NETWORK

SWITCHES

What are Switches ?

A computer networking device which is used to

connect devices together on a computer network

Performs packet switching

Operates at data link

layer 2 of the OSI model

Popular manufacturers are

CISCO and D-Link

Types of Switches

Modular Switches
Allows to add expansion modules into switches as
needed, thereby delivering the best flexibility to address
changing networks
Example: CISCO Catalyst 4K and 6K

Fixed Configuration
They are switches with fixed number of ports and
are typically not expandable
Example: CISCO Catalyst 2K and 3K

Working

When a switch receives an ethernet frame, it wants to

distribute it only to the port where the destination host is
connected. It achieves this by referring to its 'Learned
Address Table' (LAT), a list of entries that matches the
network host MAC addresses to the switch's ports.The
LAT is also called the Forwarding DataBase (FDB).
This LAT is populated by monitoring network traffic, and
most commonly 'ARP' request messages issued by
network hosts, and the replies they receive. In doing so,
the switch 'learns' what devices are connected to each of
its ports.

switch creates a series of instant networks that contain

only the two devices communicating with each other at
that particular moment.

L2 Switches

They are traditional switches which operate at layer 2 of

the OSI model
Packets are sent to
specific switch port
based on destination
MAC addresses

L3 Switches

It is a high performance device

for network routing
Works in Layer 3 of the OSI
model
Works similar to that of routers
Merges the hardware of a
router and a switch

Comparison
CISCO SG300 52
Cost:23,900

Gigabit SmartPro Switch

DGS-1510-52(DLINK)
Cost:27,960

Capacity in mpps:1.19

Capacity in mpps:1.27

Number of ports:52

Number of ports:52

Control Protocol:Standard
802.3ad
Ipv6 ACL

Control Protocol:Standard
802.3x
Supports ipv6 functions like
MLD snooping and IMPBv6

Applications

Used in Ethernet
Local Area Networks (LAN)

Used in Small Office/

Home Office(SOHO)
applications