Network Switch Explained: Types, Uses, and How to Choose

Network switches are the vital core of today's wired networks. Autoscaling your office network infrastructure, growing your campus network, or upgrading your data center is not possible without employing switches in directing data traffic and managing connections between devices. 

A well-designed switching system guarantees efficient communication among computers, access points, servers, VoIP phones, and other network benches. IT managers and business professionals need a good understanding of switches because they have an impact on network performance, scalability, security, and operational efficiency. 

Switches enable organizations to establish their primary network connection through which devices communicate their data in an optimized manner while the system manages network traffic.

Let’s learn what a network switch is and how to choose the perfect fit for your business and everyday needs.

What Is a Network Switch?

A switch is a hardware device that connects different devices within a local area network while it transmits data packets to their correct destinations. A switch operates differently from a hub because it transmits data exclusively to the specific device that needs to receive the information. The system achieves better results through decreased traffic and enhanced operational efficiency, which leads to improved network performance.

Switches generally function at Layer 2 of the OSI model, which represents the data link layer, but advanced switches support Layer 3 operations that enable them to execute routing tasks. Switches function as essential components in business environments because they help handle the substantial network traffic that multiple users and their connected devices generate.

How a Network Switch Works

A device transmits data across a network together with its data payload and both its source and destination addresses. The network switch uses the destination MAC (Media Access Control) address to transmit the data packet through the port that connects to the targeted device.

Switches build and maintain a MAC address table, which helps them remember where each device is connected. This allows switches to efficiently manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and minimize packet collisions, all crucial for maintaining fast and stable network performance.

Key Components of Network Switches

Hardware

Ports

Switches come with multiple ports, each of which connects a different device (e.g., computers, servers, APs). The number of ports typically ranges from 8, 16, 24, 48, or more in larger enterprise switches.

Backplane/Switching Fabric

This internal architecture determines how fast and efficiently the switch can handle data between ports.

Casing and Cooling

A high-performance switch can come with a fan tray rack, which is built to disperse heat, preventing severe heat exposure on heavy usage of the switch.

Software and Management Interface

CLI (Command-Line Interface)

This interface gives the best configuration output and is liked for fine-tuning by experts.

Web GUI (Graphical User Interface)

Configuration can be done in a more user-friendly manner through the main interface and monitoring performance and troubleshooting from the other.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

Its function is to provide tools for universal monitoring of switch performance, hence a collection of network statistics.

Types of Network Switches

Networking switches can be categorized based on different aspects, such as functionality level, speed, and what environment they are intended for.

1. Unmanaged Switches

They are plug-and-play devices that need little setup. These are ideal for small or home offices or very simple connectivity where you do not need a fancy level of traffic control.

Uses:

• Small networks

• Basic device connectivity

• Quick deployment without setup

2. Managed Switches

Configured and customized managed ones in their ultimate form, managed switches can forward and deny any kind of traffic, prioritize one type of traffic over another, configure the Virtual LAN (VLAN), monitor performance, apply security policies, and more. These switches are needed in medium- to large-sized business environments.

Features:

• VLAN support

• QoS (Quality of Service)

• Link aggregation

• SNMP monitoring

• Redundant power-over-Ethernet options

Uses:

• Enterprise networks

• Campus environments

• Data centers

3. Smart/Web-Managed Switches

The devices function as an intermediate solution that exists between unmanaged switches and fully managed switches. The smart version provides additional functions beyond the capacity of an autonomous gigabit switch yet still operates within the limits of managed switches. 

The system enables network administrators to control specific aspects while providing them almost total access to network operations. The system provides a web-based interface that allows users to manage configuration functions that the machine will not automatically process.

Uses:

• Small to medium businesses.

• Networks requiring moderate control and visibility

4. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switches

Ethernet switches with Power over Ethernet (PoE) enable simultaneous data and power transmission through a single Ethernet cable. The system provides advantages for VoIP phones, wireless access points and IP cameras because it simplifies installation by removing the need for separate power sources.

Benefits:

• Easier deployment of powered devices

• Reduces cabling complexity

5. Layer 3/Multilayer Switches

Layer 3 and multilayer switches can perform routing functions together with switching. They can make routing decisions on the basis of IP addresses and MAC addresses, reducing the requirement for separate routers in some cases.

Uses:

• Large enterprise networks

• Inter-VLAN routing

• Campus networks with complex traffic flows

Network Switch Uses Across Environments

Switches are crucial to almost every modern network environment.

Enterprise Networks

Enterprise networks having hundreds or even thousands of devices use managed switches for segmentation of traffic, enforcement of security policies and assurance of an acceptable level of performance.

Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs)

They use a combination of unmanaged, smart, and managed switches based on the scope of their growth and their traffic demands.

Data Centers

At the data center, high-density switches are effectively used to connect servers with minimal latency and high throughput.

Retail and Hospitality

Regarding retail and hospitality applications, the switches support point of sale devices, IP cameras, guest Wi-Fi networks, and sensors.

Education and Campus

For student access, the infrastructure of switching takes care of staff and the digital classroom and admin systems.

Why Network Switches Are Important

Switches are the components essential for making network communication effective and scalable. They are devices that enable a large number of devices to interact at any one time.

Various industry sources report that enterprise network traffic experiences annual growth rates that exceed ten percent. The increasing demand for cloud applications combined with multiple video conferencing and IoT device and mobile device usages drives this expansion. Businesses need to establish their networks with proper switching infrastructure design because it protects them against performance issues and network bottlenecks while securing their systems from security threats.

The main components of advanced network systems, which include segmentation and isolation and quality of service policies, depend on switches as their fundamental components. The system requires more than just visual appeal to function as a hybrid-work environment that seamlessly connects to the cloud and executes all planned switching designs.

How to Set up a Network Switch?

Here’s a step-by-step way to set up a network switch:

• Place the switch in a central, ventilated spot and plug it into power. Make sure it turns on.

• Connect your devices, like computers, printers, or access points, to the switch using Ethernet cables.

• If you want internet access, connect the switch to your router with an Ethernet cable.

• For a managed switch, log in to its interface using a web browser or software, set a static IP, and configure settings like VLANs or QoS if needed.

• Test the network to make sure all devices can communicate and access the internet.

• Save any settings on a managed switch so they stay after a reboot.

Top Challenges With Network Switches

Despite their importance, switches come with deployment and management challenges. 

Security Risks

Unprotected switches can compromise network integrity to outside access, VLAN hopping prevention, and network attacks through access control lists and VLAN regulations.

Scalability Issues

Switches must scale throughput capability while being coupled with tracking the increase in the number of devices issued onto the network.

Performance Optimization

Without proper planning, it becomes difficult for good performance to be achieved across the VLAN, QoS policy, and high bandwidth demands.

Cost Management

Advanced switches meant for enterprise network usage generally require a larger budget and the management of skilled personnel.

Best Practices for Choosing a Network Switch

1. Assess Your Network Size and Needs

Begin by determining the number of devices and the types of traffic that will pass through the switches and proceed to find the locations where the switches will be installed.

2. Choose the Right Switch Type

In many cases, the unmanaged switch will work fine by itself. An unmanaged switch is recommended for basic needs, a smart switch for moderate control, and a managed switch for full control and enterprise features.

3. Support Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) Where Needed

If you plan to use power-light devices like access points or IP cameras, it is best if the systems to be installed are PoE supported.

4. Prioritize Security

Look for switches with access control lists (ACL), VLAN segmentation, and integration with centralized management systems.

5. Plan for Growth

Choose modular switch platforms where each level aggregates the functionality of many switches to allow scaling, usually without heavy disruptions.

6. Centralized Management

Employing network management platforms like Omada SDN to centralize control, monitoring, and optimization across all switches/APS.

How to Choose the Right Switch for Your Environment

Choosing the right switch involves more than counting ports. Consider the following questions:

• What is the total number of devices to be connected?

• Is traffic segmentation and security a priority?

• Do you need PoE for access points or cameras?

• Will the network grow significantly in the future?

• How critical are traffic management and monitoring?

Depending on the answers to these questions, you may decide whether an unmanaged, smart, or fully managed switch is required for your deployment, as well as which specific model to buy, for best results.

Conclusion

The network switch functions as a connection point that directs traffic to enable device communication through secure and efficient channels. The network requires different switch types for proper use to create high-performing network platforms.

Omada offers a variety of business switches, ranging from smart to fully managed models, including PoE-powered and stackable solutions ideal for central office setups. Explore Omada’s quality switches and choose one that ensures your network is reliable and future-proof.

Consider these high-quality switches for improved and efficient network performance:

SX6632YF 26-Port 10G Stackable L3: Highly available, featuring two field-replaceable power supplies*, VRRP, and ERPS, with centralized cloud management through the Omada SDN controller.

SG6654X Omada 48-Port Gigabit: Equipped with 8 Gigabit RJ45 ports and 6 10 Gbps SFP+ slots, offering a switching capacity of 216 Gbps per unit. Supports standalone management through web interface, CLI, SNMP, and RMON.

TL-SG3210XHP-M2 JetStream 8-Port Switch: The 8× 2.5 Gbps ports break the Gigabit barrier, unlocking the full potential of WiFi 6 access points and helping route internal traffic more efficiently. Two 10 Gbps SFP+ slots provide high-bandwidth connectivity and non-blocking switching capacity.

FAQs About Network Switches

What’s the difference between a switch and a router?

A switch connects devices within a single network, while a router connects devices from different networks and handles traffic to the Internet.

How many devices can a switch allow?

Depends on the number of ports (e.g. 8,16, 24, or 48) and whether it uses stackables.

Do switches improve Wi-fi performance?

Yes. Correct switching infrastructure supports Wi-fi access points, thus reducing bottlenecks and increasing faster throughput.

Are managed switches worth investing in?

For larger or performance-critical networks, managed switches provide some form of control, monitoring, and security that an unmanaged switch will not.

Can a PoE switch power Wi-fi access points?

Yes. PoE switches supply both data and power for easeful deployments of entities such as access points and cameras.