What is a Networking Switch?

A networking switch is the central device in a wired or wireless LAN (local area network). It receives signals from each computer on the network via Ethernet cables in a wired network or radio waves in a wireless LAN. In both cases, the networking switch directs traffic across the LAN, enabling the computers to talk to each other and share resources. All computers included in the LAN must contain a network interface card (NIC). The card assigns a unique address to the machine in which it is installed. This address is called a MAC (Medium Access Control). A wired NIC accommodates an Ethernet cable, which runs to a port on the back of the networking switch. If the NIC is wireless, the card will feature a small antenna instead of an Ethernet port. The antenna transmits signals to the wireless networking switch, which also bears an antenna rather than ports. Whether wireless or wired, the networking switch acts as a relay, reading traffic packets as they arrive from the various machines ...  more

reliability and performance. TigerTV host Logan will introduce you to both these great networking solutions. Enjoy! ... D-Link 5-port 8-port 10/100/1000 switch showcase setup ...  more

A networking switch is the central device in a wired or wireless LAN (local area network). It receives signals from each computer on the network via Ethernet cables in a wired network or radio waves in a wireless LAN. In both cases, the networking switch directs traffic across the LAN, enabling the computers to talk [...  more

Asked in Computers & Accessories at 6:05 PM on October 27, 2008 Tags: networking, switch  more