In today's digital age, networks have become an indispensable part of corporate operations and personal lives. Whether it is an in-house office network within an enterprise or an automated control system in industrial production, stable and efficient network connectivity is crucial for ensuring the normal functioning of businesses. As the core device for network connectivity, the performance and functionality of Ethernet switches directly impact network stability and efficiency. This article will delve into various aspects, including the need for Ethernet switch updates, their comparative advantages over hubs and splitters, their potential to replace industrial routers, and how to maximize their effectiveness.
Network technology is evolving rapidly, with new standards and protocols constantly emerging. Early Ethernet switches primarily supported transmission rates of 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps. However, with the maturation of Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps) technologies, switches also need to be updated to support higher bandwidths. For instance, in enterprise data centers or large campus networks, massive data transfers require switches with higher bandwidth to ensure network smoothness and avoid data congestion and delays.
Additionally, new technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) have imposed new requirements on switch functionality. SDN separates the network's control plane from the data plane, enabling more flexible and intelligent network management. To support SDN architectures, switches need to possess corresponding open interfaces and programming capabilities, prompting manufacturers to continuously update switch software and hardware to keep pace with technological advancements.
Network security is a critical aspect of network construction. With the continuous innovation of network attack methods, traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. New-generation Ethernet switches integrate more security features, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and 802.1X authentication. These features effectively prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network and protect the security of network resources.
For example, in an enterprise network, configuring ACL rules can restrict access to specific IP addresses or ports, preventing internal data leaks. Meanwhile, 802.1X authentication requires users to authenticate when accessing the network, ensuring that only legitimate users can gain network access. To acquire these advanced security features, enterprises need to update their switch equipment promptly.
As corporate businesses continue to grow, network scales also increase accordingly. The addition of new departments and branches requires more network ports to connect devices. Older switches may have a limited number of ports, making them unable to meet the demands of business expansion. In such cases, updating switches and opting for devices with higher port densities becomes an inevitable choice.
For instance, a small-to-medium-sized enterprise may initially require only a 24-port switch to connect office equipment. However, as the business expands and the number of employees increases, the need for connected devices also rises. At this point, replacing the switch with a 48-port or higher-density switch becomes necessary to accommodate the growing network scale.
A hub is a physical layer device that forwards received data frames to all ports using a broadcasting method. This means that when a port on a hub sends data, all other ports receive the same data, regardless of whether it is needed by the target device. This working method leads to numerous conflicts and collisions in the network, reducing transmission efficiency.
In contrast, an Ethernet switch is a data link layer device capable of accurately forwarding data to the target port based on the MAC address information in the data frame. The switch maintains a MAC address table internally, recording the MAC addresses of devices connected to each port. When receiving a data frame, the switch queries the MAC address table, locates the port corresponding to the target MAC address, and then forwards the data frame only to that port, avoiding data broadcasting and conflicts and significantly improving network transmission efficiency.
In a network composed of hubs, all devices share the total bandwidth of the hub. For example, if a 100 Mbps hub is connected to 10 devices simultaneously, each device can only obtain an average bandwidth of 10 Mbps. Moreover, due to the broadcasting nature of hubs, bandwidth competition occurs when multiple devices send data simultaneously, further reducing the actual available bandwidth.
Ethernet switches, on the other hand, adopt full-duplex or half-duplex operating modes, with each port having independent bandwidth. In full-duplex mode, a port can simultaneously send and receive data, enabling bidirectional data transmission and significantly improving bandwidth utilization. For instance, a 100 Mbps full-duplex switch port can actually provide 200 Mbps of bandwidth (100 Mbps for sending and 100 Mbps for receiving).
Hubs essentially lack network management functions and are merely simple signal amplification and forwarding devices. Administrators cannot configure or manage hubs, nor can they obtain information about device connections and traffic conditions within the network. This makes network troubleshooting and optimization extremely challenging.
Ethernet switches, however, offer a wealth of network management functions, such as port monitoring, traffic statistics, and VLAN division. Through these functions, administrators can gain real-time insights into network operation status and optimize and adjust the network accordingly. For example, by dividing VLANs, different departments or businesses can be separated into distinct virtual local area networks, achieving network isolation and security control and enhancing network security.
An Ethernet splitter is a simple physical connection device whose sole function is to divide one Ethernet interface into multiple interfaces. Essentially, it does not alter the network's topology or transmission method. The splitter merely replicates signals, transmitting data from one port to multiple ports simultaneously without performing any data processing or analysis.
In contrast, an Ethernet switch possesses complete data exchange functionality. It not only enables the connection of multiple devices but also parses and processes data frames, accurately forwarding them based on MAC addresses. Switches can also support various network protocols and functions, such as the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and link aggregation, which enhance network reliability and stability.
When using an Ethernet splitter to connect multiple devices, signal attenuation and conflicts can occur within the network due to the splitter's working principle. Especially when connecting devices with high bandwidth demands, splitters cannot effectively allocate bandwidth, leading to network congestion and delays.
Ethernet switches, on the other hand, can dynamically allocate bandwidth based on the actual needs of devices within the network. They can sense network traffic conditions and automatically adjust data forwarding strategies to ensure that each device receives sufficient bandwidth, thereby guaranteeing network performance and stability. For example, in an enterprise network, when a large number of users access a server simultaneously, the switch can prioritize the transmission of critical data using techniques such as priority queuing, improving network service quality.
Ethernet splitters have limited scalability and can only simply increase the number of connected ports, unable to meet the demands of complex network environments. Moreover, splitters impose certain restrictions on the types of connected devices and network protocols, resulting in poor compatibility.
Ethernet switches, in contrast, offer excellent scalability and compatibility. They can easily expand port numbers through stacking or cascading to meet the needs of networks of different scales. Simultaneously, switches support various network protocols and device types, enabling seamless connections with network equipment from different brands and facilitating the construction of complex network topologies.
Ethernet switches and industrial routers play different roles in a network and possess distinct functions. Switches primarily operate at the data link layer, responsible for forwarding data frames within a local area network (LAN) to facilitate communication between devices. Routers, on the other hand, operate at the network layer and can perform routing based on IP address information, enabling interconnection between different networks.
In addition to basic routing functions, industrial routers typically integrate multiple network interfaces, such as Ethernet interfaces, serial ports, and wireless interfaces, allowing them to connect to various types of network devices. Industrial routers also feature robust security functions, such as firewalls and VPNs, to safeguard industrial network security.
In industrial production environments, networks must meet high requirements for reliability, stability, and real-time performance. Industrial routers usually adhere to industrial-grade design standards, enabling them to operate normally under harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, low temperatures, humidity, and vibrations. Although Ethernet switches also have industrial-grade products, such as the USR-ISG industrial switch, their primary function remains data exchange, and they cannot fully replace the routing and security functions of industrial routers.
For example, in an industrial automation control system, field PLC devices need to be connected to a control center via Ethernet, while also requiring communication with external enterprise networks or the Internet. In this case, an industrial router is necessary to achieve interconnection between different networks and ensure network security. Simply using an Ethernet switch would not enable routing selection or network isolation, failing to meet the demands of industrial networks.
However, in some simple industrial network scenarios where only the connection and communication of devices within a LAN are required, and the demands for network security and routing functions are not high, Ethernet switches can partially replace router functions to a certain extent. Nevertheless, in most complex industrial network environments, dedicated industrial routers, such as the USR-G806w 4G industrial router, which features 4G communication capabilities for remote data transmission and network access, are still required to provide reliable solutions for industrial IoT applications.
Rational planning of network topology is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of Ethernet switches. Based on network scale and business requirements, select an appropriate topology, such as star, tree, or ring topologies. Star topologies are simple and easy to manage, suitable for small-to-medium-sized networks; tree topologies can expand network scale and are ideal for large campus networks; ring topologies offer high reliability and redundancy, suitable for scenarios with stringent network reliability requirements.
For instance, in an enterprise office network, a star topology can be adopted, with the switch serving as the central node to connect office equipment from various departments. To enhance network reliability, technologies such as dual-active redundancy or link aggregation can be employed to ensure continuous network operation in the event of a single point of failure.
Configure switch port parameters, such as port speed and duplex mode, rationally based on the types of devices within the network and business requirements. Simultaneously, utilize VLAN technology to divide the network into multiple virtual local area networks, achieving network isolation and security control. For example, divide the finance and research and development departments of an enterprise into different VLANs to restrict communication between different VLANs and enhance network security.
Additionally, port aggregation technology can be used to bind multiple physical ports into a single logical port, increasing port bandwidth and reliability. For instance, aggregating two 100 Mbps ports into a single 200 Mbps logical port can improve data transmission rates between servers and switches.
Regularly monitor the operating status of switches to obtain real-time information about network traffic conditions and port usage. Monitoring tools can help identify potential network issues, such as port congestion and device failures, enabling timely resolution. Simultaneously, regularly perform software upgrades and configuration backups on switches to ensure their performance and security.
For example, network management software can be used to monitor switches in real-time and set threshold alarms to notify administrators when network traffic exceeds predefined thresholds. Regularly backing up switch configurations can prevent network failures caused by configuration loss or errors.
Ethernet switches play a vital role in network construction as the core devices for network connectivity. By continuously updating switch equipment, businesses can adapt to technological advancements and business requirements, improving network performance and security. Compared to hubs and splitters, Ethernet switches offer significant advantages, providing more efficient, stable, and secure network connections. Although Ethernet switches cannot fully replace industrial routers, they can play a crucial role in specific scenarios.
By rationally planning network topology, optimizing port configuration and VLAN division, and conducting regular network monitoring and maintenance, the maximum effectiveness of Ethernet switches can be fully realized, providing reliable network support for enterprises and industrial production. When selecting network equipment, enterprises can choose appropriate Ethernet switches and industrial router products, such as the USR-ISG industrial switch and the USR-G806w 4G industrial router, based on their specific needs and budget to meet network requirements in different scenarios.
