If you’re like me, you probably have a ton of devices that need to be connected to the internet. And if you’re also like me, you probably don’t want to spend your whole day wiring them all together. That’s where network switches come in! We wanted to explain in a simplified way what network switches are, how they work, and whether or not you really need one.
There is not a single piece of equipment that can function without a network in today’s world. You want to be aware of political events, celebrity news, business news, financial news, and economic trends to pool your investment and connect with your team members to brainstorm business ideas; all of this would need the assistance of a robust network.
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To use a network, you’ll need a network switch and an understanding of how it works and why you need it. Why bear the weight alone when you can enlist the assistance of someone with knowledge in switching and innovation? Read on to learn what a network switch is and why you should have it.
What Is a Network Switch?
How are people using the internet these days? Most people use the internet through their Wi-Fi router. We rarely see wired connections in homes, but this does not imply that the wired system has been replaced or is no longer in use. Most households do not require a network switch, but it is handy if your router does not have enough Ethernet connections. Most home routers provide three or four Ethernet ports. You need a network switch to connect more devices.
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A network switch is a device that connects to your home router to provide additional Ethernet connections. Consider it similar to a USB hub, but for networking. There are certain areas with many connected devices in one place, such as a real estate office’s sales or marketing department, where you can use wires to increase your speeds or reduce wireless disturbance.
Pros of Using Network Switches
Before you decide on whether you need a network switch or not, let’s first check out what value can use a network switch add to your business:
Enables More Device Connections to the Local Network
You obtain extra LAN ports when connecting a network switch to your local network. Each LAN port can accommodate an additional device, increasing the number of devices connected to a single network.
Has a Faster Speed Than a Wireless Network
This is my #1 reason to use a wired connection over WiFi. A network switch may provide speeds of up to 10 Gbps or more. In comparison, the highest potential Wi-Fi speed is roughly 9.6 Gbps, and in fact, you’ll seldom receive speeds beyond 1 Gbps. This means that wired network connections are often significantly quicker than wireless ones.
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Intelligent Network Traffic Routing
When you transfer network data via a wireless network, it gets distributed to all linked devices, which causes traffic congestion. Switches are way more intelligent than Wi-Fi in this case. They maintain track of all connected devices’ unique MAC addresses, so it routes most network communication to the intended receiver rather than being exposed to everyone.
Ensures a Steady Internet Connection
Because Wi-Fi transmissions are susceptible to interference, they are not 100% reliable. Signals don’t always navigate their way through barriers and obstacles. Most people use their Wi-Fi connections close to their router; this produces a lot of interference from other networks and other devices. While using a network switch to connect PCs eliminates these concerns, your network speeds will stay consistent.
Network Switches Safeguard Against Cyber Threats
Since their beginning, wireless networks have been hampered by security challenges. The wireless transfer of data opens up additional cyber-attack avenues. Your Wi-Fi network password can be stolen, providing hostile individuals access to sensitive information in the region. Furthermore, you might have someone in your family share passwords with neighbors and friends.
You may use a network switch to link all your computers to eliminate attack risk. An attacker would have to obtain physical access to your premises to hack it for the wired network. Any intruder will need to access your network through a wired cable if you use a switch, which can only become possible through direct access.
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Do I Really Need Network Switch?
You are the only one who can decide the requirement for a network switch. If you own a business and want to stay ahead of the competition by preventing a hacker from accessing your data, a network switch is a way to go.
Furthermore, keep in mind that installing a network switch might be more expensive than using a wireless network because having a cyber-attack-free network for your company comes at a cost. So, using a network switch is a smart option.
Network Switches Are A Solid Investment For Your Home or Business Network
As previously stated, a network switch provides a variety of advantages. However, if you believe that you require this sort of network at your house in addition to a business, you may easily set it up. You can readily analyze the benefits and downsides of employing a network switch. If these advantages offset the high expense of using the network switch strategy, you may be able to save the day by keeping your data safe and your network working smoothly.
