Switch Duplex
The network switch plays an integral role in enterprise and home networking, yet many people confuse what the purpose of the equipment is, and how it differs from a router. I decided to write this blog post to explain the basics of the switch – from different types, to vendors for purchasing them.
A brief overview of network switches
A network switch is a type of computer networking hardware that bridges network segments. It is sometimes referred to as a packet switch or simply a switch. The switch plays an important component in most local area networks (LAN), including mid-to-large enterprise networks which utilize several linked managed switches.
A switch is far less sophisticated than a router. Although routers and switches look fairly similar in appearance, routers differ substantially in their internal components.
Types of network switches
Unmanaged Switches: This is typically the least expensive type of switch, most often found in homes or small offices. They are very simple, employing plug and play technology, lacking any specific configuration options
Managed Switches: Managed Switches provide optional configuration options and allow for a great variety of functionality. There are several ways to operate these switches, from utilizing a remote tool like Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), to accessing the switch via a command line interface like Telnet.
- Smart Switches: Smart switches differ from fully managed switches in that they only allow a specific set of modifications and functionality. Because users can only configure basics settings, they are often cheaper than the fully managed breed. Some basic functions often found on a smart switch are turning some particular port range on or off, link speed and duplex settings and priority settings for ports
- Enterprise Managed Switches: Enterprise switches are the more configurable and expensive version of managed switches. They are most often found in enterprise networks among several other switches. They are more efficient for large business where accessing a central administration module can save time and money. Some advanced functions for enterprise switches are VLAN settings, link aggregation and port mirroring.
Buying switches
There are several brand name switch manufacturers that provide competing and differentiated products, including Cisco, 3Com, and Alcatel. While switches can be purchased out of the box from online retailers, one way to save money is to find a used switch from an online reseller. A business purchaser can often save thousands of dollars purchasing used cisco or other brand name network hardware.
If you do decide to go the route of an online reseller, be sure to check for several qualifying factors to make sure they are a good fit. One factor is a good warranty, as it is always a risk to buy used equipment. Another is significant discounts (at least 50%) off of retail pricing. The third factor I recommend seeking in an online network hardware vendor is good customer support. The ability to speak to a human being for help with your purchase is underrated.
I hope this ‘basic switch support’ post helps out those that are confused or looking for a way to purchase a switch.
Setting the Duplex and Speed on a Cisco Switch – From our Free Tutorial website
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TPJ8-I P&S TRADE MASTER WALLPLATE SINGLE SWITCH GANG DUPLEX 20pcs $22.00 |
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BALDWIN POLISHED BRASS 2 TOGGLE / 1 DUPLEX SWITCH PLATE $10.99 |
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SWITCH, DUPLEX STAINLESS STEEL COVER PLATE 1 2 3 4 GANG $1.45 |
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SWITCH DUPLEX PLASTIC WALL COVER PLATE1 2 3 4GANG WHITE $0.99 |
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SWITCH DUPLEX PLASTIC WALL COVER PLATE1 2 3 4GANG WHITE $1.95 |
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SWITCH DUPLEX PLASTIC WALL COVER PLATE1 2 3 4GANG WHITE $2.45 |
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SWITCH DUPLEX PLASTIC WALL COVER PLATE1 2 3 4GANG WHITE $2.95 |
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*NEW* BALDWIN DOUBLE DUPLEX CLASSIC SWITCH PLATE POLISHED BRASS 4771-030-CD $9.75 |
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Eagle Almond DOUBLE Wall Light Switch Duplex Toggle 15A $5.95 |
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Eagle Almond DOUBLE Wall Light Switch Duplex Toggle 15A $7.95 |
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Leviton Brown Double 3-Way Toggle Light Switch Duplex $5.95 |
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Liberty Hardware Tumbled Antique Bronxe Single Duplex Wall & Switch Plate Set $7.99 |
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FC-261V DUPLEX SWITCH COVER GREY ALL-WEATHER OUTDOOR $5.00 |
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Copper Double Duplex Outlet Switch Plate To Match Sink $12.99 |
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Copper Duplex Outlet/Toggle Switch Plate To Match Sink $12.99 |
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Switch Plate Outlet Cover Wall Rocker Oil Rubbed Bronze $4.45 |
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Duplex Receptacle Toggle Switch 2 gang Wall Plate Cover $3.25 |
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Single Duplex Switch Acrylic Mirror Hide-A-Plate $43.89 |
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Hamilton Combo Double Switch & Duplex Switch Plate Cover, 6½ inch W x 5 inch H $62.63 Fullfill your combination switch plate cover needs with these attractive switch plate styles by Hamilton. Available in three switch and duplex combinations or two switch and rocker combinations, these switch plates not only provide functionality and safety to your home but also a new elegance. Choose a Select finish like the dark, distressed Bronze Patina or the machined stainless Brushed Nickel. … |
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Hamilton Combo Switch & Duplex Switch Plate Cover, 5 inch W x 5 inch H $46.88 Fullfill your combination switch plate cover needs with these attractive switch plate styles by Hamilton. Available in three switch and duplex combinations or two switch and rocker combinations, these switch plates not only provide functionality and safety to your home but also a new elegance. Choose a Select finish like the dark, distressed Bronze Patina or the machined stainless Brushed Nickel. … |
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Switch + Duplex + Relay Zen 13314: Switch + Duplex + Relay by Mateo Murphy… |
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Leviton 689-W 15 Amp 1-Gang Recessed Duplex Receptacle, Residential Grade, with Screws Mounted to Housing, White $6.73 White Single Gang Recess Device… |
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TRENDnet TE100-S5 5-Port Ethernet Switch (5 x 10/100Mbps Auto-MDIX RJ-45 Ports) $12.00 Build a reliable fast Ether work in minutesEasy plug-and-play installation Auto-negotiation optimizes working speeds for all 5 ports5 x 10/100Mbps auto-negotiation auto-MDIX fast Ether RJ-45 portsCompliant with IEEE 802.3/IEEE 802.3u standardsIEEE 802.3x flow control supportProvide 2K MAC address entriesCompliant with Windows Linux and Mac operating systemsStore-and-forward switching methodNon-blo… |
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TRENDnet 8-Port Unmanaged Gigabit GREENnet Standard Switch (8 x 10/100/1000Mbps) $32.99 GREEN technology reduces power consumption by up to 70%8x Gigabit Auto-Negotiation ports Build a high-performance energy efficient Gigabit work in minutesSturdy metal switch with a simple plug-and-play installationStore-and-Forward switching architecture with non-blocking wire-speed performanceIEEE 802.3x Flow Control for full-duplex modeOperates and maximizes packet filtering and forwarding rate… |
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D-Link DGS-1008G 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch $33.97 The D-link 8-port Gigabit Switch (DGS-1008G) is part of a new series of Green devices using D-Link Green technology. Created with the Small or Home Office (SOHO) user in mind, the DGS-1008G saves energy while reducing heat output, providing you a longer product life without sacrificing operational performance or functionality. Combined with an efficient power adapter that is EnergyStar level V qua… |
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QSI Quantum Chip Upgrade – PRR T1 Duplex (Reed Switch) QSI Quantum Chip Upgrade – PRR T1 Duplex (Reed Switch)… |
This entry was posted on Sunday, September 11th, 2005 at 8:27 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.