Question

Discuss the purpose of a switch below:

   1. Benefits of using a switch

   2. Types of switches

   3. How is a switch used in a network infrastructure

Answer 1

1.Benefits of Switches:

i) Switches increase the network bandwidth(available).

ii) They help in reducing the workload on individual computers.

iii) Increases network performance.

iv) Switches lowers the frame collisions.

2.Types of Switches:

i) Unmanaged Switches-

These type of switches are mostly used in home and small range business. Small car connections are required. Unmanaged switches need not to be configured making it more easier and cheaper among all categories. Their work is instantly started as they gets plugged in.

ii) Managed Switches-

These type of Switches have the highest levels of security, precision control and full management of network. Large networks and organisations use these kind of switches. These are costlier but have an advantage over its scalability. They are of again two types - Smart Switches and Enterprise Managed Switches.

iii) Lan Switches-

These are the Ethernet switches used to reduce network congestion by distributing a package of data only to its intended recipient. These can be used to connect points over LAN.

iv) .PoE Switches-

These switches are used in PoE technology. PoE means power over Ethernet. These provide greater flexibility.

3.A switch in network infrastructure connects devices in a network to each other and allows them to communicate to each other by exchanging data packets. They help in the connection of computer that host machines in data centers or any kind of storage infrastructure.