What is switch?
What is switch? Because we are discussing computer networks, naturally, the first and simplest answers to that question are:
- Switch is a hardware
- Switch is a network device
The next question in this line of discussion is: What is switch's function? To which we answer:
- Switch connects devices on a computer network
Finally, how does switch work? Here is the answer:
- Switch uses a packet-switching method to receive, process, and forward data to a destination device
Switch essentials
A switch isa Layer 2 network device, connecting your computer, other computers, and network peripheral devices on your LAN, whether at home or at work. Switch is used to extend networks, too. It contains two or more physical ports, known as switch ports, into which the network cables (see the section Twisted pairs, in Chapter 1,Introduction to Computer Networks, for more on network cables) are plugged. This way, the connections are made and the network is created. Switch connects to the star physical topology...
