What are the Different Types of Network Switches?

To set up or expand your business local area network, knowing about different types of switches is very important. It’s because network switches only make a difference in network speed and configuration. You cannot get the best networking for your company without knowing and understanding the roles of different types of network switches.

In this blog, we will discuss different types of network switches. But, before that, we will explain exactly what a network switch is.

Network switch: A brief introduction

A network switch is one of the basic building blocks of your business’s local area network because it connects multiple devices for strong and smooth networking. With connecting devices, networking is impossible.

The network switch allows devices to share and transfer data that enables communication between devices on the network. It happens when a network switch processes packets of data and routes them to the intended destination (s).

For example, in a small organization, the network switch connects a computer, printer, and server, passing data between all three.

Different types of network switches

KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switch

As the name suggests, the KVM switch connects a keyboard, video, and mouse or monitor to multiple computers. Primarily, this type of switch controls groups of servers while saving desktop space by eliminating cables.

If your job includes controlling the functions of multiple computers from a single console, a KVM switch is an ideal choice. You can easily program all the devices using keyboard hotkeys and easily switch between PCs.

The functioning of a KVM switch increases with the addition of a KVM extender. With this, you can extend the reach of the switch to several hundred feet by transmitting DVI, VGA, or HDMI video signals. Also, local and remote access to the machines can be configured.

Managed switch

This particular switch functions just like its name. With a managed switch, you will get total control over the traffic accessing your network while allowing you to custom-configure each Ethernet port. This ensures maximum efficiency over data transfers on the network.

A managed switch is considered the best because it supports the Gigabit standard of Ethernet rather than traditional Fast Ethernet.

A managed switch is used by many administrators to create virtual local area networks (VLANs), allowing further segmentation of the network and control of the traffic burden for each type of connected device. The use of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) in the designing of the majority of managed switches helps the administrators to perform quality of service (QoS) duties. Also, the STP allows administrators to access the switch remotely to make adjustments without being in the same physical location as the switch.

Compared to an unmanaged switch, a managed switch is costly. However, the freedom to create a network that runs at peak efficiency customized to the specifications of the unique devices on it makes the managed switch worth it.

Unmanaged switch

An unmanaged switch is like a plug-and-play device that requires no or little special installation beyond an Ethernet cable. This switch and its setup rely on auto-negotiation between Ethernet devices, enabling communication between them. As the switch is unmanaged, it automatically determines the best data rate to use and switches between full-duplex mode or half-duplex mode accordingly.

Like a managed switch, some unmanaged switches allow remote access. However, these unmanaged switches require an admin to physically make broad changes when setting up the switch.

An unmanaged switch becomes an ideal option if you want to perform the basic functions of network efficiency without the need for customization.

Smart Switch

Also known as an intelligent switch, the smart switch is one very popular type of switch in networking. The smart switch falls in the category of a managed switch but it comes with only a select number of options for management. A smart switch provides functionality to configure a handful of settings like VLANs or duplex modes.

A smart switch is a perfect option for your business if the network doesn’t require a full set of customizations. The best thing about a smart switch is that it is more affordable than a fully managed switch, offering more customization options compared to an unmanaged switch.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch

The role of a PoE switch is to distribute power over the network to different devices. With a PoE switch, no device on the network has to be near an AC access point or router for functioning. Everything, from PCs to cameras and smart lighting functions from far away because the PoE switch sends both data and power to the connected devices.

Compared to other switches discussed above, the PoE switch has some restrictions. This category of the switch is not compatible with all devices. So, you should check the compatibility of a PoE switch before investing in it.

Different networking switches offer different advantages. You cannot rank them based on one or two parameters and pick the one that tops the ranking. Chances are that the network switch picked by you might not work in your favor.

The best way to pick the right option for your company is by analyzing your networking requirements. You should consider all the features of a network switch and find out if it suits your needs. Other than this, you should consider budget, customization, speed, number of ports, stackability, and power requirements.