Network Switches

If you have a big network system in your company then the implementation of high-performance network switches is very important to keep your network running efficiently and managing them. CubeDevices is an online retailer that sells low-cost network switches from all top brands such as Cisco, HPE, and StarTech. One of the most exciting aspects of purchasing from CubeDevices is that we offer both new and refurbished products.

Understanding Network Switches And How They Work

A network switch is a hardware device utilized to connect devices to a single network and facilitate the transmission of data through ethernet cables. In simple terms, it acts as a multiport bridge, within the network allowing data to be transmitted at the data link layer based on the MAC addresses of the devices.

When a device sends a data packet it includes both its MAC address and the MAC address of the intended destination device. The switch reads the packet's MAC address and directs it to the specific port where the destination device is connected.

To keep track of devices on the network switches. Maintain a table by learning their MAC addresses. When a new device is detected its MAC address and corresponding port number are added to this table. Subsequently when forwarding packets switches utilize this MAC address table to ensure they reach their intended recipients accurately.

Some Common Types of Network Switches

When you are buying network switches online you will most likely find the following types.

Unmanaged switches are the basic type out of the four. They don't have any configuration options and are commonly used for personal purposes like in homes or small businesses. These switches can have up to 24 ports. Operate at speeds ranging from 10 to 100 GBps.

Managed switches offer flexibility and control compared to unmanaged ones. They can be configured to optimize performance manage traffic and enhance security according to the users' needs. Managed switches can support up to 48 switches. Reach speeds of up to 10,000 MBps.

Rackamount switches are designed to be installed in a 19 inch rack. They come with advantages over other network switch types, including a higher number of ports increased bandwidth capacity and improved cooling mechanisms.

PoE switches stand out from network switches because they not only transmit data over an ethernet connection but also provide electricity to power devices such, as microphones and cameras. These types of switches are commonly used in enterprise settings where they can effectively control devices connected through a single network switch.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Network Switch

There are hundreds of different types of factors that you should take into account while buying, but the most important are:

The type of network: You can get switches with a lot of different types of network speeds like Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and the fastest of all the 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

The number of ports: When you buy network switches make sure to check the number of ports. The switches come with a varying number and types of ports that can range from just 4 to hundreds of ports.

Other features: Certain switches also come with features like VLANs, port trunking, QoS (Quality of Service) and PoE (Power, over Ethernet).

CubeDevice's extensive inventory of low-cost network switches includes products from all of the major tech companies, including Adtran, Fujitsu, Fortinet, and others. If you are still not sure how to choose the best network for your needs, you can contact our online expert advisors at any time via online chat.