What does a Switch do in a Network | Understanding Functionality & Benefits

Were you searching for the question of “ what does a switch do in a network ” and whether is it important in the internet world? read this to find out.

Introduction:

Computer networks are the foundation of communication and data transport in today's interconnected society. Network switches are essential for enabling effective and secure data transmission among connected devices inside these networks. Network switches are the hidden heroes that guarantee flawless communication, whether in little offices or vast data centers.

We will delve into the world of network switches in this extensive tutorial, revealing their inner workings and illuminating their functions and advantages. This blog article intends to offer a strong foundation for anyone interested in networking, an IT professional looking to improve their knowledge, or a curious person eager to investigate the complexities of network infrastructure. Let us jump into the question of " what does a switch do in a network " and what's going on in the world of network switches in the year 2023. 

What is a Network Switch?

A network switch is a component of computer networks that joins several components and makes it easier for them to communicate. It functions at the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model's data link layer (Layer 2) or network layer (Layer 3). Incoming data packets from one device linked to a network switch's port are forwarded to the correct port that connects to the destination device as the switch's main duty. 

What does a Switch do in a Network?

A network switch is an important device that connects multiple devices in a local network. It works by using different techniques to transfer data packets between devices. There are two main methods: "store-and-forward" and "cut-through" switching. In "store-and-forward" switching, the switch checks the integrity of the entire data packet before forwarding it. This ensures accurate transmission but adds some delay. In "cut-through" switching, the switch only reads the destination address and forwards the packet immediately, reducing delay but not performing integrity checks.

The switch maintains a table called the MAC address table, which maps MAC addresses to specific switch ports. When a packet arrives, the switch learns the MAC address and its corresponding port, updating the table. Using this table, the switch determines where to forward incoming packets based on their destination MAC addresses.

If the destination MAC address is known, the switch sends the packet directly to the appropriate port. If it's unknown, the switch broadcasts the packet to all ports except the one it arrived from, allowing it to discover the destination device's location.

A network switch also separates the network into collision and broadcast domains. Collision domains are segments where packet collisions can occur if devices transmit simultaneously. Switches reduce collisions by providing dedicated bandwidth to each port. Broadcast domains are segments where broadcast packets are sent. Switches filter and forward broadcast packets only to the necessary ports, improving network efficiency.

Network switches can support Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), which create logical networks within the physical infrastructure. VLANs enhance security and manageability by isolating traffic. Trunking is another feature that allows the transmission of multiple VLANs over a single physical link between switches. It helps differentiate and forward packets based on VLAN identifiers. These are the basic workings of a network switch, involving MAC address learning, forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses, collision and broadcast domain separation, and support for VLANs and trunking.

Conclusion:

This article talked about the topic of " what does a switch do in a network". In summary, a network switch is an important device used in local networks to connect multiple devices efficiently. It employs different methods to transfer data packets, such as "store-and-forward" and "cut-through" switching. By maintaining a MAC address table and making forwarding decisions based on destination addresses, switches enable accurate packet delivery. They also help separate networks into collision and broadcast domains, reducing congestion and improving network performance. Support for VLANs and trunking enhances security and management. Overall, network switches are essential for establishing reliable and seamless communication among connected devices.