What is the name of the switch that connects. How to choose a network switch (switch, switch, English switch)

InSAT company is a reliable supplier of modern equipment for industrial automation. Our catalog contains network switches from the world's leading manufacturers. We sell Ethernet SWITCH brands Advantech, Korenix, MOXA. Managed, unmanaged, optical, modular and other types of switches are always available for order.

Purpose of industrial switches

A network switch is designed to form a local network. The device connects several computers into a single segment and provides packet transfer of information between operators. Another name for a switch is Ethernet SWITCH. It comes from the English jargon “switch” - switch.

Ethernet switches are designed using bridge technology. They have several ports designed to connect computers and other industrial equipment. To connect two or more networks, routers are used, in other words - routers. Switches are similar in structure to hubs. But the Ethernet SWITCH sends the data directly to the recipient, while the hub passes the information to everyone else.

Industrial switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model. They unite computers by MAC addresses. These are unique identifiers assigned to each operator. The devices improve the performance and security of the local network. Functions of industrial switches:

• organization of a virtual network,
• merging a group of channels,
• network traffic monitoring,
• port configuration management.

How to buy an Ethernet switch?

To purchase a network switch, add the item to your cart and fill out the electronic form. When choosing industrial equipment, pay attention to the technical characteristics:

• number of ports,
• interface features,
• data transmission range,
• connector type,
• supply voltage,
• Operating temperature range,
• installation method.

Find out more detailed information about the presented models from a consultant at the specified phone number. An employee will answer all questions, help you make a choice and tell you about the terms of payment and delivery.

Managed Switches Managed network switches allow you to manage data transfer at the network (third) layer of the OSI model. These switches can be managed using a Web interface, SNMP, RMON, etc. protocols.

Unmanaged switches Unmanaged network switches. These are simple switches designed to connect several computer network nodes within one or more segments.

Extended Temperature Range Switches Managed and unmanaged network switches with an extended operating temperature range. Suitable for use outdoors and in unheated rooms.

Optical switches (switch with optical port) Optical network switches - switches with optical ports that combine the functions of a network switch and media converter for switching from copper wires to optical ones

Connecting the Internet to an apartment or private house always raises many questions. To begin with, we choose an Internet provider if there are plenty to choose from. Then we take a closer look at the tariffs, and only then try to find out how a switch differs from a router.

Equipment

Both devices belong to the category They are designed for the operation of computer networks. These include not only a switch and router, but also a hub, patch panel, etc. Anything can be assigned to one of the groups: active or passive. You need to understand what the difference between them is.

Active

These devices are built on electronic circuits that receive electrical power. Such equipment is designed to amplify and convert the signal. The main characteristic is the use of special algorithms for processing. What does it mean?

The Internet network works with batch sending of files. Each such set has its own technical parameters: this includes materials about its sources, purposes, data integrity, etc. These indicators make it possible to transfer packets to the desired address.

The active device not only finds the signal, but also processes these technical parameters. It directs them through streams in accordance with built-in algorithms. This ability allows the device to be called as such.

Passive

This group does not receive the necessary power from the electrical network. Works with distribution and reduction of signal levels. Such devices can easily include cables, plug and socket, balun, patch panel. Some attribute this to telecommunication cabinets, cable trays, etc.

Variety

Since the network is active mainly thanks to the first group of devices, we will talk about it. This includes ten devices of different types. For example, a network adapter that is located in the computer itself. Network equipment of this type is now found in all PCs and helps connect to a LAN.

The repeater should also be included here. The device has two ports and works with signal duplication. Thus, it helps to increase the size of the network segment. A concentrator is also an active piece of equipment, sometimes called a hub. It operates with 4-32 channels and serves for the interaction of all participants in the network.

Well, finally, we come to the question of how a switch differs from a router. Although besides them, there is also a repeater, media converter, bridge and network transceiver.

Router

So let's start with this device. People simply call it a router. It serves to forward packets between different network segments. At the same time, it is guided by the rules and the Device connects networks with different architectures. In order to carry out the process correctly, it studies the typology and determines the rules that the administrator has set.

To understand the question of how a switch differs from a router, it is important to understand the operating principles of one and the other device. So, the router first studies information about the recipient: looks at his address and the name of the set. Then it goes to the routing table and identifies the path for file transfer. If the tables do not contain the necessary information, data packets are discarded.

Sometimes other methods may be used to select the desired path. For example, the sender's address, upper-level protocols and all data that is hidden behind the name of the set are studied.

Routers interact with address translation, filter transit streams according to prescribed rules, and encrypt or decrypt transmitted files.

Switch

A network switch or switch is a device that interacts with the connection of several PC network nodes. The entire process does not extend beyond several or one part of the network.

This equipment also belongs to the active group. It operates at the OSI data link layer. Since the switch was initially configured to work with bridge parameters, it can be considered as a multiport bridge. To combine several lines at the network level, a router is used.

The switch has no control over the propagation of traffic from one gadget to the rest. It conveys information only to the right person. The process has good performance and ensures the security of the Internet network.

The switch's job is to store a switch table and use it to determine the mappings between MAC addresses. When the equipment is connected, the table is empty and is filled in as the device learns itself.

Files that arrive on one of the ports are immediately sent over other channels. The device begins to examine the frames and, after determining the sender's addresses, temporarily enters the information into the archive. When a port receives a frame whose address has already been recorded, it will be transmitted along the path specified in the configuration.

Difference

How is a switch different from a router? At first glance, it is definitely worth saying that the main differences between these devices lie in the principles of operation. There is a rather interesting analogy that easily explains the difference.

Let's say we have a corporate mail server. The employee sent a file that should reach the recipient through an internal or local delivery system. In this case, the switch is a mail server, and the router is a local one.

What we have? The switch does not analyze the content of mail and its type. It stores a list of all employees of the company, the addresses of their offices. Therefore, its main task is to transfer mail to a specific recipient.

In this whole story, the router works as a postman delivering information to people who work outside the company. He checks the contents and can independently change the delivery rules if any additional information is found in the letter.

The disadvantage of a router compared to a switch lies in the difficult and costly administration. Specialists who work with this equipment must master a huge number of parameters. In this case, the configuration must always be consistent with another configuration on the network.

conclusions

Most companies are trying to modernize their network, so they replace outdated equipment with a switch between routers and networks. New devices help improve productivity, while their older counterparts continue to improve security.

Setting up a router and switch is not easy. It is better for the average user not to go here at all. When setting up a home network, specialists come to install this equipment and configure it at the same time. This process is not easy. It is individual for each provider and specific network.

If any failures occur, then you need to contact your Internet provider, because if there are problems with the setup, then you will not be able to cope without it.

A network switch or switch (from English switch) is a device that performs the function of a “smart” connection of several local network nodes within one segment. Unlike a hub, which distributes traffic from one connected device to all others, a switch transmits data only directly to the destination. The exception is broadcast traffic (to MAC address FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF) to all network nodes. This improves network performance and security by freeing other network segments from having to process data that was not intended for them.

The switch operates at the second link layer of the OSI model, and in general can only unite hosts of the same network by their MAC addresses. Switches have been designed using bridge technologies and are often thought of as multiport bridges. Routers are used to connect multiple networks based on the network layer.

Operating principle of the switch

The switch stores a switching table in non-volatile memory, which contains pairs of MAC address matches to the switch port node. When the switch is first started, this table is empty and the device operates in learning mode. In this mode, data arriving on any port is transmitted to all other ports of the switch. Then the switch analyzes the frames and, having found out the sender’s MAC address, stores it in a table.

In the future, if a frame for a specific recipient whose MAC address is already in the table arrives at one of the switch ports, the package is sent through the port specified in the table. If the destination MAC address is not associated with any switch port, then the frame is forwarded to all ports. After some time, the switch builds a complete table for all ports, as a result of which the traffic is localized. It is worth noting the low latency and high forwarding speed on each interface port.

Switch (from the Latin “to change, change”) has several meanings. This term is used in mathematics, computer and telephone networks, and technology. In this article we will take a closer look at what a switch is and why it is needed.

Automotive switch

In technical industries, this is a device (switch, distributor) that, by turning on, switching or turning off, ensures the selection of the required circuit and connects the input circuit to it. Every vehicle has a switch. In automotive practice, switches are more often used as separate devices. They can test elements in the ignition system, automatically adjust the ignition timing when the car switches from gasoline to gas, etc. Modern switches are equipped with an emergency operation mode.

Network switch

Network switch and switch are the same term. What is a switch used for? For example, you have two computers at home, each with a network card. To connect them into a network, a crossover cable is required. What to do if you purchased one or more computers and need to combine them into one network?

The best solution to this issue would be to purchase a network switch. It unites various network devices such as computers, servers connected to them into a single network segment. Simply put, all devices connected to the switch will be able to “communicate” with each other. When shopping for a switch, you may also come across the terms hub and router. Some people think they are the same thing. Yes, they are similar, but there are still differences. And they cannot be ignored.

Let's take a quick look at the difference between a hub and a router. A hub is the simplest and cheapest device that connects computers into a small network. A network switch does the same thing, but much more efficiently. Possessing some “intelligence”, information is transmitted to a specific recipient using a mac address. A router is an intelligent device that connects two or more networks. With its help, several computers are connected to the Internet. More expensive.

A router takes into account multiple paths to transmit information. Also blocks radio transmissions, providing a higher level of security than a switch. It can adjust the work on the network, protect it by filtering packets and determining which ones to block and which ones to let through. You can do it yourself, but for a more accurate diagnosis it is better to consult a specialist.

It is necessary to calculate how much traffic will be transmitted over the network. For example, if you need to regularly back up several tens or even hundreds of gigabytes of information from several computers, it would be wise to purchase a switch with 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) ports. For small volumes of traffic, a 100 Mbit switch (Fast Ethernet) will be sufficient.

In addition, you need to consider what speed the network adapters of computers and other devices on the network support. If the vast majority of devices are equipped with 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network adapters, then buying a gigabit switch does not make sense. However, it should be noted that all modern computer motherboards are equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet interface.

Internal Bandwidth

The internal throughput of a switch indicates how much traffic the switch can handle during peak periods on all ports. This characteristic should not be confused with the total throughput of all ports in duplex mode. Internal bandwidth may be lower, especially on switches with a large number of ports.

For example, a 16-port Fast Ethernet switch has a total duplex port capacity of: 16 (number of ports) x 100 Mbps x 2 (duplex) = 3.2 Gbps. If the switch's internal bandwidth is less than 3.2 Gbps, it will not cope well with peak loads and may freeze.

Availability of expansion slots

Some switch models have one or more expansion slots for installing modules with additional interfaces. Such modules are purchased separately. These could be, for example, Gigabit Ethernet modules using twisted pair or fiber optic cable.

IEEE 802.1p support (traffic prioritization)

If the switch will be used in a network where, for example, streaming video from surveillance cameras is key, then having a traffic prioritization function (Priority tags) is highly desirable. This will give streaming video packets the highest priority, and the switch will process and transmit these packets first, resulting in live video streaming without delays or interruptions.