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A network switch is a multiport network bridge that uses MAC addresses to forward data at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Some switches can also forward data at the network layer (layer 3) by additionally incorporating routing functionality. Such switches are commonly known as layer-3 switches or multilayer switches. [2]
A switch allows for many conversations to occur simultaneously. Before switches, networks based on hubs data could only allow transmission in one direction at a time, this was called half-duplex. By using a switch this restriction is removed; full-duplex communication is maintained and the network is collision free. [2]
A modular switch or chassis switch is a type of network switch which can be configured using field-replaceable units. These units, often referred to as blades, can add more ports, bandwidth, and capabilities to a switch. [1] These blades can be heterogenous, and this allows for a network based on multiple different protocols and cable types.
Typically, this includes routers, switches, access points, network interface cards and other related hardware. This is a list of notable vendors who produce network hardware. This is a list of notable vendors who produce network hardware.
Switching uses different kinds of network switches. A standard switch is known as a layer-2 switch and is commonly found in nearly any LAN. Layer-3 or layer-4 switches require advanced technology (see managed switch) and are more expensive and thus are usually only found in larger LANs or in special network environments.
Donald Davies' work on data communications and computer network design became well known in the United States, Europe and Japan and was the "cornerstone" that inspired numerous packet switching networks in the decade following.
Because the switch only ever buffers 64 bytes of each frame, fragment-free is a faster mode than store-and-forward, but there still exists a risk of forwarding bad frames. [7] There are certain scenarios that force a cut-through Ethernet switch to buffer the entire frame, acting like a store-and-forward Ethernet switch for that frame:
Switching loops can cause misleading entries in a switch's media access control (MAC) database and can cause endless unicast frames to be broadcast throughout the network. A loop can make a switch receive the same broadcast frames on two different ports, and alternatingly associate the sending MAC address with the one or the other port.
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