Overview
Network switches are hardware devices used to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). Unlike routers, switches do not assign IP addresses. They simply forward data to the correct device within the same network. Switches are often used in offices, server rooms, or smart home setups to expand wired connections.
Common Uses
- Office Networking – Connecting computers, printers, phones, and servers via Ethernet
- Home Networking – Distributing wired connections for gaming, streaming, and smart home devices
- Server Infrastructure – Handling high-throughput communication between servers and storage
- Network Expansion – Adding more Ethernet ports to an existing router setup
- Smart Home Systems – Linking devices that require stable, low-latency communication
Why People Choose Network Switches
- Faster and more reliable than WiFi for local connections
- Easy to scale a network with more wired ports
- Reduces wireless traffic by offloading devices to wired links
- Supports high-bandwidth tasks like file transfers and video streaming
- Can be unmanaged (plug-and-play) or managed (advanced configuration)
Typical Ports Found on Network Switches
- RJ45 Ethernet Ports (LAN) – The main ports for connecting devices via standard Ethernet cables
- SFP/SFP+ Ports – Used in more advanced or enterprise switches for fibre optic connections or uplinks
- Power Input – For standard AC power or DC adapters, depending on the model
- Console Port – Found on managed switches for manual configuration (often RJ45 or USB-based)
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) Ports – Supply both data and power to compatible devices like IP cameras or wireless access points (available on PoE switches)
Note: The number of Ethernet ports varies by switch size, from small 5-port models to large 48-port enterprise-grade devices.
