A network switch is used to route data over a communication network. Various types of network switches are designed for performing different functions and play a vital role in the effective management of a computer network. With their main functionality being transmission of data packets to the correct direction, they are entities for traffic management system for a particular network. Various kinds of switches are implemented for connecting the network to peripheral devices and to ensure that the sharing of resources is both cost effective and optimal.
There are four major types of a switches. It can either be an unmanaged switch, a managed switch, a smart switch or an enterprise managed switch. Each kind of switch has its own strengths and weaknesses due to which they differ in their applicability.
Unmanaged types of switches are widely used for computer network management in small scale business houses or domestic centers because they are considered to be the cheapest switches that are available in the market. They are mainly used to manage accurate data flow between a local network of computers and any shared device like a printer. A brilliant example of unmanaged switches is the D-LINK Model DES-1016A (16 Port) Unmanaged Switch which is a high speed Ethernet switch solution.
Managed Switches offer seamless flexibility but requires expert handling which is absent in an unmanaged switch that is pre programmed and cannot be changed. These types of switches are perfect for sophisticated networking applications. They have a software or user interface that allows the user to alter the settings of the managed switches. They can be updated using an Internet based application or a serial console also. The D-Link DES-1228-ME 24 ports FE L2 managed switch is a popular module that is available in the market and can be easily purchased online as well.
Smart Switches can be considered to be a hybrid class of network switches offering functionality somewhat between that of a managed and unmanaged switch. A smart switch comes with a user interface in which the settings are set to the default popular settings but can be updated over the web. These switches are called smart switches because change in a single setting result in corresponding changes in all related settings. D-Link manufactures a class of smart switch known as the D-Link DES - 1210-28 Smart switches that come with twenty eight ports.
A fourth category known as enterprise managed switches are well known for their large and adjustable settings. Hence they are widely used in a huge company or an organization. They are used for complex networking solutions and have to be managed and maintained by network specialist. As a result of the huge size and network complexity, they need constant monitoring too. They are relatively safe, secure and error proof.
Choice of a network switch is extremely important for the proper functioning of a computer communication network. If one purchases them online then he can easily choose from a wide range of available products by comparing features of the items.
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