Lan Network Switch

Network Switch - The Basics

The network switch plays an integral role in enterprise and home networking, yet many people confuse what the purpose of the equipment is, and how it differs from a router. I decided to write this blog post to explain the basics of the switch - from different types, to vendors for purchasing them.

A brief overview of network switches

A network switch is a type of computer networking hardware that bridges network segments. It is sometimes referred to as a packet switch or simply a switch. The switch plays an important component in most local area networks (LAN), including mid-to-large enterprise networks which utilize several linked managed switches.
A switch is far less sophisticated than a router. Although routers and switches look fairly similar in appearance, routers differ substantially in their internal components.

Types of network switches

Unmanaged Switches: This is typically the least expensive type of switch, most often found in homes or small offices. They are very simple, employing plug and play technology, lacking any specific configuration options

Managed Switches: Managed Switches provide optional configuration options and allow for a great variety of functionality. There are several ways to operate these switches, from utilizing a remote tool like Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), to accessing the switch via a command line interface like Telnet.

• Smart Switches: Smart switches differ from fully managed switches in that they only allow a specific set of modifications and functionality. Because users can only configure basics settings, they are often cheaper than the fully managed breed. Some basic functions often found on a smart switch are turning some particular port range on or off, link speed and duplex settings and priority settings for ports
• Enterprise Managed Switches: Enterprise switches are the more configurable and expensive version of managed switches. They are most often found in enterprise networks among several other switches. They are more efficient for large business where accessing a central administration module can save time and money. Some advanced functions for enterprise switches are VLAN settings, link aggregation and port mirroring.

Buying switches

There are several brand name switch manufacturers that provide competing and differentiated products, including Cisco, 3Com, and Alcatel. While switches can be purchased out of the box from online retailers, one way to save money is to find a used switch from an online reseller. A business purchaser can often save thousands of dollars purchasing used cisco or other brand name network hardware.

If you do decide to go the route of an online reseller, be sure to check for several qualifying factors to make sure they are a good fit. One factor is a good warranty, as it is always a risk to buy used equipment. Another is significant discounts (at least 50%) off of retail pricing. The third factor I recommend seeking in an online network hardware vendor is good customer support. The ability to speak to a human being for help with your purchase is underrated.
I hope this ‘basic switch support’ post helps out those that are confused or looking for a way to purchase a switch.

About the Author

My goal is to start a conversation about networking equipment, how to purchase brand name hardware liked used cisco, of any variety, such as a used switch.

IC Intracom USA, Inc INTELLINET Network Solutions 522595 Metal Desktop Switch - 16 x 10/100Base-TX LAN $48.96 IC Intracom USA, Inc INTELLINET Network Solutions 522595 Metal Desktop Switch - 16 x 10/100Base-TX LAN

Cisco Catalyst 2975 LAN Base Switch $6082.99 (4 Total) SFP Uplink 1.73" Height x 17.50" Width x 16.10" Depth 10/100/1000Base-T 100 V AC to 240 V AC 110 V AC 128 MB 15.50 lb 1U 2 2 x Stack 220 V AC 2900 32 Gbps 32 MB 38.7 Mpps 4 48 48 x RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T PoE LAN 802.1p Quality of service SNMPv1, v2c, and v3 DHCP CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution Command-line interface 802.1q VLAN RMON Syslog Cisco Catalyst 2975 Switch with LAN Base software is a fixed-configuration stackable intelligent Ethernet switch with Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, enabling enhanced LAN services for commercial branch office networks. The Cisco Catalyst 2975 LAN Base Switch offers integrated security, including Network Admission Control (NAC), enhanced quality of service (QoS), and resiliency to deliver intelligent services for the network edge. Cisco IOS Software Catalyst Catalyst 2900 Catalyst 2975 LAN Base Switch Cisco Cisco Systems, Inc Ethernet Switch Power Supply Rack-mountable RoHS-5 Stackable WS-C2975GS-48PS-L Yes www.cisco.com

Extreme Wireless LAN Switch WM1000 $8094.98 Extreme Wireless LAN Switch WM1000

PCI 1000M Gigabit 8169 LAN Network NIC Adapter $10.8 DESCRIPTION * Power by Realtek 8169 Chips * PCI Bus Master technology * Support PCI clock up to 40MHz * Auto Switch 10/100/1000 Network * PCI 2.1/2.2 Standard * LAN Wakeup Function and ACPI Power Saving standard * LED Indicator * Support Half duplex and Full duplex * Windows XP build in driver and no extra driver required for the hardware * Easy to connect to home and office network * Plug and Play installation * Compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, 2003, XP and LinuxPacking Contains * PCI RTL8169 LAN Card

PCI 10/100 Realtek 8139 LAN Network NIC Adapter $4.6 DESCRIPTIONFeature * Power by Realtek 8139 Chips * PCI Bus Master technology * Support PCI clock up to 40MHz * Auto Switch 10/100 Network * PCI 2.1/2.2 Standard * LAN Wakeup Function and ACPI Power Saving standard * LED Indicator * Support Half duplex and Full duplex * Windows XP build in driver and no extra driver required for the hardware * Easy to connect to home and office network * Plug and Play installation * Compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, 2003, XP and LinuxPacking Contains * PCI RTL8139 LAN Card * Build in Driver for windows XP

Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller Switch $13040.99 24 3750G Cisco Wireless LAN Controller supporting up to 25 Cisco Lightweight Access Points 24 10/100/1000 PoE ports The Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller combines wireless LAN controller functionality with Cisco's highest-resiliency stackable Catalyst 3750G Series Switches to deliver improved operating efficiency and unparalleled WLAN security, mobility and ease of use for business-critical wireless LANs. The Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller delivers centralized security policies, wireless intrusion prevention system (IPS) capabilities, award-winning RF management, QoS, and Layer 3 fast secure roaming for WLANs. As a core component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, the Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller provides the control, security, redundancy, and reliability that network managers need to scale and manage their wireless networks as easily as they scale and manage their traditional wired networks. Catalyst Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller Switch Cisco Cisco Systems, Inc Desktop Not Applicable Rack-mountable WS-C3750G-24WS-S25 Wireless LAN Controller Yes www.cisco.com

Leviton 476118PT BaseT Network Switch $121.92 Permits creation of a private highspeed home area network HAN or local area network LAN in small office/home office SOHO environments for all connected computers with its fast integral 10/100Mbps autosensing Ethernet ports. Passthrough IPSEC and ISAKMP protocols allow attached LAN users to implement secure Virtual Private Network VPN communication applications on their PC s. Connections are made by running cable from desired locations to a Catagory 5e Voice and Data Module see related products. From there Catagory 5 or 5e patch cord can be used to connect the Gateway to the Catagory 5e Module. Material Specifications:. Color: White. Mechanical Specifications:. LAN Ports: 8Port. AC Power Adapter: Yes. LED Indicator: 1 Pwr 8 Link/Activity 8 100Mbps. Cabling Requirements: Standard Cat5/5e UTP. Performance Data. Network Protocols: TCP/IP DNS NAT TFTP HTTP PPOE/Not PPOE. Speed: 10/100 BaseT. Firewall: NATNetwork Address Translation. Standards and Certifications. IEEE 802.3: 10 BaseT Ethernet. IEEE 802.3u: 100 BaseTX Fast Ethernet. FCC: Class B.

CAT5 RJ45 Network Lan Splitter Plug $4.21 CAT5 RJ45 Network Lan Splitter Plug

CAT5e Ethernet Lan Network Cable 50 Feet $2.99 CAT5e Ethernet Lan Network Cable 50 Feet

USB Network Lan Adapter for Nintendo Wii $14.99 USB Network Lan Adapter for Nintendo Wii

Cisco / ON100 NETWORK AGENT LAN PORT / ON100-K9 $211.68 Cisco - ON100 NETWORK AGENT LAN PORT - ON100-K9

3Com Wake on LAN Cable (For Network Card) Cblwol $4.98 3Com Wake on LAN Cable (For Network Card) Cblwol

SonicWall 4 x 10/100/1000Base-T Network LAN 01SSC7210 $2471.66 SonicWall 4 x 10/100/1000Base-T Network LAN 01SSC7210

SonicWall 2 x 10/100/1000Base-T Network LAN 01SSC6063 $934.08 SonicWall 2 x 10/100/1000Base-T Network LAN 01SSC6063

Wireless Lan 802.11n Pci Network 300mps $77.99 WIRELESS LAN 802.11N PCI NETWORK 300MPS

Sd208P - Cisco Sd208P 8-Port Fast Ethernet Switch With Poe - 4 X 10/100Base-Tx Lan, 4 X 10/100Base-Tx Lan $148.13 The Cisco Sd208p 8-port Fast Ethernet Switch With Poe Can Significantly Increase The Speed of Your Network Traffic. A Switch Serves The Same Function as a Hub in a Network Design, Tying Your Network Equipment Together. But Unlike a Simple-minded Hub, Which Divides The Network's Bandwidth Among All The Attached Devices, a Switch Delivers Full Network Speeds at Each Port. Installing This Cost-effective 8-port 10/100 Switch Can Potentially Give You Eight Times Your Current Network Speed. [SD208P] UPC: 882658261145 UNSPC: 43222612 11.25L x 8W x 2.5H 10 LB

TRENDnet TPE224WS Gigabit Web Smart PoE Switch 24 x 10100BaseTX LAN 2 x 101001000BaseT LAN Managed Ethernet Switch $622.74 TPE224WS 26port Smart Switch integrates Power over Ethernet (PoE) and network management features into a cost effective and scalable solution. The TPE224WS reduces equipment cost by delivering data and power over existing network cable infrastructure. The also switch offers advanced network management features.

Ws-C2960Pd-8Tt-L-M - Cisco Catalyst 2960Pd Layer 3 Switch - 8 X 10/100Base-Tx Lan, 1 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $3138.05 Cisco Catalyst 2960pd Switch With Lan Base Software is a Fixed-configuration, Standalone Intelligent Ethernet Devices With Power Over Ethernet (poe) Configuration That Provide Desktop Fast Ethernet And Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity, Enabling Enhanced Lan Services For Entry-level Enterprise, Midmarket, And Branch Office Networks (see Figure 1). The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Lan Base Series Offers Integrated Security, Including Network Admission Control (nac), Advanced Quality of Service (qos), And Resiliency to Deliver Intelligent Services For The Network Edge. [CA4151] UPC: 882658271786 UNSPC: 43222612 25L x 14.5W x 9.5H 20.8 LB

Des-3052 - D-Link Des-3052 Managed Ethernet Switch - 48 X 10/100Base-Tx Lan, 2 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan, 2 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $518.19 the Des-3052 Switch Is Managed Layer 2 Ethernet Switch Designed As The Premium Device In The Entry-level Network Management Category. This Switch Offers Very Rich Functions To Let Smb And Even Enterprises Set Up A Secure And Effective departmental Network At Affordable Cost. Outstanding Features Include High Port Densities, 4 Gigabit Uplinks, Power Over Ethernet Support, Comprehensive Network Security, Granular Bandwidth Control And Extensive Network Management. With This Switch, Businesses Can Now Optimize Their Networks At Both The Function And Cost Levels For Maximum Results. [DES3052] UPC: 790069301025 UNSPC: 43222612 17.8L x 23.1W x 3.7H 11.9 LB 0.89 Cubes

Adtran - 1200584L1 - Adtran Netvanta 1224St Poe Ethernet Switch - 24 X 10/100Base-Tx Lan, 2 X 10/100/1000Base-T Uplink $1137.91 the Netvanta 1224st Poe Managed Ethernet Switch Is Designed For Cost-effective Local Area Network (lan) Switching. This Scalable,full-featured Product Line Is Suitable For Networks Requiring Layer 2 Access Switches For Interconnecting Lan Devices Or Network Segmentation. It Is Ideal For Applications Requiring Fast Ethernet And Power Over Ethernet (poe) Standards-based 802.3af Switch Functionality. [2404331] UPC: 607565018923 UNSPC: 43222612 22.4L x 18.2W x 6.5H 13.25 LB 1.58 Cubes

Marconi LAX 20 LAN Access Switch LAX20 $129.25 Marconi LAX 20 LAN Access Switch LAX20

Cisco LAN Switch Catalyst 6506 Chassis WSC6506 $274.85 Cisco LAN Switch Catalyst 6506 Chassis WSC6506

Enterasys Matrix E5 Switch Chassis - LAN 5C105 $1182.5 Enterasys Matrix E5 Switch Chassis - LAN 5C105

Myricom 16-Ports Myrinet-LAN Switch M2LSW16 $354.5 Myricom 16-Ports Myrinet-LAN Switch M2LSW16

Enterasys Matrix N7 Ethernet Switch - LAN 7C107 $646.75 Enterasys Matrix N7 Ethernet Switch - LAN 7C107

Cisco Catalyst 6509 Ethernet Switch - LAN WSC6509 $333.25 Cisco Catalyst 6509 Ethernet Switch - LAN WSC6509

5-Port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN Switch $15.45 5-Port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN Switch

HP Procurve 4208vl72GS Ethernet Switch 68 x 10/100/1000BaseT LAN 5 x Expansion Slot 3 x Expansion Slot Switch Chassis $5759.98 The ProCurve Switch 4208vl72GS is a modular chassis that provides a flexible costeffective LAN solution as an alternative to stackables. This switch offers a proven chassis form factor with high quality and reliability in 10/100 and 10/100/1000 scalable solutions that integrate easily into any network.

Tl-R402M - Tp-Link Tl-R402M 4-Port Cable/Dsl Router - 5 Port - 4 X 10/100Base-Tx Network Lan, 1 X 10/100Base-Tx Network Wan $31.44 tp-link's Tl-r402m is Designed For Small Oce / Home Oce (soho) Network Solutions. With Build-in Nat, Dhcp Server, Rewall And 4 Lan Ports, The Tl-r402m Will Allow You to Connect Your Network Better Than Ever, Sharing Internet Access, Les And Fun, Easily And Securely. share Resources And Simplify The Network the Built-in Four-port Switch Provides Computers on The Lan With Network Connectivity And Internet Access. Connect up to Four Pcs or Other Networking Devices to Access Home/company Resources And Use The Internet. [GD6207] UPC: 845973040093 UNSPC: 43222609 10.24L x 6.5W x 2.26H 0.49 LB

TRENDNET 1 x ADSL Network WAN, 1 x 10/100Base-TX Network LAN, 1 USB LAN TDMC500 $37.28 TRENDNET 1 x ADSL Network WAN, 1 x 10/100Base-TX Network LAN, 1 USB LAN TDMC500

Ap9224112 - Apc 24-Port 10/100/1000 Ethernet Switch - 24 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $735.31 this Apc Ethernet Switch Provides Multi-port That Can be Used to Create Highspeed Backbone Connections Among Switches, Servers, Databases, And End Stations. This Switch Fit Into Any Enterprise-level Network as an Exit to The Backbone Switch. [46731B] UPC: 731304226628 UNSPC: 43222612 8.2 LB 1 Cubes

F5D5141-5 - Belkin 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch - 5 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $91.33 the Belkin 5-port Gigabit Switch Allows You To Easily Upgrade Your network To Achieve Gigabit Transfer Speeds. Backward-compatible With your Existing 10/100 Network, This Switch Simply Plugs In For Instant High performance. It Provides Your Servers And Workstations The Capacity To transfer Large Video, Audio, And Graphic Files Throughout Your Network At gigabit Speeds. [1009537] UPC: 722868510834 UNSPC: 43222612 9L x 6W x 5H 2.9 LB 0.16 Cubes

F5D5141-8 - Belkin 8-Port Gigabit Switch - 8 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $108.37 the Belkin 8-port Gigabit Switch Allows You To Easily Upgrade Your network To Achieve Gigabit Transfer Speeds. Backward-compatible With your Existing 10/100 Network, This Switch Simply Plugs In For Instant High performance. It Provides Your Servers And Workstations The Capacity To transfer Large Video, Audio, And Graphic Files Throughout Your network At Gigabit Speeds. [1009538] UPC: 0722868510841 UNSPC: 43222612 12.75L x 10.5W x 4.75H 5.2 LB 0.3 Cubes

Dgs-3200-10 - D-Link Dgs-3200-10 Ethernet Switch - 2 X Sfp Shared - 8 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan, 2 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $336.38 the Dgs-3200-10 Security Gigabit Switch Offers a New Generation of Intelligence And Defense Displayed Through The Delivery of Its High Performance, Flexible Expansion, And Robust Security. It Executes Firm Network Security And Comes With Acl Functionalities, Which Secure The Internal IT Network Against External Viruses From Invading The Lan. Built on Fan-less Technology, This Compact, 11-inch Switch Produces And Emits Less Heat And Noise Than The Standard Switch Ideal For Office Environments or Circumstances That Require Undisturbed Silence. [DGS320010] UPC: 790069306310 UNSPC: 43222612 10.5L x 15.6W x 4.1H 6.1 LB 1 Cubes

2M Retractable Ethernet Lan RJ-45 Network Cable $4.55 Free shipping 2M Retractable Ethernet Lan RJ-45 Network Cable

LAN Tool Kit - Network tools kit $488.99 Black Box LAN Tool Kit - Network tools kit

LAN Tool Kit 100 - Network tools kit $416.99 Black Box LAN Tool Kit 100 - Network tools kit

J9449A#Aba - Hp Procurve 1810G-8 Gigabit Ethernet Switch - 1 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan, 7 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $141.77 the HP Procurve 1810g Gigabit Switch Provides Reliable, Plug-and-play Gigabit Network Connectivity. It Provides Additional Network Security Capabilities, Enhancements to Ease of Use, Improved Energy Efficiency, And Expanded Deployment Flexibility. The HP Procurve 1810g-8 Switch Can Optionally be Powered by an Upstream Power Over Ethernet (poe) Switch And Offers Silent Operation And Multiple Mounting Options For Flexible Installation. [BU5873] UPC: 884420696285 UNSPC: 43222612 14.4L x 8.1W x 3.8H 2.6 LB

Cisco - Ws-C2960-48Tc-L - Cisco Catalyst 2960-48Tc Managed Ethernet Switch - 48 X 10/100Base-Tx Lan, 2 X 10/100/1000Base-T Lan $1501.34 cisco Catalyst 2960-48tc Intelligent Ethernet Switch Is A New Fixed-configuration Standalone Devices That Provide Desktop Fast Ethernet And Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity, Enabling Enhanced Lan Services For Entry-level Enterprise, Mid-market, And Branch Office Networks. The Catalyst 2960-48tc Offers Integrated Security, Including Network Admission Control (nac), Advanced Quality Of Service (qos), And Resiliency To Deliver Intelligent Services For The Network Edge. [WSC296048TCL] UPC: 882658035029 UNSPC: 43222612 22L x 13W x 9H 11.6 LB

Cisco - Ws-C2960-48Tt-S - Cisco Catalyst 2960-48Tt-S Ethernet Switch - 48 X 10/100Base-Tx Lan, 2 X 10/100/1000Base-T Uplink $758.55 cisco Catalyst 2960-48tt-s Switch With Lan Lite Software is Fixed-configuration, Standalone Switch That Provide Desktop Fast Ethernet Connectivity For Entry-level Wiring Closet And Small Branch-office Networks. This Switch Simplifies The Migration From Non-intelligent Hubs And Unmanaged Switches to a Fully Scalable Managed Network. The Lan Lite Cisco Ios Software Provides Entry-level Security, Quality of Service (qos), And Availability Capabilities While Lowering The Network Total Cost of Ownership. [WSC296048TTS] UPC: 882658220616 UNSPC: 43222612 22L x 16.95W x 6.85H 11.8 LB

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