When you are in a place where you want to learn more about your computer network and the equipment that it uses, you will find that one of the pieces of equipment that you will have to look at is your network switch. Many computer networks that use Ethernet will integrate the use of a network switch and there are plenty of different reasons why it would do this. At the most basic level, a switch allows computers to communicate with each other. They may connect two or three computers, or they may connect as many as twenty or thirty. Every computer that is on the network can connect with every other computer.
There are plenty of reasons why you might be interested in using a switch in a business. For instance, if you had work groups whose labour was integral to each other, you would want to give them access to what other users were doing. Rather than needing to send information back and forth via email or in office chat networks, you would instead be able to log into each other's machines and figure out what you are looking at. More than just computers can be networked to a switch as well. With a switch, you can put a printer on a network and allow every computer access to the printer itself.
Another important role that switches have in an Ethernet network is to connect switches to each other. Consider the idea of having five different work groups on five different floors. To keep things simple and straightforward, you would network each work group to each other using a switch and then you would connect the switches to each other. Switches will allow packets to be broadcast so that the switch ports can figure out data and sort it accordingly. Switches are also able to record and store the MAC address of every device that will connect to it.
When you are considering the role of network switches, it is important to consider what level they work on. For instance, they provide a physical connect between machines, as well as a data link, network and transport link. Some switches will operate between these different layers of interface and these are called multilayer switches. Some switches that are used for commercial uses make it possible to connect and switch between different networks; some of these switches can hand change between Ethernet, fibre channel and ATM.
In some environments, switches also play an important security role as they can be connected to WAN routers, where there are going to be analytic modules. Some switches will also provide firewalls that can be installed on the switch as well as intrusion detection.
Take some time to think about the role that switches play in any network that you are a part of. While switches are used a great deal in the business world, there are a lot of people who will use them in their home networking as well. Take some time to really consider what they do and how they do it!
Using A Network Switch
San Francisco, California October 10, 2006: Following a lackluster Q3, Cisco Systems emerges as the leader in the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Market for the fourth quarter. Fueled by increased demand and an overall rise in the average selling price, Cisco experienced significant gains in a market of over $300 Million.
With almost 70% of the projected $1.3 Billion 10-Gig market share and a more powerful, yet affordable design, the Catalyst 6500 is poised to cement Cisco as the dominating force in the industry. With the recent release of an eight-port, 10-Gigabit Ethernet module for the 6500, Cisco is quickly pulling away from the rest of the pack.
In addition, upgrades like the Application Control Engine (ACE) module have prompted companies like Pure Video Networks to adopt Cisco switches to manage traffic of their popular video websites. Implementing simultaneous data center services such as server load balancing, integrated network and application switching/security, the ACE module delivers the highest performance in the industry. The ACE Simplifies application infrastructure by combining the functionality of multiple application delivery appliances into a single module, including server load balancing and off-load, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, security, and application optimization capabilities.
Already the most successful networking switch on the IT market, the 6500 Series reduces existing operational costs and improves a network's ability to respond to intensive bandwidth demands. In general, customers using the services modules for the Catalyst 6500 reduce their total cost of ownership by taking advantage of simplified infrastructure, improved investment protection, pervasive security, and the high levels of performance, scalability, and innovative technologies.
With over twenty unique service modules in five distinct categories, the Catalyst 6500 ranks among the most scalable, high-performance platform for integrated services. Currently, Cisco offers modules that address security issues, application, networking, network monitoring, wireless/mobility, and IP communications, which can be integrated into existing catalyst switches. Each modules offers upgraded performance and reinforces Cisco's hold on the market for network switches. With more than $20 Billion is sales sine it's release in 1999, the 6500 Series switch has become the most popular networking platform ever.
While Cisco has been able to fend off most threats to their position, rival Foundry Networks, and newcomer Force 10 have recently launched new 10Gbe ready products aimed at disrupting the company's market share. According to literature on Force 10's Terascale E-Series 1200, the E1200 boasts of more than double the ports of the Catalyst 6500 (1260 vs. 576 Ethernet ports/chassis). While this may be good news for the company, Force 10 has been focused on the data center vertical, and is therefore still untested in the enterprise market. Foundry's BigIron RX series switch has received favorable press for it's size/performance ratio and lower prices. With the launch of the new RX series, Foundry has mounted a consistent affront to Cisco's unchallenged reign.
Even with the competition mounting new efforts, the Cisco name is still a major factor among IT professionals whose networks depend on their equipment. Fortunately for the stalwart Cisco, reputation is still the key to market dominance.
Both Derek Rogers & Oliver Rowen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Derek Rogers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Leadership, Food and Drink and Computers and The Internet. Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Routers and Switches, he recommends Prodec Networks, a leading supplier of. Derek Rogers's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Oliver Rowen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet. Oliver Rowen is currently Director of Corporate Accounts for Townsend Assets Group (TAG), a leading reseller of pre-owned data networking and refurbished equipment like the. Oliver Rowen's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.
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