Background and Identification
A network switch is a device in a computer network that connects other devices together. Not to be confused with a router, which is used to connect to the internet.
Each networked device connected to a switch can be identified by its network address, allowing the switch to direct the flow of traffic maximizing the security and efficiency of the network.
Switches occur in 2 main categories (although some exist somewhere in between):
- unmanaged: no configuration interface or options, typically used in small/home office environment
- managed: various interfaces to manage operation of the device.
Switches exists in a variety of form factors, including but not limited to:
- standalone/desktop
- rack mounted
- DIN rail mounted