Difference between revisions of "Switch"

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[[Image:switch.jpg|right|thumb]]
 
[[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.
 
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.
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A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated [[hub]].
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==Relation to other networking technologies==
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* A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated [[hub]].
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* A switch does '''not''' act as a [[DHCP]] server or assign [[IP address|IP addresses]]
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* 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.
  
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==Not a router==
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==Switch Visual Example==
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A switch is often confused with a [[router]], but the two serve very different purposes. While a switch ''connects'' network devices together to form a LAN, a router ''determines'' the best way to route packets ''across'' networks, based on certain network conditions.
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[[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]]
  
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The confusion probably stems from the existence of devices which act as '''both''' routers ''and'' switches.
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==At 鶹Ƶ==
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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.
  
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===Neighborhood Analogy===
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===Check out a switch===
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A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. A switch is the ''street'' which connects the houses, and routers are ''intersections'' which connect the neighborhoods and contain important information about them, like street names.
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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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==Switch Visual Example==
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[[Category:Networking]]
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[[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]]
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[[Category:Hardware]]

Latest revision as of 11:42, 12 December 2006

Switch.jpg

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

Switchchart.jpg

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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