What is a Switch?
A switch is a central component in a local area network (LAN) that connects multiple devices and enables efficient communication between them. Unlike a router, which manages traffic between networks, a switch handles the forwarding of data packets internally within the same network.
How does a Switch work?
When a device on the network sends data, the switch receives the packets and forwards them only to the intended recipient, based on MAC addresses. This optimizes bandwidth usage and reduces unnecessary traffic.
Types of Switches:
- Unmanaged Switches: Plug-and-play devices with no configuration options, typically used in simpler networks.
- Managed Switches: Allow advanced configuration such as VLANs, QoS (Quality of Service), and port monitoring—standard in enterprise and industrial networks.