What is an Ethernet Switch?

[VelMurugan]

What is an Ethernet Switch?

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 input signals to the receiving end. An Ethernet switch can be thought of as a device that makes temporary crossover cable connections between computers that want to communicate. Just like crossover cables, switches do not suffer from the problem of collisions.

However, it should be noted that the actual cables used are "straight through". The crossover function is done inside of the switch.

Since separate wires are used for sending and receiving, switches support operation in full duplex mode. This mode allows devices to send and receive data at the same time.

Advantages over Hubs

As mentioned above, switches are intelligent devices that can read the data packets that pass through them. By storing the MAC address of each host and its corresponding port in a table, switches ensure that bandwidth is not wasted by intelligently directing traffic. Hubs are dumb devices that do not do any processing.

Unlike hubs, switches are modern, fast, and support full-duplex operation. In short, they are much better.