Edge-Core ES3526VA-PoE, Installation Manual, Page: 27 / 74

2-1
Chapter 2: Network Planning
Introduction to Switching
A network switch allows simultaneous transmission of multiple packets via
non-crossbar switching. This means that it can partition a network more efficiently than
bridges or routers. The switch has, therefore, been recognized as one of the most
important building blocks for today’s networking technology.
When performance bottlenecks are caused by congestion at the network access point
(such as the network card for a high-volume file server), the device experiencing
congestion (server, power user, or hub) can be attached directly to a switched port. By
using full-duplex mode, the bandwidth of the dedicated segment can be doubled to
maximize throughput.
When networks are based on repeater (hub) technology, the distance between end
stations is limited by a maximum hop count. However, a switch turns the hop count
back to zero. So subdividing the network into smaller and more manageable
segments, and linking them to the larger network by means of a switch, removes this
limitation.
A switch can be easily configured in any network to significantly boost bandwidth while
using conventional cabling and network cards.