LAN Switch - functions and applications
In the store, you came across a whole collection of switches, and you do not even know what you need them for? No worries! Technology is racing ahead, and terminology does not always keep up with human language. A Switch is actually one of the most useful devices in a modern home or office.
In this guide, we will explain what it is, how it works, and why it can become your best friend in the fight for stable internet.
What is a switch?
Put simply: a switch is an intelligent splitter for the internet.
Think of it like a power strip that you plug into a socket to connect a TV, lamp, and radio at the same time. A switch does the same thing, only instead of electricity, it “splits” the internet signal transmitted by cable (the so-called LAN cable or Ethernet).
Important
A switch does not replace a router. A router is the device that “brings” the internet into the home. A switch is its helper, allowing this signal to be distributed to more devices.
How does a switch work? The difference between a hub and a switch
Imagine that your home is a small housing estate, and the devices (computer, TV, console) are individual houses.
- Old devices (hubs): They were like a courier who drives onto the estate and shouts the recipient's name at every house until someone comes out for the package. That created terrible noise and confusion.
- Switch: It is an intelligent postman. It knows exactly which address your TV lives at and which one your printer lives at. It passes information straight from point A to point B, without bothering anyone else.
As a result, data in your network does not “collide,” and the internet works faster and more stably.
Why is it worth having a switch?
In the age of widespread Wi-Fi, you may ask: “Why do I need cables?” Here are the 3 main reasons:
- Stability without interference: Wi-Fi can be temperamental – walls, microwaves, or neighbors can weaken the signal. A cable gives you the certainty that a movie on Netflix will not freeze at the most important moment.
- Speed: Over a cable, the internet always flows at the full speed your connection allows.
- More space: Most home routers have only 4 cable ports. If you have a smart TV, console, computer, set-top box, and monitoring – the ports will run out in no time. A switch adds as many as you need (e.g. 5, 8, 16, or even 48).
What should you pay attention to before buying? (Key parameters)
Before you buy the first model you see, check these three things. They determine whether you will be satisfied:
A. Speed: Gigabit Ethernet
This is the most common mistake. There are cheap switches on the market that support only 100 Mbps. If you have fast internet (e.g. fiber optic), such a cheap switch will slow it down even tenfold!
- Rule: Look for the words “Gigabit” or “1000 Mbps” on the box.
B. Number of ports (N-1 rule)
If you buy a 5-port switch, remember that you must use one socket to connect it to the router. So you are left with 4 free places.
- Rule: Always buy a switch with a little extra capacity (e.g. an 8-port model).
C. Plug & Play – connect and forget
Choose so-called unmanaged switches. They do not require any installation, passwords, or configuration. You plug the cable into the power, then the internet cables and... done. Everything happens automatically.
Additional function: What is PoE?
You may encounter the abbreviation PoE (Power over Ethernet). This is a great solution! It allows you to power devices (e.g. a monitoring camera or a landline phone) with the same cable through which the internet flows. Thanks to PoE switches, you do not have to run additional power cables to an outdoor camera.
Types of switches – which one to choose? Ethernet Switch vs. PoE Switch
| Feature | Standard Ethernet Switch | PoE Switch (Power over Ethernet) |
|---|---|---|
| Main task | Transmits only data (internet). | Transmits data and power with one cable. |
| Power supply | The device (e.g. camera) must be near a 230V socket. | The device draws power directly from the switch via a LAN cable. |
| Number of cables | Two: one for the internet, the other for power. | One: transmits everything simultaneously. |
| Best for: | Computers, TVs, consoles. | Monitoring cameras, IP phones, antennas on the roof. |
Where and what is a switch used for?
- In the living room: You connect the TV, console, and set-top box. Games run without delays (“lags”), and 4K movies load instantly.
- In the home office: You connect a computer, laptop, and printer. You can be sure that the equipment always “sees” each other.
- In professional installations: If you need equipment for a garage or hall, choose an industrial switch – it has a reinforced metal housing and is resistant to frost and dust.
If your home Wi-Fi is underperforming and your router has run out of space for cables – a switch is the perfect solution. It is an inexpensive, silent, and maintenance-free device that organizes your home network once and for all.
FAQ
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