Difference between revisions of "Switch"

 
(3 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
 
==Relation to other networking technologies==
 
==Relation to other networking technologies==
 
* A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated [[hub]].
 
* A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated [[hub]].
βˆ’
* A switch does '''not''' use [[DHCP]] or ''assign'' [[IP address|IP addresses]]
+
* A switch does '''not''' act as a [[DHCP]] server or assign [[IP address|IP addresses]]
βˆ’
* Switches are often confused with [[routers]], but serve very different functions on a network. See [[Network Routers Versus Switches| Routers vs. Switches]] for more information.
+
* 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.
  
 
==Switch Visual Example==
 
==Switch Visual Example==
Line 16: Line 16:
 
===Check out a switch===
 
===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]].
 
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]]

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 ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅

If you want extra ports in a room at ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅, you can bring your own switch or hub. Routers are not allowed on the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ 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.