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Revision as of 16:15, 7 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 devices

A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated hub.

Also, 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>
+==Relation to other networking devices==
 A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated [[hub]].
-==Not a router==
+Also, 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.
-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.
-The confusion probably stems from the existence of devices which act as '''both''' routers ''and'' switches.
+==Switch Visual Example==
+[[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]]
-===Neighborhood Analogy===
+==At �鶹��Ƶ==
-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.
+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]].