How Much Do You Know About Gigabit Ethernet Switch?

In computer networking, an Ethernet switch connects multiple devices, such as computers, servers, or game systems, to a Local Area Network (LAN). Small business and home offices often use an Ethernet switch to allow more than one device to share a broadband Internet connection. A gigabit Ethernet switch operates in the same way, only differentiating in data rates. Gigabit Ethernet is much greater than standard or Fast Ethernet. People can use these switches to quickly transfer data between devices in a network, or to download from the Internet at very high speeds. Gigabit Ethernet transmits at approximately one gigabit per second. That is at speeds nearly 10 times those of Fast Ethernet, which transfers data at approximately 10 megabits per second. The gigabit Ethernet switch is designed to work at these increased speeds, without signal loss or transfer rate reduction.

Gigabit Ethernet Switch: Managed or Unmanaged?

Gigabit Ethernet switches are either managed or unmanaged. Usually an unmanaged switch is referred as a “dumb switch”, which can be easily operated by every noob. It behaves like a “plug and play” device. A basic unmanaged gigabit Ethernet switch has no user configuration. It is placed in the network with the cables plugged in and the unit turned on, and there is nothing else to do. In contrast, a mangaed gigabit switch can be configured, and can be monitored and adjusted at your discretion, such as adjust speeds, combine users in subgroups, monitor traffic and report network activity. Although a managed switch is typically more expensive than an unmanaged switch, but it offer much greater flexibility.

Gigabit Ethernet Switch or Ethernet Hub?

Although an Ethernet switch is sometimes called a hub, because a switch performs the same job as a hub, there is a huge difference between a true hub and a gigabit Ethernet switch. An Ethernet hub is a device that connects multiple Ethernet devices to a single network. A hub does not gather information and input in one port results as an output in all ports on the network. While a gigabit switch is considered as a more intelligent hub, because it gathers information about the data packets it receives and forwards it to only the network that it was intended for.

Gigabit Ethernet Switch Recommendations

A gigabit Ethernet switch can be an inexpensive and easy way to expand your network in your home or small business. After probing into some parameters like brand, popularity, reviews and performance, here is a list of network switches including Ethernet switches for home, port gigabit Ethernet switches, cost-effective gigabit switches etc.

	FS.COM S1130-8T2F 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch	NETGEAR GS116Ev2 16-Port Gigabit Smart Managed Plus Switch	Cisco SG 300-20 (SRW2016-K9-NA) 20-Port Switch
Dimensions	11 x 8.3x1.7 in	16.9 x 6.6 x 2.8 in	17.32 x 7.97 x 1.75 in
Ethernet Ports	8	16	20
Switching Capacity	20Gbps	32Gbps	40Gbps
PoE Standard	Compliant with IEEE802.3af/at	×	×
Enclosure Type	Rack mount - 1U	Desktop	Desktop, Rack-mount - 1U
Power consumption	15.4W	10W	16.26W
Price	$159.00	$156.88	$184.95

Conclusion

A gigabit Ethernet switch enables devices like computers and printers to connect directly to the internet instead of relying on Wi-Fi. It can speed up data transfers, resulting in faster response times and better frame rates. Additionally, a gigabit switch expands network capacity via the extra ports. Some Ethernet switches with different ports are recommended for your reference, such as FS.COM 8-port PoE switch, NETGEAR 16-port smart managed switch and Cisco 20-Port Ethernet Switch. If you need any 24 Port gigabit switch and 48 Port gigabit switch, or any equipment related to your network,visit www.fs.com for help.