An Ethernet network switch connects devices in a LAN using wired Ethernet and forwards traffic to the correct port for fast, reliable, and secure communication. With managed, unmanaged, and Layer-3 options, Ethernet switches power enterprise backbones, data centers, and WLAN/IoT networks.
What is an Ethernet network switch?
An Ethernet network switch is a core LAN device that forwards frames between wired endpoints—PCs, servers, printers, access points, and IoT gateways—using the Ethernet family of standards (e.g., 802.3). Unlike a hub that repeats everything to every port, a switch learns MAC addresses and sends traffic only where it belongs. This selective forwarding dramatically improves throughput, reduces collisions, and enhances security and privacy on busy networks.
How does an Ethernet switch work?
Switches examine the source MAC of each inbound frame to build a dynamic MAC address table (port ↔ MAC mappings). When the next frame arrives, the switch looks up the destination MAC:
- If it knows the port, it forwards the frame there (unicast).
- If unknown, it floods the frame to the VLAN to discover the destination.
- Broadcast and multicast traffic follow specific forwarding rules.
Modern switches also implement Spanning Tree (STP/RSTP/MSTP) to prevent loops, Link Aggregation (LACP) for more bandwidth and failover, and VLANs (802.1Q) to segment users, devices, and applications for cleaner policy and security.
Types of Ethernet switches
- Unmanaged Ethernet switches: Plug-and-play. Great for very small networks with minimal control needs.
- Managed Ethernet switches: Provide configuration, visibility, and control—VLANs, QoS, ACLs, 802.1X, port mirroring, SNMP/Netconf/REST APIs, and telemetry.
- Layer-3 Ethernet switches: Add IP routing (static, OSPF, sometimes BGP) so distribution/core tiers can collapse router roles and maintain high performance.
- Stackable/chassis switches: Operate as a single logical switch for scale and resilience; simplify upgrades and management.
- Industrial Ethernet switches: Hardened for temperature, vibration, and dust; often include PoE for edge sensors and cameras.
Key features to evaluate
- Port speeds & density: 1G for clients, 2.5/5G for Wi-Fi 6/7 AP uplinks, 10/25/40/100G for server and core uplinks.
- VLANs & QoS: Separate traffic (e.g., staff, guest, IoT) and prioritize voice/video, collaboration apps, or latency-sensitive workloads.
- Security controls: 802.1X (port-based authentication), MAC limiting, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, and ACLs to limit lateral movement.
- Observability: Flow telemetry (NetFlow/sFlow/IPFIX), port mirroring, Syslog, streaming metrics for NOC/SIEM visibility.
- Resilience: Dual hot-swap PSUs/fans, VSF/MLAG/stacking, rapid convergence, and hitless upgrades for maintenance windows.
- Automation: Template-based provisioning, LLDP for auto-discovery, and APIs for network-as-code workflows.
Enterprise use cases
- Campus access: Connect user devices and phones; provide PoE to APs and cameras; enforce segmentation and guest policies.
- Distribution/core: Aggregate access layers with high-speed fiber; perform intra-campus routing and policy enforcement.
- Data center: Low-latency fabrics and high-bandwidth uplinks for servers, storage, and virtualization platforms.
- IoT backbones: Wired stability for gateways and critical sensors; micro-segmentation of OT/IoT traffic.
- WLAN integration: Even “wireless-first” designs rely on Ethernet for AP power/uplinks, controller connectivity, and traffic steering.
Conclusion
Ethernet switches continue to serve as the backbone of modern IT, supporting everything from APs to cloud-connected systems. Sundray Ethernet switches deliver stable, secure, and scalable connectivity for enterprises worldwide.
Similar Terms
FAQs about Ethernet Switches
Yes. Wireless depends on Ethernet for AP uplinks, controller connectivity, and backhaul. Wired links deliver stability, deterministic performance, and power (when PoE is present).
For user access, 1G is common; for Wi-Fi 6/7 APs, consider 2.5G/5G. Use 10/25G for server/distribution uplinks and 40/100G for backbone aggregation. Match optics and fiber runs accordingly.
Choose managed for any production environment: you’ll need VLANs, QoS, security, monitoring, and remote operations. Unmanaged is best for tiny, non-critical networks.
Many do. PoE/PoE+/PoE++ models deliver power and data over the same cable—ideal for access points, VoIP phones, cameras, and sensors.
