Network Switch Info
What is a Network Switch used for?
If you have ever worked on a computer network before, you have likely used a network switch that is designated for connecting devices on this computer network, allowing you to send and receive information through packet switching to a designated destination device. It acts as a multiport bridge for the network that can forward data to the OSI model's data link layer.
Different Types of Aruba Network Switches
Depending upon the application that it is used for, you can use a wide variety of network switches. These include:
Stackable Network Switches
The term stackable switch is in reference to its ability to work with multiple switches or serve as a standalone hub, that can offer various connectivity options and even a substantial range. When you combine these together, you can create a complex switch or one that is extremely large, that can act as a port count, regardless of how many are connected together.
Unmanaged Network Switch
If you want to connect additional ether ports when you are doing the initial set-up, you can do this very efficiently. Utilizing unmanaged switches are not going to require any additional connections, via your ethernet cables, as they will act as a symbol LAN switch, something that is often called a plug-and-play system. Whether you are installing this within a commercial building, or even in a small office, having precise network control is not mandatory.
Managed Network Switch
For those that need advanced functionality, and even greater control, these are the best switches to use. They will have a built-in dashboard, one that is often displayed through a web browser that is connected to the entire system. This will enable you to provide admin-level users with access to not only monitoring, but they will have the ability to make adjustments throughout the network and the configurations that allow for traffic flow.
PoE Network Switch
This type of set-up will require RJ45 cables, which is how the compatible devices will be connected, allowing power to flow as well as data. These devices, if installed on your network, can serve as a switch that can give you more flexibility, as well as help you cut back on the use of excess cabling, plus you will see an enhancement in reliability and scalability as well.
How Many Aruba Network Switch Ports Are Needed For These Networks?
Network switch ports must be considered at some point, especially when thinking about performance and convenience levels, and there are many factors to consider when installing the systems:
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- How many devices will be directly wired into the systems, especially if you are thinking about obtaining additional devices in the future
- How much will your budget be once you commence on building this network switch
- Deciding on whether an unmanaged or managed switch would be a better use
- Determining whether advanced PoE models would be a good idea now or in the future
- Figuring out what the optimal bandwidth should be, specifically considering your current Internet connection, and your router, and whether or not any of this will need to be upgraded
For many companies, a small or medium-sized hub will be ideal for home networking, which means you will have to choose between a minimum of four ports, all the way up to eight-port network switches. It is true that complex server networks will require additional hardware, which may involve obtaining a 64-port PoE switch.