A switch is a device that connects all the devices on the network together.  Think of it as the “system of roads” a car would travel on to get from one place to another.  Computers, printers, servers and other devices connect to the switch thru the use of Ethernet cables or Wireless Access Points conneted to Ethernet cables.  A switch is classified by:

1. The type and quantity of ports it has
2. The speed(s) those ports are capable of
3. The features it supports (managed or un-managed)

A switch that is labeled “10/100” can handle Ethernet speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps) or 100 Mbps. Switches labeled “10/100/1000” can also handle speeds up to 1000 Mbps (gigabit) speeds.  Think of the difference between a 2 lane or 4 lane highway.

• Older "Hubs" should be replaced with "Switches"
• Plan for expansion – if 10 ports are needed now, purchase a 16 port switch
• Gigabit network ports are quickly becoming the “norm” today over 10/100 speeds. Full gigabit switches support computers with gigabit network cards and are also more available and cost effective than even a year ago. It’s important to remember that most gigabit networks benefit only the internal LAN since internet speeds are typically less than gigabit.
• Some switches can actively manage network traffic with built-in software – these switches with “management” are much more expensive and useful in larger, complex networks where advanced features are needed.
• A 5-port 10/100 switch runs about $30, 16-port costs about $80, and 24-port switches (with two 10/100/1000 ports) cost $200. Full gigabit 24 port switch (un-managed) is about $350.

   

Sample Switch Makers: