You should know switch classification

Switches can be classified based on various criteria, including their functionality, architecture, operation, and technology used. The following is a classification of switches based on the following factors:

1. Function:

Operation layer:

Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) Switches: These switches work at the data link layer of the OSI model and make forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses. They are commonly used with Ethernet.

Layer 3 (Network Layer) Switches: These switches operate at the network layer of the OSI model and make forwarding decisions based on IP addresses. They are often called IP switches or routers.

Managed vs Unmanaged:

Managed switches: These switches provide advanced features such as VLAN configuration, quality of service (QoS), port mirroring, and remote management capabilities.

Unmanaged switches: These switches are plug-and-play devices with no user-configurable settings.

2. Architecture:

Fixed configuration switches: These switches have a predetermined number of ports and cannot be expanded or modified.

Modular switches: These switches have slots in which modules (line cards) can be inserted or removed to customize the number and type of ports.

3. Operation:

Store and Forward Switches: These switches receive the entire frame before forwarding it, allowing error checking and ensuring data integrity.

Pass-through switches: These switches begin forwarding frames as soon as they receive the frame's destination address without waiting for the entire frame to arrive.

4. Technology:

Ethernet switches: These switches operate on the Ethernet standard and are commonly used in local area networks and data centers.

Fiber optic switches: These switches use fiber optic technology for high-speed data transmission over long distances and are typically used in telecommunications and backbone networks.

InfiniBand switches: Designed for high-performance computing (HPC) environments and data centers, these switches provide low-latency and high-bandwidth connectivity.

SAN switches (Storage Area Network): These switches are specially designed to connect servers to storage devices in a storage area network to facilitate data storage and retrieval operations.

5. Private switch:

PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches: These switches provide power to connected devices through an Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power cables.

Industrial Ethernet Switches: These switches are ruggedized to operate reliably in harsh industrial environments.

Data Center Ethernet Switches: Optimized for data center use, these switches offer scalability features such as high port density, low latency, and virtual chassis technology.

6. Zoom:

Local switches: These switches operate within a limited geographic area, such as within a single building or campus.

Wide area switches: These switches operate across a large geographic area, often connecting multiple sites or regions.

By considering these classifications, you can better understand the diversity of switches available and choose the most appropriate type for your specific network needs.