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Latest revision as of 11:42, 12 December 2006

In computer networking, a switch connects multiple network devices together to form a LAN. A switch works by filtering and forwarding packets between LAN segments, transparently bridging them.

Relation to other networking technologies

A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated hub.
A switch does not act as a DHCP server or assign IP addresses
Switches are often confused with routers, but serve very different functions on a network. See Routers vs. Switches for more information.

Switch Visual Example

At �鶹��Ƶ

If you want extra ports in a room at �鶹��Ƶ, you can bring your own switch or hub. Routers are not allowed on the �鶹��Ƶ network, unless their DHCP functionality is disabled.

Check out a switch

If you're a student living in a 3+ person room with only 2 network ports, you can check out a switch from Technology Services to add extra ethernet ports. To check one out (for the semester / year), please stop by the Technology Helpline in Olin.

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 [[Image:switch.jpg|right|thumb]]
 In computer networking, a '''switch''' connects multiple network devices together to form a [[LAN]]. A switch works by filtering and forwarding packets between LAN segments, transparently ''bridging'' them.
+<div class="clear"></div>
-A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated [[hub]].
+==Relation to other networking technologies==
+* A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated [[hub]].
+* A switch does '''not''' act as a [[DHCP]] server or assign [[IP address|IP addresses]]
+* Switches are often confused with [[router|routers]], but serve very different functions on a network. See [[Network Routers Versus Switches| Routers vs. Switches]] for more information.
-A switch is often confused with a [[router]], but the two serve very different purposes. A router ''determines'' the best way to route packets across networks, based on certain network conditions.
+==Switch Visual Example==
+[[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]]
-==Analogy==
+==At �鶹��Ƶ==
-A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. The switches are the ''streets'', which connect the houses, and the routers are ''intersections'', which contain information about the streets, like street name signs.
+If you want extra ports in a room at �鶹��Ƶ, you can bring your own '''switch''' or '''hub'''. '''Routers''' are '''not''' allowed on the �鶹��Ƶ network, unless their DHCP functionality is disabled.
-=== Switch Visual Example ===
+===Check out a switch===
-[[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]]
+If you're a student living in a 3+ person room with only 2 network ports, you can check out a switch from [[Technology Services]] to add extra ethernet ports. To check one out (for the semester / year), please stop by the [[Technology Helpline]] in [[Olin]].
+[[Category:Networking]]
+[[Category:Hardware]]