A network switch connects devices in a LAN and forwards traffic only to the right port, boosting speed and security. Modern network switches add VLANs, QoS, PoE, and Layer-3 routing, forming the wired backbone for enterprise Wi-Fi, IoT, and cloud-ready networks across campuses and branches.
What is a network switch?
A network switch is a central LAN device that links computers, servers, printers, cameras, and access points. Unlike a hub, which broadcasts to every port, a switch learns device MAC addresses and forwards frames only where they belong. That precision improves throughput, reduces collisions, and enhances privacy.
How does a network switch work?
Switches build a MAC address table by observing source addresses. When a frame arrives, the switch looks up the destination MAC and forwards the frame to the correct egress port (or floods if unknown). Core behaviors include unicast, broadcast, and multicast handling; loop prevention via STP/RSTP; and traffic segmentation with VLANs (802.1Q).
Why are network switches important?
- Performance: Dedicated bandwidth per port; options for 1/2.5/5/10/25/40/100G uplinks.
- Reliability: Features like link aggregation (LACP), redundant power, and stack/clustering.
- Security: Port security, 802.1X, DHCP snooping, and ACLs to limit unauthorized access.
- Scalability: Modular uplinks, stacking, and Layer-3 capabilities to grow with the business.
What types of network switches are there?
- Layer 2 switches: Forward based on MAC addresses; ideal for access/campus edge.
- Layer 3 switches: Add IP routing (static, OSPF, etc.) to collapse router functions at distribution/core.
- Managed vs. Unmanaged: Managed switches expose configuration, monitoring, and automation; unmanaged are simple plug-and-play.
- Stackable/Chassis: Operate as one logical system for higher port density and easier management.
- **PoE/PoE+/UPoE: Deliver power and data on one cable for APs, VoIP phones, and cameras (see the PoE glossary).
Which features should I look for in an enterprise network switch?
- VLANs & QoS: Segment users/apps; prioritize voice/video and real-time traffic.
- PoE budget & classes: Ensure enough watts for your APs and cameras across all ports.
- Uplinks & optics: SFP/SFP+/QSFP options for fiber aggregation and long runs.
- Automation & telemetry: NETCONF/REST, LLDP, sFlow/NetFlow, and streaming metrics.
- Security controls: 802.1X, MAC limiting, private VLAN, ARP inspection, and ACLs.
- Resilience: Hot-swap PSUs/fans, VSF/MLAG stacking, fast convergence protocols.
How do network switches support Wi-Fi and IoT?
Wireless needs wires: APs, sensors, and cameras plug into access switches that provide PoE, VLANs for segmentation (e.g., staff/guest/IoT), and QoS for real-time traffic. Distribution or core switches aggregate those links, apply policies, and backhaul traffic to data centers or cloud services.
What’s the difference between a network switch and a router?
A switch connects devices within a LAN and makes decisions at Layers 2–3 (MAC/IP, depending on model). A router connects between networks (e.g., LAN to WAN/Internet), enforcing NAT, firewalls, and path selection. Many Layer-3 switches handle intra-campus routing while a perimeter router/firewall handles WAN/Internet.
Do I need a managed switch or will unmanaged work?
- Choose unmanaged for very small, simple networks.
- Choose managed for anything business-critical: you’ll want VLANs, QoS, security, monitoring, and remote management. Managed models also simplify rollout with templates and zero-touch provisioning.
Final Thoughts
Network switches are foundational to modern enterprise connectivity, enabling secure, segmented, and high-performance communication across wired and wireless environments. Whether supporting Wi-Fi deployments, powering IoT devices, or forming the backbone of cloud-ready networks, switches play a critical role in ensuring scalability, reliability, and control. Understanding their types, features, and deployment considerations helps IT teams make informed decisions tailored to their infrastructure needs.
As an example, Sundray’s access and aggregation switches—such as V-Sec and X-LINK—are designed for enterprise campus and branch deployments. They support key functions like PoE for powering Wi-Fi access points, VLANs for traffic segmentation, and high-speed fiber uplinks for building resilient network backbones.
Similar Terms
FAQs about Network Switches
No. A hub sends traffic to all devices, while a switch forwards it only to the correct device, improving efficiency and security.
Not usually. A switch connects devices within a LAN. To reach the internet, you still need a router or firewall.
Yes. Switches provide PoE power and stable wired backhaul to Wi-Fi access points, ensuring faster and more reliable wireless service.
Enterprise switches often last 5–7 years or more, depending on workload and support for new standards like multi-gigabit or PoE++.
No. Only PoE-enabled models can provide both power and data. Standard Ethernet switches supply data only.
