The principle of operation of computer networks is to connect various devices (personal computers, peripheral devices) into a single system using only two equipment components: routers and switches. Thanks to such devices, all network elements can interact with each other, as well as with other networks. Externally, switches and routers look similar, but they perform various functions. In this article, we will focus on the first devices, namely on such a separate form as a managed switch. So what are these devices?
Purpose and types of switches
These devices are used to create networks within the same building or specific territory. Switches connect personal computers, servers, printers, scanners, thereby creating a shared resource network. Such devices can act as controllers, that is, allow various elements to provide access to information, as well as interact with other participants. By providing this data access and distribution of all resources, the switches increase the performance of the entire network.
There are two types of such devices: managed and unmanaged. The latter work according to the standard scheme. The user cannot make changes to it. In home networks, it is customary to use this type. The managed switch provides programming access. Due to this quality, high system flexibility is provided. This is because the managed switch can be configured and controlled remotely or locally to control traffic over the network and access to it. Let us consider in more detail this type of device.
Managed Switch: Technical Features
Such devices are capable of supporting many different functions for making changes to the device settings.
The operator can connect one console cord to the device and use the CLI function to configure the operation of the device. In addition, the instrument can be controlled via SNMP, Telnet, SSL and SSH. A managed switch is capable of supporting advanced functions (RSTP, MSTP, STP) if there are two or more routes in the network (between devices and computers). If the user needs to strengthen the level
of network security, then you can configure a special function 802.1 X, ACL. A managed type switch, depending on the task, is capable of supporting multiple VLANs. Such devices can provide high reliability and stability of computer networks.
Conclusion
The development of network equipment does not stand still. New devices are constantly emerging in this industry. Some of them are designed to create computer networks using copper cables, while others are designed for networks based on fiber optic technologies. In the same way, the devices we reviewed are developing very quickly. So, for example, you can see computer networks that are controlled by a managed switch of level 2 or even level 3. The popularity of such equipment is due to widespread computerization, because now telephony, television, the Internet, and even banking networks are combined into a single system.