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An Ethernet Switch is a LAN interconnection device which functions at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI reference model. A switch is basically similar to a bridge, but usually supports a larger number of connected LAN segments and has a richer management capability.

Modern LANs have increasingly replaced the shared media with a switched media, by installing Ethernet switches and bridges in place of hubs and repeaters. These logically partition the traffic to travel only over the network segments on the path between the source and the destination. This reduces the wastage of bandwidth which results from sending the packet to parts of the network which do not need to receive the data. There are also benefits from improved security (users are less able to tap-in into other user's data), better management (the ability to control who receives what information (i.e. Virtual LANs) and to limit the impact of network problems), and the ability to operate some links in full duplex (rather than half duplex required for shared access).

At the centre of a Switch is a type of switching element which controls the ports to which each frame is forwarded. Three types of switching element have been used, each has some merits in terms of cost/performance:

1- Matrix Switches
2- Shared bus
3- Shared Memory

In addition, many switches include processing capability beyond that required for forwarding.

Here are the top most popular Ethernet switches Manufacturers

The most popular brand of Gigabit Ethernet switches is Cisco, but Cisco Gigabit Ethernet switches are also the most expensive. There are diverse criteria that you should consider when choosing brand. First you should consider the features that you need. Not all brands offer all of the features you may need. If you are more technically advanced and have a CCNA you may be fine managing your switches without a GUI. This is one thing to consider. Cisco Gigabit Ethernet switches, that are managed don't have a GUI interface. Whereas Dell and HP offers managed Gigabit, Ethernet switches that do have the GUI interface for easy remote management. The Cisco switches are considered to be the most robust and reliable. Consider all the needs that you have, balancing cost, features and manageability carefully and select the model that best suits your needs. Other popular manufacturers are Net gear, and a popular in the UK is Aaxeon. Aaxeon offer a range of industrialized Ethernet switches.

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