What Are the 4 Types of Network Switches?

Jul 06 , 2022 1210

With the rapid development of the information age, the Internet has become a key driving force for global economic and social development. And in this huge and complex network system, switch, as one of the core components of network equipment, plays a crucial role. It is not only the foundation of data circulation, but also the guarantee of network performance, reliability and security.

As a leader in IT service providers, Linknewnet believes that it is also necessary to pass the Cisco certification exams in order to better understand Cisco equipment. The following four network switch architectures are introduced: Cascade Connection,Port Aggregation,Stacking,Layered.

1. Cascade Connection

It is the most commonly used networking method connected through the cascade port (UpLink) on the switch. Cascading can be defined as two or more switches connected in a certain way. As required, multiple switches can be cascaded in numerous ways.

In a more extensive local area network such as a campus network (campus network), multiple switches generally form a bus-type, tree-type, or star-type cascade structure according to performance and usage.

It should be noted that switches cannot be cascaded without limit. Cascading more than a certain number of switches will eventually cause a broadcast storm and cause severe degradation of network performance.

2. Port Aggregation

Port aggregation bundles multiple physical links between two devices to form a logical connection, to achieve the purpose of bandwidth multiplication (this consistent link bandwidth is equivalent to the sum of physical link bandwidths).

In addition to increasing bandwidth, port aggregation can evenly distribute traffic on multiple links to play the role of load sharing. When one or more relationships fail, as long as there are links standard, traffic will be transferred to other links. On the way, the entire process is completed within a few milliseconds, thereby playing a redundant role and enhancing the stability and security of the network.

3. Stacking

Stacking refers to combining more than one switch to work together so as to provide as many ports as possible in a limited space.

Multiple switches are stacked to form a stacking unit. There is a parameter "maximum stackable number" in the performance index of stackable switches. It refers to the maximum number of switches stacked in a stacking unit and represents the maximum port density that can be provided in a stacking group.

Generally speaking, switches of different manufacturers and models can be cascaded, and the stacking is mixed. It must be performed between stackable switches of the same type (at least the switches of the same manufacturer). Cascading is only between switches and simple connection. Stacking uses the entire stacking unit as a switch, which means not only an increase in port density but also a widening of the system bandwidth.

Stacking can significantly improve switch port density and performance. Stacking units have sufficient port density and performance to match large rack switches, but the investment is cheaper than rack switches, and that they also are far more flexible to implement. It is the advantage of stacking.

Rack switches can be said to be the product of the stack's development to a higher stage. Rack switches are generally classified as switches above the department level. They have multiple slots, high port density, support numerous network types, good scalability, strong processing capacity, but expensive.

4. Layered

This way is generally used in more complicated switch structures, which can be divided into an access layer, convergence layer, and core layer according to functions.

This three-layer network architecture uses a hierarchical model design to divide the sophisticated network design into several layers. Each layer focuses on certain specific functions so that a complex or massive problem can be turned into many simple small issues.

Finally, the 4 Types of Network Switches will be widely used with the increasing development of the LAN and MAN. So, many people want to or need to know the network switches. If you're going to understand the switches or master practices better, and you need to learn related exam study mterials about Cisco.