Switches enable multiple computers and printers to be connected together using cabling, which connects into the Ethernet (RJ45) connection on each device. Once connected using a switch, computers can transfer information between them, including messages, emails, files, printer instructions etc.
Hubs
The predecessor to the network switch was called a hub. Hubs were not as intelligent as switches, in that every piece of data sent was then distributed to every computer on the network. This made data transmission slower and sometimes unreliable.
Unmanaged Switches
Switches are faster and cleverer than hubs. Switches know each computer's address (location) on the network and only send data to the computer the information is intended for. These types of switches are known as unmanaged switches. NETGEAR sells desktop switches that are ideal for use in the home. These switches connect 5, 8 or 16 devices and run at a choice of two data transmission speeds - Fast Ethernet (up to 100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (up to 1000 Mbps). Fast Ethernet is more than ample for general home networking, e.g. messaging, sending documents, printing, scanning etc. Gigabit Ethernet is better for bandwidth hungry graphics and video users or avid gamers playing real-time network computer games.
Switches do not provide access to the Internet; to connect all your computers to the Web you will need a router with a built-in modem, or a router than connects to an external modem. Click here to read more about wired and wireless Routers and how they share a broadband Internet connection with all the laptops and PCs in your home.
Switching in a wireless network
If you choose to set-up a wireless network, note that most of NETGEAR's wireless routers include a 4-port switch, giving you the option of connecting a computer or other network device to the Internet using cables.
Wireless access points and unmanaged switches perform the same function, the only difference is that the access point connects computers together wirelessly and the switch connects computers together using cables. If you choose to set up a home wireless network, you will only use a switch in addition to the wireless router containing an access point if you:
- Require Gigabit networking speeds (1000 Mbps) for LAN gaming or transferring extremely large files
- You live in a large home and wireless signal doesn't reach all rooms in the house
Other Types of Switches
NETGEAR also sells a range of managed and smart (light-managed) switches designed for larger business networks requiring higher levels of intelligence to optimise security, monitor network activity and prioritise network traffic for heavy users or management personnel. |
