integration becomes. After all, transferring information via CD, DVD or USB stick is now considered to be very time-consuming and cumbersome. This problem used to be solved by using so-called hubs, but these have now almost all been replaced by intelligent network switches. Coupling elements within computer networks that connect the network segments to one another are therefore referred to as switches or network switches. The devices represent the main node of a network. This is very useful in many situations, for example:

  • in an industrial network in which sensors monitor automated processes and transmit measurement data to a control center
  • in a company or office complex with a large number of computers, network printers and other digital devices
  • in a local home network, which consists of computers, laptops, tablets and smart TVs, for example
  • in a video surveillance system with computer and many cameras

 

Of course, there are numerous other use cases. These devices are often also referred to as network switches or distributors. When it comes to network switches, we basically differentiate between layer 2 switches and layer 3 switches or even higher switches.

What is the difference between Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 switches?

The Layer 2 switches are usually simpler models and have basic functions. These Layer 2 devices are usually available without management functions, but can have functions such as port blocking or statistics calculation.

 


TIP:

To increase bandwidth, you can combine two or more physical ports into one logical port. This is called bundling or Etherchannel.


 

How does a layer 2 switch work?

The switch receives data from devices that access it. A switching table is thus gradually filled with subscriber addresses. On subsequent accesses, the switch reads the address of the sending device. By evaluating the routing table, it is determined to which device the data should be sent. The other devices in the network are not affected by this transaction. If the switch does not find a recipient address in its table, the data is transmitted to all connected devices with the exception of the sender. As soon as the correct recipient replies to the data transmission, this also receives a new entry in the routing table. In the case of future data transfers with the same node address, the switch can carry out the transfer in a targeted manner. Sending is no longer done in bulk, which relieves the network.

What else does a layer 3 switch offer?

The professional Layer 3 switches or even higher switches usually have management functions such as additional control options and monitoring tasks. These include, among other things:

  • QoS – Quality of Service is the use of mechanisms or technologies to control traffic and ensure the performance of critical applications with limited network capacity.
  • VLAN – Virtual Local Area Network combines individual groups of network participants and isolates the data traffic for each group. They subdivide a physical switch into multiple logical (virtual) switches.
  • Port Mirroring - This refers to the forwarding of network traffic from a switch port directly to another port.
  • Limitation of data transmission rates for individual ports

 

The term port

Network devices connect to a switch through the port. The port is the connection interface for the data cable and can be configured taking into account the network architecture, speed and functionality.


Layer 3 switches are used in complex and branched networks.

How can I use the management functions of my layer 3 switch?

If you want to configure or control your network switch with management functions, this is possible depending on the manufacturer of the device as follows:

  • via a command line (Telnet or SSH)
  • via a web interface
  • via special control software

 

Modern network switches are designed in such a way that there are no data collisions when two or more network participants are sending at the same time. The speed and duplex mode can be negotiated independently at each port of a switch.

What is the difference between switches and hubs?

Not so long ago, hubs were widespread. These devices work according to a simple distribution principle and forward the received network traffic to all connected devices without exception. The addressing described above is not implemented in a hub. As the volume of data increased, this caused major problems with the speed of the networks and data transmission. As new computers were added to the network, the risk of transmission errors increased. The use of network switches eliminated these problems.

Are switches and routers the same thing?

While a switch is more functional than a hub, a router offers even more functionality. Routers are not only responsible for distributing data traffic to network participants. These also take over the communication between different networks with different architectures. The data and information are forwarded according to the parameters set by the administrator when configuring the router. By dividing forwarding addresses and filtering data packets, you can use a router to reduce the network load. It is possible to organize Internet access by combining Ethernet network and WAN connections. In this case, a router also takes on the role of a firewall and offers a certain level of data security. In this respect, any computer could take on the task of a router. A prerequisite for this would be an installed and specially configured routing software.

What are the special features of industrial Ethernet switches?

You will find industrial Ethernet switches at eibabo®. The network switches must be prepared for these special, specific requirements in industry and production. These industrial switches are designed for the specific different network connections in the industry:

  • distribution of energy
  • Monitoring and control of security functions
  • many other uses

 

What should I consider when buying a network switch?

Here in the shop you can get numerous models, which differ in functionality as well as in price. When choosing the right device, you should consider the following key features.

transfer rate

You will typically find this information in the product descriptions of the switches. Multiple speeds are often specified. Concentrate on the highest value. This represents the maximum for this device. If data arrives at the switch at a lower rate than this maximum, it automatically adjusts to it. Current models operate at speeds of 10/20/100/200/1000/2000 Mbps (megabits per second). Consider the characteristics of your network and the devices it contains. Not all devices are able to send the highest transmission rates.

 


Notice

As a rule, other speeds (up to the specified maximum) can be set on each port of the switch. Just use your devices as a guide.


 

number of ports

We currently offer network switches with up to 48 ports. When purchasing, please consider not only the number and performance of the current devices. Consider a future expansion of the network. Experience has shown that network switches with up to 16 ports are sufficient for use at home. In the commercial environment it can make sense to select the maximum available number of ports.

installation

You get desk switches. These are compact, perfect for small networks and quick to install. Wall mount models are similar. These have mounting devices for vertical surfaces. Models are also available for installation in a standard 19-inch rack and for the DIN rail.

management function

We have already reported on the differences in the possibility of managing additional functions. Choose a model according to your ideas. Unmanaged switches are usually compact, inexpensive and sufficient for home networks. Managed switches are suitable for branched networks. However, their configuration requires special knowledge and experience.

Source: eibabo®, Hager TN530 PoE switchImage: Hager TN530 PoE switch

PoE support

PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a convenient function and enables power to be supplied via the network cable. Additional power cables are not necessary. This does not affect the quality of the data transmission. Choose such a switch if you need to power devices directly through the network cable.

SFP ports

You need a switch with these ports if you need to connect the device to other switches or parent devices. It is a standardized transceiver module that enables network connections with Gbit/s speeds.

Notice

An SFP is just a hot-swappable, small metal component. You must first install a transceiver module in it, which in turn will allow non-standard connections (for example, via fiber optics).


energy saving function

Intelligent switches monitor the connected devices and detect inactive ports. These are temporarily put into sleep mode to save power.

VLAN support

Choose a model with VLAN support if you want to group traffic and need a logical distinction between sections of the local network. The segmentation can be done according to your needs.

stacking support

A stack is a network solution consisting of several stackable switches. These behave like a single device. The function is required if you need to provide more than 48 ports.

Protection against attacks

Many types of cyber attacks are aimed at overloading online services, servers or entire networks. Models with appropriate protection recognize overload attacks and switch off in good time so that the network remains stable.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Data and telecommunication > Network switch you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Automation
  • Base unit
  • Empty chassis
  • Metal body
  • Network distributor
  • Network switch
  • Network technology
  • Power supply


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Network switch:

  • DLink
  • Eaton
  • Fränkische
  • Grothe
  • Hager
  • Harting
  • Hirschmann
  • Homeway
  • Jung
  • LANCOM Systems
  • Metz
  • Microsens
  • Mobotix
  • Murrelektronik
  • Phoenix
  • Rutenbeck
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Sphinx
  • Televes
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller
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