Ethernet switches are used to connect computers in an Ethernet network. They allow computers to send and receive data from other computers in the network, as well as share an Ethernet connection. They consist of several ports connecting each computer to the modem or central connection, and a switch controller that manages data flow.
Ethernet switches are often confused with Ethernet hubs, which perform a similar function but lack a switch controller. Hubs transmit received data from one port to all other ports in the network, while the controller in an Ethernet switch isolates each port so that data is sent only between the two parties. This reduces network traffic and allows much faster connections than Ethernet hubs.
Network features: Choose an Ethernet switch that allows the features you need for your network. If you send or receive large amounts of data, look for a model supporting multicast and jumbo frames. Make sure it also supports optional cards for other network interfaces, such as Wi-Fi.
Bandwidth: Choose an Ethernet switch with a full-speed bandwidth instead of a shared bandwidth. Full-speed bandwidth delivers a consistent speed to each computer, while shared bandwidth tends to slow down as more computers connect to the network.
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