Instructions to Choose Best Network Switches
Using network switches, you are able to connect several devices to your computer network. Network switches do it with the aid of packet switching by getting, processing and transferring data to a required device.
In the following paragraphs, we are going to discuss a few types of Network Switches to help you choose the best one for yourself.
Modular Switches
These sorts of network switches are quite popular in areas where there are regular variations to the network configuration. Expansion modules are usage-specific such as wireless, network or firewall analysis. Modules can also include extra interfaces, power supplies and cooling fans.
Fixed Configuration Network Switches
Smart Switches – These are ‘light’ version of managed switches. They need a precise level of management and are very less scalable. However, these smart switches are reasonably cost-effective alternate and are brilliant for low complexity networks. With smart switches, you can split the network into different work-groups by creating VLANs though; the quantity of segmentations is lower in comparison to what you would get by choosing managed switches.
Unmanaged Switches- If you want some additional Ethernet ports at your place to assist your wired devices, then the unmanaged network switches are the finest for this function.
Fully Managed L2/ L3 Switches – These fully managed switches provide users with the most comprehensive set of features. You can envision getting the maximum level of security and the most precise management and power of the network.
Features of a Network Switch
Speed
Network Switches are provided in a range of speeds. These speeds are classified as follows:
Ten Gigabit (10/100/1000/10000 Mbps)
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/100 Mbps)
Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
The most accepted speed on the market at present is ‘Gigabit Ethernet’ however; ‘Ten Gigabit’ has been growing in demand rapidly, particularly within data centre environments.
Ports
Users can get fixed configuration switches in ports configurations like 5, 8, 10, 16, 24, 28, 48 and 52. You can opt one as per your necessities. Though, 8 port network switches and 16 port network switches are used widely.