{"id":14569,"date":"2026-09-10T14:57:22","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T13:57:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-internal.promallshop.com\/?p=14569"},"modified":"2026-09-10T14:59:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T13:59:51","slug":"what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Network Switch? How It Works, What It\u2019s Used For, and Why You Need One"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"14569\" class=\"elementor elementor-14569\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3415c1 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a3415c1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ebc2ec8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ebc2ec8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"intro\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #f2aa1a;color:#f2aa1a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #f2aa1a;color:#f2aa1a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Table_of_Contents\" >Table of Contents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#What_Is_a_Network_Switch\" >What Is a Network Switch?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Quick_facts_about_network_switches\" >Quick facts about network switches<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#How_Does_a_Network_Switch_Work\" >How Does a Network Switch Work?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#1_A_device_connects_to_the_switch\" >1. A device connects to the switch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#2_The_switch_learns_the_MAC_address\" >2. The switch learns the MAC address<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#3_The_switch_checks_the_destination\" >3. The switch checks the destination<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#4_The_receiving_device_gets_the_data\" >4. The receiving device gets the data<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#What_Is_a_Network_Switch_Used_For\" >What Is a Network Switch Used For?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Common_uses_include\" >Common uses include:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Connecting_office_computers\" >Connecting office computers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Connecting_IP_phones\" >Connecting IP phones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Connecting_wireless_access_points\" >Connecting wireless access points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Connecting_IP_cameras\" >Connecting IP cameras<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Connecting_servers_and_storage\" >Connecting servers and storage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Supporting_conference_rooms\" >Supporting conference rooms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Types_of_Network_Switches\" >Types of Network Switches<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Managed_vs_Unmanaged_Switches\" >Managed vs Unmanaged Switches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#PoE_Switches\" >PoE Switches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Gigabit_Switches\" >Gigabit Switches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Layer_2_and_Layer_3_Switches\" >Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Network_Switch_vs_Router_vs_Hub\" >Network Switch vs Router vs Hub<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Do_you_need_both_a_router_and_a_switch\" >Do you need both a router and a switch?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#What_Is_a_PoE_Network_Switch\" >What Is a PoE Network Switch?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Why_is_PoE_useful\" >Why is PoE useful?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#What_is_PoE_budget\" >What is PoE budget?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Why_Businesses_Need_Network_Switches\" >Why Businesses Need Network Switches<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#1_More_network_ports\" >1. More network ports<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#2_Easier_network_expansion\" >2. Easier network expansion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#3_Better_traffic_handling\" >3. Better traffic handling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#4_Support_for_business-critical_devices\" >4. Support for business-critical devices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#5_Centralised_management\" >5. Centralised management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#6_Network_segmentation\" >6. Network segmentation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#How_to_Choose_the_Right_Network_Switch\" >How to Choose the Right Network Switch<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#1_Count_your_devices\" >1. Count your devices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#2_Check_port_speed\" >2. Check port speed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#3_Decide_whether_you_need_PoE\" >3. Decide whether you need PoE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#4_Managed_or_unmanaged\" >4. Managed or unmanaged?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#5_Look_at_uplinks\" >5. Look at uplinks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#6_Consider_network_management_features\" >6. Consider network management features<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Common_Network_Switch_Mistakes\" >Common Network Switch Mistakes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#1_Ignoring_PoE_requirements\" >1. Ignoring PoE requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#2_Buying_too_few_ports\" >2. Buying too few ports<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#3_Choosing_unmanaged_when_management_is_required\" >3. Choosing unmanaged when management is required<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#4_Ignoring_uplink_capacity\" >4. Ignoring uplink capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#5_Treating_every_PoE_switch_as_identical\" >5. Treating every PoE switch as identical<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Network_Switch_Best_Practices\" >Network Switch Best Practices<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Keep_these_practices_in_mind\" >Keep these practices in mind:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#A_Practical_Example_Network_Switch_for_a_Meeting_Room\" >A Practical Example: Network Switch for a Meeting Room<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#The_Future_of_Network_Switching\" >The Future of Network Switching<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/www.promallshop.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/10\/what-is-a-network-switch-how-it-works-what-its-used-for-and-why-you-need-one\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have ever looked inside an office network cabinet, you have probably seen a box filled with Ethernet cables and blinking lights. That device is often a network switch.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A network switch is one of the basic building blocks of a wired network. It allows computers, servers, printers, IP phones, wireless access points, cameras and other Ethernet-enabled devices to communicate within the same local network.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For businesses, choosing the right switch matters because the device can affect connectivity, network management, scalability, security and even how equipment such as IP phones and access points receives power.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8f2ef7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"e8f2ef7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37e55ea e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"37e55ea\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d00a4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d00a4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Table_of_Contents\"><\/span><b>Table of Contents<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><ol><li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#intro\">Introduction<\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#whatis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a Network Switch?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#howdoes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Does a Network Switch Work?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#usedfor\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a Network Switch Used For?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#types\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Network Switches<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#networkswitch\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network Switch vs Router vs Hub<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#poenetwork\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a PoE Network Switch?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#business\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Businesses Need Network Switches<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#choose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Choose the Right Network Switch<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#common\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Network Switch Mistakes<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#best\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network Switch Best Practices<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#future\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Future of Network Switching<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#conc\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#faqs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8695d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b8695d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a426b3a e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a426b3a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb91051 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fb91051\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"whatis\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Network_Switch\"><\/span><b>What Is a Network Switch?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A network switch is a hardware device that connects multiple devices within a local area network and directs Ethernet traffic between them. Instead of sending every data transmission to every connected device, the switch learns which devices are connected to which ports and forwards traffic toward its intended destination.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of a switch like a receptionist in a busy office.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a visitor arrives, the receptionist checks who they need to see and directs them to the correct person. A network switch performs a similar job with data. It receives Ethernet frames, checks their destination information and sends them toward the appropriate device.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ethernet switching is defined within the IEEE 802.3 family of standards, which covers wired Ethernet networking across different speeds and physical media.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_facts_about_network_switches\"><\/span><b>Quick facts about network switches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They connect multiple devices on a wired network.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They commonly use Ethernet cables.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They identify devices using MAC addresses.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can operate at different speeds, including Gigabit and higher.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managed switches provide configuration and monitoring features.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PoE switches can provide power to compatible devices through Ethernet.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are widely used in offices, schools, data centres, meeting rooms and other business environments.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eaf39af elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"eaf39af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5be3fe0 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5be3fe0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-249d61c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"249d61c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"howdoes\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_a_Network_Switch_Work\"><\/span><b>How Does a Network Switch Work?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A network switch works by receiving Ethernet frames, learning the MAC addresses associated with its ports and using that information to forward traffic to the appropriate destination. When the destination is unknown, the switch may temporarily flood the frame so the correct device can respond and the switch can learn where it is located.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is the process in simple terms.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_A_device_connects_to_the_switch\"><\/span><b>1. A device connects to the switch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A computer, IP phone, printer or other network device connects to one of the switch&#8217;s Ethernet ports.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, an office may have:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 desktop computers<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 network printers<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 IP phones<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 wireless access points<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 server<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of these devices can connect to a suitably sized switch.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_switch_learns_the_MAC_address\"><\/span><b>2. The switch learns the MAC address<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every Ethernet-enabled device has a MAC address. When traffic arrives, the switch can associate the source MAC address with the port where it was received.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The switch stores this information in a MAC address table.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_The_switch_checks_the_destination\"><\/span><b>3. The switch checks the destination<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When another Ethernet frame arrives, the switch checks its MAC address table.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it already knows where the destination device is connected, it forwards the frame through the appropriate port.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one reason switches are more efficient than traditional hubs. A hub does not make the same destination-based forwarding decisions and instead sends traffic to its connected ports.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_receiving_device_gets_the_data\"><\/span><b>4. The receiving device gets the data<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the frame reaches the correct port, the destination device processes it.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If another switch is connected between the two devices, the frame can continue through the network until it reaches its destination.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This process happens extremely quickly, making switching suitable for everything from everyday office communication to demanding business applications.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f37874 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"0f37874\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-038d759 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"038d759\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b402ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b402ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"usedfor\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Network_Switch_Used_For\"><\/span><b>What Is a Network Switch Used For?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A network switch is primarily used to connect multiple wired devices and allow them to communicate across a local network. In business environments, switches can support computers, servers, printers, IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, meeting-room equipment and other network-connected devices.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_uses_include\"><\/span><b>Common uses include:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Connecting_office_computers\"><\/span><b>Connecting office computers<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A business with several desktop computers can connect them to a central switch instead of trying to connect each computer directly to a router.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Connecting_IP_phones\"><\/span><b>Connecting IP phones<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VoIP phones commonly use Ethernet connections. A suitable PoE switch can also supply power to compatible phones through the same network cable.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Connecting_wireless_access_points\"><\/span><b>Connecting wireless access points<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enterprise Wi-Fi deployments often use Ethernet-connected access points. PoE can make installation easier because the network cable can carry both data and power.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Connecting_IP_cameras\"><\/span><b>Connecting IP cameras<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security cameras that support PoE can receive network connectivity and power through compatible Ethernet infrastructure.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Connecting_servers_and_storage\"><\/span><b>Connecting servers and storage<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Businesses can use switches to connect servers, network-attached storage and other infrastructure to users and applications.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supporting_conference_rooms\"><\/span><b>Supporting conference rooms<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern meeting rooms can contain cameras, microphones, speakers, controllers and conferencing systems that need reliable network connectivity.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is particularly relevant to AV environments. For example, the Yealink RCH80 is designed for professional AV networking and provides eight Gigabit PoE+ Ethernet ports plus two Gigabit SFP uplinks.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f578a95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"f578a95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-08ae87b e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"08ae87b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc8bfe2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cc8bfe2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"types\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Network_Switches\"><\/span><b>Types of Network Switches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every business needs the same type of switch. The right choice depends on the size of the network, management requirements, connected devices and expected growth.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Managed_vs_Unmanaged_Switches\"><\/span><b>Managed vs Unmanaged Switches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><table><tbody><tr><td><p><b>Feature<\/b><\/p><\/td><td><p><b>Managed Switch<\/b><\/p><\/td><td><p><b>Unmanaged Switch<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Configuration<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extensive<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Little or none<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VLAN support<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually unavailable<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traffic management<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security controls<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More options<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best for<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business networks<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simple networks<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ease of setup<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More technical<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plug and play<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An unmanaged switch is designed for straightforward connectivity. You generally connect the cables and use it without configuring the device.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A managed switch gives administrators greater control. Depending on the model, features may include VLANs, QoS, access control, authentication and traffic management.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PoE_Switches\"><\/span><b>PoE Switches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Power over Ethernet switch can transmit data and electrical power over compatible Ethernet cabling.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can be useful for devices such as:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP phones<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wireless access points<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP cameras<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sensors<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selected AV equipment<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PoE standards are part of the IEEE 802.3 family. Different standards provide different power capabilities, so the switch and powered device need to be compatible.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gigabit_Switches\"><\/span><b>Gigabit Switches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gigabit switches support Ethernet connections at up to 1 Gbps on compatible ports.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many modern business networks, Gigabit connectivity provides a practical baseline for wired devices. However, networks with higher data requirements may need multigigabit or faster uplinks.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Layer_2_and_Layer_3_Switches\"><\/span><b>Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Layer 2 switch primarily handles Ethernet switching using MAC addresses.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Layer 3 switches can also perform certain routing functions using IP information. This makes them useful in larger or more segmented network environments.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some business switches sit between traditional Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing and are marketed as Layer 2+ devices.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a9a792 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8a9a792\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4773054 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4773054\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5381993 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5381993\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"networkswitch\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Network_Switch_vs_Router_vs_Hub\"><\/span><b>Network Switch vs Router vs Hub<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The three devices are often confused, but they perform different jobs.<\/span><\/p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><b>Device<\/b><\/p><\/td><td><p><b>Main purpose<\/b><\/p><\/td><td><p><b>Common addressing<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network switch<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connect devices within a LAN<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MAC addresses<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Router<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connect different networks<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP addresses<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hub<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat traffic across ports<\/span><\/p><\/td><td><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does not make destination-based forwarding decisions<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A switch is mainly concerned with communication within the local network.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A router, on the other hand, connects different networks. For example, a router can connect your office LAN to the internet.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A hub is a much simpler device. When a hub receives traffic, it repeats that traffic across its ports rather than making the destination-based forwarding decisions expected from a switch.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_need_both_a_router_and_a_switch\"><\/span><b>Do you need both a router and a switch?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many business networks, yes.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple arrangement might look like this:<\/span><\/p><p><b>Internet \u2192 Router \u2192 Network Switch \u2192 Computers, IP Phones, Printers, Access Points<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The router handles communication between your local network and other networks, while the switch provides additional wired connectivity within the local network.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c64908f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c64908f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-256b857 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"256b857\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab5ce9f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab5ce9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"poenetwork\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_PoE_Network_Switch\"><\/span><b>What Is a PoE Network Switch?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A PoE network switch combines normal Ethernet connectivity with power delivery for compatible devices. It allows a suitable Ethernet cable to carry both network data and electrical power, reducing the need for separate power adapters and outlets near each device.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_PoE_useful\"><\/span><b>Why is PoE useful?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine installing several IP cameras across a building.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without PoE, each camera may require:<\/span><\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Ethernet connection for data.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A separate power source.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With PoE, a compatible switch can provide both through the Ethernet connection.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same concept can simplify deployments involving IP phones, wireless access points and certain AV devices.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_PoE_budget\"><\/span><b>What is PoE budget?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A PoE switch has a total power budget.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, the Yealink RCH80 has a <\/span><b>130W total PoE+ power budget<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It provides eight 10\/100\/1000 Mbps RJ45 PoE+ ports and two Gigabit SFP ports.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That does not mean every port can automatically provide 130W simultaneously. The available power has to be distributed according to the switch&#8217;s capabilities and the requirements of connected devices.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, when buying a PoE switch, check both:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PoE standard supported.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The total PoE power budget.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-587391d elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"587391d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c42ade e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4c42ade\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d256ea6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d256ea6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"business\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Businesses_Need_Network_Switches\"><\/span><b>Why Businesses Need Network Switches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A growing business eventually needs more wired connections than a typical router can conveniently provide. A switch solves this problem while creating a more structured network infrastructure.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_More_network_ports\"><\/span><b>1. More network ports<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A switch gives organisations additional Ethernet ports for connecting devices.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Easier_network_expansion\"><\/span><b>2. Easier network expansion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As employees, offices and connected devices increase, additional switching capacity can make expansion easier.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Better_traffic_handling\"><\/span><b>3. Better traffic handling<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switches forward traffic based on destination information rather than simply repeating everything to every port.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Support_for_business-critical_devices\"><\/span><b>4. Support for business-critical devices<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern businesses depend on network-connected equipment, including:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Computers<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Servers<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Printers<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP phones<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access points<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security cameras<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conference-room equipment<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network storage<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Centralised_management\"><\/span><b>5. Centralised management<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managed switches allow administrators to configure and monitor parts of the network from a central interface.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Network_segmentation\"><\/span><b>6. Network segmentation<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Features such as VLANs can help administrators separate different types of traffic logically.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, an organisation might separate:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employee computers<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guest devices<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Voice traffic<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security systems<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Management devices<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can make network administration more structured and can support security policies.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a89e8ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a89e8ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70d8230 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"70d8230\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19c14e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"19c14e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"choose\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Choose_the_Right_Network_Switch\"><\/span><b>How to Choose the Right Network Switch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best network switch depends on what you are connecting today and what you expect to add later.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Count_your_devices\"><\/span><b>1. Count your devices<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by listing every device that needs a wired connection.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not count only computers. Include printers, phones, access points, cameras, meeting-room equipment and other Ethernet devices.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is also sensible to leave spare ports for future expansion.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Check_port_speed\"><\/span><b>2. Check port speed<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gigabit Ethernet is common for business access connections, but faster uplinks may be useful when switches need to carry substantial traffic between network segments.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Decide_whether_you_need_PoE\"><\/span><b>3. Decide whether you need PoE<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your network includes compatible IP phones, access points, cameras or AV equipment, PoE may simplify installation.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Managed_or_unmanaged\"><\/span><b>4. Managed or unmanaged?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose an unmanaged switch when you need simple connectivity and do not require advanced configuration.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a managed switch when your organisation needs greater control over traffic, segmentation, security or monitoring.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Look_at_uplinks\"><\/span><b>5. Look at uplinks<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uplink ports connect the switch to another switch, router or network infrastructure.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SFP ports can be especially useful where fibre connectivity is required.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Consider_network_management_features\"><\/span><b>6. Consider network management features<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the environment, useful features may include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VLAN<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">QoS<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DHCP management<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access control<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">802.1X authentication<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multicast management<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STP\/RSTP\/MSTP<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IGMP Snooping<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Yealink RCH80, for example, includes VLAN, QoS, DHCP, access control, 802.1X and multicast management features.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-106a70b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"106a70b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-623f267 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"623f267\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8052ac1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8052ac1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"common\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Network_Switch_Mistakes\"><\/span><b>Common Network Switch Mistakes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a switch based only on the number of ports is a common mistake.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 24-port switch may physically accommodate your devices, but that does not automatically make it the right choice.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Ignoring_PoE_requirements\"><\/span><b>1. Ignoring PoE requirements<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your devices need PoE, check the switch&#8217;s PoE standard and total power budget.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Buying_too_few_ports\"><\/span><b>2. Buying too few ports<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A network can grow quickly. Leaving some spare capacity is usually better than having to replace a switch shortly after installation.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Choosing_unmanaged_when_management_is_required\"><\/span><b>3. Choosing unmanaged when management is required<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A basic unmanaged switch may not provide the VLAN, QoS, security or monitoring features expected in a business environment.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Ignoring_uplink_capacity\"><\/span><b>4. Ignoring uplink capacity<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ports used to connect switches to the wider network can become important performance points.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Treating_every_PoE_switch_as_identical\"><\/span><b>5. Treating every PoE switch as identical<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PoE capabilities differ between models. Always match the switch&#8217;s power specifications with the requirements of your devices.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f43b7a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"f43b7a8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb6aaa3 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fb6aaa3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2062922 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2062922\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"best\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Network_Switch_Best_Practices\"><\/span><b>Network Switch Best Practices<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A reliable switching environment starts with good planning.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_these_practices_in_mind\"><\/span><b>Keep these practices in mind:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Document connected devices and ports.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Label important Ethernet cables.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Leave spare ports for expansion.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Use managed features where they provide real value.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Monitor PoE power usage.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Separate appropriate traffic using VLANs.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Use QoS where voice, video or other priority traffic requires it.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Keep switch firmware updated according to the manufacturer&#8217;s guidance.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Protect networking equipment from excessive heat, moisture and unstable power.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Plan uplinks carefully when connecting multiple switches.<\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These practices are particularly important in business networks where downtime can affect communication, productivity and customer service.<\/span><\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Practical_Example_Network_Switch_for_a_Meeting_Room\"><\/span><b>A Practical Example: Network Switch for a Meeting Room<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider a modern conference room containing:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two cameras<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple microphones<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A room controller<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An IP phone<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A conferencing endpoint<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network-connected displays or other AV equipment<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of treating each device as an isolated connection, a suitable managed PoE switch can provide a central point for connectivity and, where supported, power.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Yealink RCH80 is an example designed specifically around professional AV environments. It provides eight Gigabit PoE+ ports, two Gigabit SFP uplinks, a 130W PoE budget and features such as VLAN, QoS and multicast management. It also supports Dante and AES67 for compatible AV-over-IP deployments.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This illustrates an important point: <\/span><b>the right switch is not simply the one with the most ports. It is the one whose speed, power, management and connectivity features match the environment.<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f47c71 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"6f47c71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f085880 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f085880\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd295eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd295eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"future\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Future_of_Network_Switching\"><\/span><b>The Future of Network Switching<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network switching continues to evolve alongside the devices connected to business networks.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher-speed Ethernet, improved Power over Ethernet capabilities, network automation, stronger security controls and greater support for multimedia traffic are all shaping modern network infrastructure.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IEEE&#8217;s Ethernet standards continue to expand across higher data rates and new physical technologies. The IEEE 802.3-2022 standard covers Ethernet operation from 1 Mb\/s through 400 Gb\/s, while PoE developments have expanded Ethernet&#8217;s ability to deliver power alongside data.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For businesses, this means network planning should focus not only on today&#8217;s requirements but also on future bandwidth, device and power needs.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-447d44c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"447d44c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0b2b79f e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0b2b79f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3521b68 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3521b68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"conc\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A network switch is a fundamental part of modern wired networking. It connects devices, directs Ethernet traffic and provides the foundation for business networks ranging from small offices to larger enterprise environments.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For organisations, the decision goes beyond choosing an eight-, 16- or 24-port device. You also need to consider connection speeds, PoE requirements, management capabilities, uplinks, network segmentation and future growth.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your organisation needs networking equipment for office connectivity, IP phones, wireless access points, security systems or professional AV deployments, choosing a switch that matches those requirements can make the network easier to manage and expand.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For specialised meeting-room and AV deployments, the Yealink RCH80 is one example of a managed PoE switch built around these requirements.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b560df3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b560df3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9dc543 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c9dc543\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e51330 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9e51330\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"faqs\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77a43bd wpr-advanced-accordion-icon-no-box elementor-widget elementor-widget-wpr-advanced-accordion\" data-id=\"77a43bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;active_item&quot;:1}\" data-widget_type=\"wpr-advanced-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n            <div class=\"wpr-advanced-accordion\" data-accordion-type=\"accordion\" data-active-index=\"1\" data-accordion-trigger=\"click\" data-interaction-speed=\"0.4\">\n\n\t\t\t\n                \n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-accordion-item-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"wpr-acc-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-item-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-title-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-title-text\">1. What is a network switch?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel-content\"><p>A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network and forwards Ethernet traffic to the appropriate destination.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                \n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-accordion-item-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"wpr-acc-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-item-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-title-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-title-text\">2. How does a network switch work?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel-content\"><p>A switch learns the MAC addresses associated with its ports and uses that information to forward Ethernet frames toward the correct destination.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                \n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-accordion-item-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"wpr-acc-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-item-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-title-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-title-text\">3. What is a network switch used for?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel-content\"><p>Network switches connect devices such as computers, servers, printers, IP phones, cameras, wireless access points and other Ethernet-enabled equipment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                \n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-accordion-item-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"wpr-acc-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-item-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-title-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-title-text\">4. Do I need a network switch if I have a router?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel-content\"><p>You may need one if your router does not have enough Ethernet ports for all your wired devices or if your network requires more advanced switching capabilities.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                \n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-accordion-item-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"wpr-acc-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-item-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-title-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-acc-title-text\">5. What is the difference between a managed and unmanaged switch?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wpr-toggle-icon wpr-ti-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpr-acc-panel-content\"><p>An unmanaged switch generally provides basic plug-and-play connectivity. A managed switch provides configuration, monitoring and network-management capabilities.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                            <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction If you have ever looked inside an office network cabinet, you have probably seen a box filled with Ethernet cables and blinking lights. That device is often a network&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14577,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_angie_page":false,"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[1360,1357,1358,1356,1359],"class_list":["post-14569","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-office-equipment","category-video-conferencing-solutions","tag-business-networking","tag-ethernet-switch","tag-managed-network-switch","tag-network-switches","tag-poe-switch"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is a Network Switch? 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