What is an Ethernet Switch?
An Ethernet switch is a network switch that transmits data at Ethernet standard rates. An Ethernet is a collection of computer networking tools brought together with a specific set of standards. A network switch is another term for a device that connects different parts of a computer network together. Developed in 1980, Ethernet networks are based on the IEEE 802.3 standard. The Ethernet model has replaced the token ring and Arcnet models of local area networks. An Ethernet switch must be able to transmit data at a specific level in order to ensure the connected computers and devices all function properly. In order to be considered an Ethernet network, the switches and hubs must carry either 10/100 Megabits per second (Mbit/s) or 10/100/1000 Mbit/s ports. Ethernet switches are also available in larger sizes, up to 10 Gigabites per second (Gbit/s) ports. It is important to remember that while both switches and hubs must be able to meet the basic standard, switches can have multiple port
A switch is something that is used to turn on or off various electronic devices. However, in computer networking, a switch is used to connect multiple computers with each other. Since it is an external device it becomes part of the hardware peripherals used in the operation of a computer system. This connection is done within an existing Local Area network (LAN) only and is identical to an Ethernet hub in terms of appearance except with more intelligence. These switches not only receive data packets, but also have the ability to inspect them before passing them on to the next computer. That is, they can figure out the source, the contents of the data, and identify the destination as well. Because of this uniqueness; it sends the data to the relevant connected system only, thereby using less bandwidth at high performance rates.
A switch is something that is used to turn on or off various electronic devices. However, in computer networking, a switch is used to connect multiple computers with each other. Since it is an external device it becomes part of the hardware peripherals used in the operation of a computer system. This connection is done within an existing Local Area network (LAN) only and is identical to an Ethernet hub in terms of appearance except with more intelligence. These switches not only receive data packets, but also have the ability to inspect them before passing them on to the next computer. That is, they can figure out the source, the contents of the data, and identify the destination as well. Because of this uniqueness; it sends the data to the relevant connected system only, thereby using less bandwidth at high performance rates. Ethernet Switches and Crossover Cables The wires in a crossover cable are “crossed” so that output signals from the transmitting device are properly sent as inpu
One might expect to get an crossover cable or Ethernet Hub with a two PC network in a box. A crossover cable has no expandability. A hub or switch is usually used in 100BASE-TX Ethernet to network more than two PCS. Although hubs and switches both glue the PCs in a network together, a switch is more expansive and generally considered faster than a hub. Why? When a hub receives a packet (chunk) of data (a frame in Ethernet lingo) at one of its ports from a PC on the network, it transmits (repeats) the packet to all of its ports and, thus, to all of the other PCs on the network. If two or more PCs on the network try to send packets at the same time a collision is said to occur. When that happens all of the PCs have to go though a routine to resolve the conflict. The process is proscribed in the Ethernet Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol. Each Ethernet Adapter has both a receiver and a transmitter. If the adapters didn’t have to listen with their re
