{"id":340585,"date":"2025-02-21T22:10:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T21:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glosarix.com\/?post_type=glossary&#038;p=340585"},"modified":"2026-11-12T09:58:03","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T08:58:03","slug":"switch-networking","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/glosarix.com\/en\/glossary\/switch-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Switch (networking)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Description: A switch is a network device that connects devices to each other in a computer network using packet switching to send data to its destination. Unlike a hub, which simply broadcasts data to all ports, a switch is more intelligent and can identify the MAC address of the connected devices. This allows it to send data only to the specific device for which it is intended, which improves network efficiency and reduces congestion. Switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model and are fundamental in network segmentation, allowing for the creation of more organized and faster local area networks (LAN). Additionally, they are compatible with common network protocols and can work together with different network management systems to manage data traffic effectively. In enterprise environments, switches are essential for the implementation of robust and scalable networks, facilitating communication between servers, workstations, and other network devices.<\/p>\n<p>History: Network switches began to be developed in the 1980s, when the need to improve the efficiency of local networks became critical. The first Ethernet switch was introduced by the company Kalpana in 1990, which marked a milestone in the evolution of networks. As technology advanced, switches became more sophisticated, incorporating features such as VLAN management and quality of service (QoS). With the rise of the Internet and the increasing demand for bandwidth, switches have evolved to support speeds of up to 100 Gbps and more, adapting to the needs of modern networks.<\/p>\n<p>Uses: Switches are primarily used in local area networks (LAN) to connect computers, printers, and other devices. They allow for network segmentation, which improves performance and security by isolating different traffic segments. They are also essential in the implementation of enterprise networks, where efficient data traffic management is required. Additionally, switches can be used in data centers to connect servers and storage, facilitating communication between them.<\/p>\n<p>Examples: An example of a switch is the Cisco Catalyst 2960, which is commonly used in enterprise environments to connect devices in a local network. Another example is the TP-Link TL-SG108 switch, which is popular in small and medium-sized businesses for its ease of use and reliable performance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Description: A switch is a network device that connects devices to each other in a computer network using packet switching to send data to its destination. Unlike a hub, which simply broadcasts data to all ports, a switch is more intelligent and can identify the MAC address of the connected devices. This allows it to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"A switch is a network device that connects devices to each other in a computer network using packet switching to send data to its destination. Unlike a\u2026","glosarix_cat":"fundamentos-redes","footnotes":""},"glossary-categories":[13587],"glossary-tags":[],"glossary-languages":[],"class_list":["post-340585","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry","glossary-categories-networking-fundamentals-and-protocols"],"post_title":"Switch (networking)","post_content":"Description: A switch is a network device that connects devices to each other in a computer network using packet switching to send data to its destination. Unlike a hub, which simply broadcasts data to all ports, a switch is more intelligent and can identify the MAC address of the connected devices. This allows it to send data only to the specific device for which it is intended, which improves network efficiency and reduces congestion. Switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model and are fundamental in network segmentation, allowing for the creation of more organized and faster local area networks (LAN). Additionally, they are compatible with common network protocols and can work together with different network management systems to manage data traffic effectively. In enterprise environments, switches are essential for the implementation of robust and scalable networks, facilitating communication between servers, workstations, and other network devices.\n\nHistory: Network switches began to be developed in the 1980s, when the need to improve the efficiency of local networks became critical. The first Ethernet switch was introduced by the company Kalpana in 1990, which marked a milestone in the evolution of networks. As technology advanced, switches became more sophisticated, incorporating features such as VLAN management and quality of service (QoS). With the rise of the Internet and the increasing demand for bandwidth, switches have evolved to support speeds of up to 100 Gbps and more, adapting to the needs of modern networks.\n\nUses: Switches are primarily used in local area networks (LAN) to connect computers, printers, and other devices. They allow for network segmentation, which improves performance and security by isolating different traffic segments. They are also essential in the implementation of enterprise networks, where efficient data traffic management is required. Additionally, switches can be used in data centers to connect servers and storage, facilitating communication between them.\n\nExamples: An example of a switch is the Cisco Catalyst 2960, which is commonly used in enterprise environments to connect devices in a local network. Another example is the TP-Link TL-SG108 switch, which is popular in small and medium-sized businesses for its ease of use and reliable performance.","acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Switch (networking) - Glosarix<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A switch is a network device that connects devices to each other in a computer network using packet switching to send data to its destination. 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