Network switch What is a network switch?
A network switch is networking hardware that connects wired devices on a network by using packet switching to receive and intelligently forward data to the destination device. It is a crucial component in modern networking infrastructure. It serves as a central point to which all devices in a network can connect. Switches manage the flow of data across the network by receiving incoming data packets and determining the appropriate destination based on MAC addresses.
A network switch is an essential device for connecting multiple devices within a network, ensuring efficient data transfer, and managing network traffic. The choice of switch depends on various factors, including network size, required features, budget, and future growth considerations. Understanding these factors will help you select the right switch for your specific needs.
- A network switch explained
- Why network switches?
- What a network switch connects
- Types of network switches
- Where a network switch is used
- Where a half-width switch is used
- How do I choose a network switch vendor?
A network switch explained
A network switch (often called an Ethernet switch) is essential networking hardware that provides wired connectivity to other networking equipment and devices using packet switching to receive and intelligently forward data to the destination device.
Network switches transmit packets using their physical ports over fiber or copper twisted-pair cabling to connect access points, IoT devices, computers, and other network equipment. They range in size from compact layer 2 Ethernet switches to large, high density modular switches with hundreds of ports supporting speeds up to 100GbE and deliver features such as Power over Ethernet (PoE), Layer 3 routing, high availability (HA), and built-in analytics.
How do network switches help address network requirements?
When evaluating solutions, first understand your network requirements and also consider that the best network switch may be part of a broader solution. For example, automation, embedded analytics, HA, and secure segmentation are designed into HPE Aruba Networking CX switches with HPE Aruba Networking Central delivering a unified, single view of the network that maximizes operational efficiency across enterprise networks.
Network requirements | How a network switch addresses it |
|---|---|
| Deployment: Know how and where the network switch will be deployed. | Switch features are based on specific requirements of data center, campus, branch offices, SMBs, and home office networks. Features are also based on access, aggregation, core, and spine and leaf switch requirements. |
| Form factor: Determine network size, density, and space constraints. | Fixed switches are 1U rack height with network ports built-in, typically support a maximum of 48 access ports, and may offer modular power supplies and fans. Modular chassis’ support hundreds of ports, allow network port customization with line cards, and often support redundant fabric, fans, and power supplies. |
| Performance: Determine network performance and user experience requirements with consideration for future network growth. | Switch port speeds of 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), Multi-gigabit Ethernet (2.5 and 5 GbE), 10 GbE, 25 GbE, 40 GbE, 50 GbE, and 100 GbE connectivity are available. Non-blocking architectures help maximize switch throughput. |
| Availability: Determine business requirements for network uptime. | High availability can be delivered by both software and hardware with features like live upgrades that provide uninterrupted access during software updates, switch stacking, and redundant and hot-swappable power supplies, fans, and line cards. |
| Power over Ethernet (PoE): Calculate how many network devices such as access points require PoE power. | PoE technology allows PoE switches to use twisted-pair cable for both data and electrical power. PoE switches can support up to 15, 30, 60 and even 90 watts per port with total PoE limited by switch PoE power budget. |
| Segmentation: Plan segmentation strategy to keep traffic securely separated. | Switches that support dynamic segmentation help automate configuration and enforcement of user- and device-based policies across an enterprise. Support of EVPN-VXLAN allows creation of a network fabric that extends layer 2 connectivity as a network overlay over an existing physical network, providing even more operational simplicity and security. |
| Automation and analytics: Evaluate solutions to speed troubleshooting and resolve issues. | Network switches supported by unified cloud management that have analytics built-in can instantly alert operators to potential problems, help identify trends, pre-empt future problems, and make smarter design decisions, ultimately reducing costs and improving user experiences. |
| Management: Determine network management operations. | Switch management options include CLI, web GUI, on-premises, and cloud-based management. Using a single pane of glass management for all network infrastructure devices can simplify IT operations with AI insights, security, and unified infrastructure management for campus, branch, remote, and data center networks. |
