I. Working Principles of Switches
Network switch is a network hardware device that connects computers and communication equipment to each other, enabling high-speed communication channels between different computers. In large local area networks (LANs), switches are one of the key network devices responsible for data forwarding and switching. Its working principles can be summarized as follows: 1. Data reception through input ports: When a switch receives data, it stores the data in an internal buffer through input ports. 2. Parsing of data frames: The switch analyzes the received data frame and extracts key information such as the target address (MAC address). 3. Forwarding decision: Based on the extracted target address information, the switch determines how to forward the data to the target device. This process involves the switch's forwarding table, which records the mapping relationship between ports and MAC addresses. 4. Data forwarding: The switch forwards the data from the input port to the output port based on the forwarding decision, and sends the data to the target device through the output port. II. Classification of Switches Switches can be classified into various types based on different classification standards, such as transmission medium, application scope, and working principle. Here are several common types of switches: 1. Classification by transmission medium: including fiber optic switches and twisted-pair switches. Fiber optic switches are suitable for high-speed long-distance transmission, while twisted-pair switches are suitable for ordinary LAN environments. 2. Classification by application scope: including enterprise-level switches and access-level switches. Enterprise-level switches are suitable for large corporate network environments, with high performance and reliability; while access-level switches are suitable for home and small to medium-sized enterprise network environments. 3. Classification by working principle: including store-and-forward switches and cut-through switches. Store-and-forward switches have higher anti-interference ability and network security, suitable for scenarios where network transmission rate requirements are not high; while cut-through switches have lower transmission latency and are suitable for high-speed network environments.