Introduction
When you've got more than a few workstations, a few printers and
perhaps a server or two, keeping everything connected in an
efficient and peaceable fashion can get to be an issue. Enter the
companion to the router - the switch. A switch is just that - a
device that connects multiple network devices in a single network.
More sophisticated versions of switches - known as managed switches
- can allow the user to segment his network into two or more virtual
networks, known as VLANs. Most small business operations don't
require the sophistication and features of a managed switch, but
some may depending upon their security needs. Don't rule out a
managed switch if you can foresee some serious growth and
differentiation in your business organization.
Switch versus Hub
Hubs are the most common SOHO
networking connectivity devices, although the lower price of
switches makes them thoroughly competitive with hubs. When it comes
to performance, though, a switch is the way to go. Here's why:
A hub will accept a packet from a
source and re-broadcast it to each and every device attached to it
whether those devices are the intended target or not. This is
analogous to sending a letter to the post office where the post
office duplicates it and sends it to as many addresses as it can
find. The rationale for this is that only the intended recipient
will actually open the letter and read it. Here's what that looks
like in principle:
Not very efficient, eh?
If your network grows to any appreciable size, it will literally
drown in its own traffic. A switch, however, is far more
parsimonious in its operation.
Now that's more like it.
That's a whole heck of a lot less busy, isn't it? And when the
difference between a basic hub and a switch amounts to $20 or so,
the choice is obvious.
Managed vs Unmanaged Switches
An unmanaged switch is by far
the most common type used by SOHO and small business. In fact, if
you don't require segmentation of your network - as in keeping
accounting separate from sales and the front desk, for example -
then you really don't need a managed switch. The unmanaged,
plain-vanilla type will do just fine.
A managed switch gives you
some interesting options that have a direct bearing on overall
network performance and most importantly, security. For example, it
is possible to segment your network so that your accounting
department is on its own virtual LAN or
VLAN. This allows the
accounting department a greater degree of privacy, if you will, but
still share common resources like email servers and Internet access.
In networks that grow to more than 75 workstations or so, VLAN
capability is a must-have.
Prices on these products may vary, so
it is best to contact StarLAN Consulting Services for a quote. Owing
to their higher level of functionality and sophistication, all of
the products listed here require some setup and configuration to
perform at their best and most secure.
Switches vs Routers
How is a switch different from a
router?
Switches:
Switch is a layer 2 and multi-port device. A Switch provides similar
functions as a hub or a bridge but has more advanced features that
can temporarily connect any two ports together. It contains a switch
matrix or switch fabric that can rapidly connect and disconnect
ports. Unlike a Hub, a switch only forward frame from one port to
the other port where the destination node is connected without
broadcast to all other ports.
Routers:
Routers route data around the network
from data senders to receivers. A router is able to determine the
destination address for the data and determines the best way for the
data to continue its journey. Unlike bridges and switches, which use
the hardware-configured MAC address to determine the destination of
the data, routers use the logic network address such as IP address
to make decisions.
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