Contributor(s): John Burke, Dominique Brazziel
A network switch is a hardware device that channels incoming data from multiple input ports to a specific output port that will take it toward its intended destination. It is a small device that transfers data packets between multiple network devices such as computers, routers, servers or other switches.
In a local area network (LAN) using Ethernet, a network switch determines where to send each incoming message frame by looking at the physical device address (also known as the Media Access Control address or MAC address). Switches maintain tables that match each MAC address to the port which the MAC address is received.
A network switch operates on the network layer, called layer 2 of the OSI model.
Network device layers
Network devices can be separated by the layer they operate on, defined by the OSI model. The OSI model conceptualizes networks separating protocols by layers. Control is typically passed from one layer to the next. Some layers include:
Layer 1- or the physical layer or below, which can transfer data but cannot manage the traffic coming through it. An example would be Ethernet hubs or cables.
Layer 2- or the data link layer, which uses hardware addresses to receive and forward data. A network switch is an example of what type of device is on layer 2.
Layer 3- or the network layer, which performs similar functions to a router and also supports multiple kinds of physical networks on different ports. Examples include routers or layer 3 switches.
Other layers include layer 4 (the transport layer), layer 5 (the session layer), layer 6 (the presentation layer) and layer 7 (the application layer).
networking switch
How a network switch works
Fundamental concepts of a networking switch.
Switches, physical and virtual, comprise the vast majority of network devices in modern data networks. They provide the wired connections to desktop computers, wireless access points, industrial machinery and some internet of things (IoT) devices such as card entry systems. They interconnect the computers that host virtual machines (VMs) in data centers, as well as the dedicated physical servers, and much of the storage infrastructure. They carry vast amounts of traffic in telecommunications provider networks.
A network switch is a hardware device that channels incoming data from multiple input ports to a specific output port that will take it toward its intended destination. It is a small device that transfers data packets between multiple network devices such as computers, routers, servers or other switches.
In a local area network (LAN) using Ethernet, a network switch determines where to send each incoming message frame by looking at the physical device address (also known as the Media Access Control address or MAC address). Switches maintain tables that match each MAC address to the port which the MAC address is received.
A network switch operates on the network layer, called layer 2 of the OSI model.
Network device layers
Network devices can be separated by the layer they operate on, defined by the OSI model. The OSI model conceptualizes networks separating protocols by layers. Control is typically passed from one layer to the next. Some layers include:
Layer 1- or the physical layer or below, which can transfer data but cannot manage the traffic coming through it. An example would be Ethernet hubs or cables.
Layer 2- or the data link layer, which uses hardware addresses to receive and forward data. A network switch is an example of what type of device is on layer 2.
Layer 3- or the network layer, which performs similar functions to a router and also supports multiple kinds of physical networks on different ports. Examples include routers or layer 3 switches.
Other layers include layer 4 (the transport layer), layer 5 (the session layer), layer 6 (the presentation layer) and layer 7 (the application layer).
networking switch
How a network switch works
Fundamental concepts of a networking switch.
Switches, physical and virtual, comprise the vast majority of network devices in modern data networks. They provide the wired connections to desktop computers, wireless access points, industrial machinery and some internet of things (IoT) devices such as card entry systems. They interconnect the computers that host virtual machines (VMs) in data centers, as well as the dedicated physical servers, and much of the storage infrastructure. They carry vast amounts of traffic in telecommunications provider networks.
If you're looking to lose weight then you absolutely have to get on this brand new custom keto diet.
ReplyDeleteTo create this keto diet service, certified nutritionists, fitness trainers, and top chefs united to produce keto meal plans that are powerful, decent, price-efficient, and delicious.
From their launch in early 2019, 1000's of clients have already transformed their figure and well-being with the benefits a smart keto diet can give.
Speaking of benefits: in this link, you'll discover eight scientifically-tested ones provided by the keto diet.