This document provides an introduction to switched networks and describes different types of network switches. It explains that switched networks support small to medium-sized businesses by converging data, voice, and video. There are two main categories of switches: modular switches that provide flexibility through expansion modules, and fixed-configuration switches that include unmanaged, managed, and smart switches. Managed switches offer the most comprehensive features and scalability. Key factors to consider when choosing a switch include speed, port count, Power over Ethernet support, and stackability.

1. INTRODUCTION TO
SWITCHED NETWORKS

2. OBJECTIVES
4.1 LAN Design
 • Explain how switched networks support small to
medium-sized businesses.
 • Explain how data, voice, and video are converged in a
switched network.
 • Describe a switched network in a small to medium-
sized business.
4.2 The Switched Environment
 • Explain how Layer 2 switches forward data in a small to
medium-sized LAN.
 • Explain how frames are forwarded in a switched
network.
 • Compare a collision domain to a broadcast domain.

3. LAN DESIGN

11. TYPE OF NETWORK SWITCH
There are two main categories of switches: modular and fixed configuration
 Modular Switches
 Fixed-configuration switches
a) Unmanaged switches
b) Managed switches
c) Smart switches

12. MODULAR SWITCH
 Modular switches let you add
expansion modules as needed, giving
you flexibility as network requirements
change. Expansion modules are
application-specific and include those
for firewalls, wireless connectivity, or
network analysis. They may also allow
for additional interfaces, power
supplies, or cooling fans. This type of
switch provides you with the most
flexibility, but at a higher cost

13. FIXED-CONFIGURATION SWITCHES
 Unmanaged switches
Unmanaged switches are typically used
to provide basic connectivity. They're
designed to be plug and play; no
configuration is needed. Unmanaged
switches are most effective when only
basic switching and connectivity are
required. You will often see them in home
networks or wherever only a few ports
are needed, such as at a desk, in a lab, or
in a conference room

14. FIXED-CONFIGURATION SWITCHES
 Smart switches
 Smart switches offer some management and
segmentation, quality of service, and
security capabilities, so they can be a cost-
effective alternative to modular switches.
Still, they are not as scalable as managed
switches. These switches are typically
deployed at the edge of a large network
(while managed switches are used in the
core), as the infrastructure for smaller
networks, or for low complexity networks

15. FIXED-CONFIGURATION SWITCHES
 Managed switches
 Among fixed-configuration switches, managed
switches are designed to deliver the most
comprehensive set of features to provide the best
application experience, the highest levels of
security, the most precise control and
management of the network, and the greatest
scalability. As a result, managed switches are
usually deployed as aggregation/access switches
in very large networks or as core switches in
smaller networks.
 Managed switches are the most expensive option
of fixed-configuration switches and are most
common in organizations with large- or growing-
networks

16. FOUR SWITCH OPTIONS TO KEEP IN MIND
In addition to evaluating switch categories, you should also consider network switch speeds, number of ports, power-over-Ethernet features,
and stacking capabilities.
 Switch speeds
 Switches are available in different throughputs or speeds, the rate they transmit data in megabits per second (Mbps). For example, fixed-
configuration switches can provide Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), Ten Gigabit (10/100/1000/10000 Mbps),
and even 40/100 Gbps (gigabits per second) speeds. The switch speed you choose depends on the type of throughput you need. If, for example,
you need to move large data files on a regular basis, you should consider a Gigabit Ethernet switch.
 Number of ports
 As is the case with switch speed, the number of ports available in a switch can vary. The bigger your small business and the more network users
you have, the more ports you'll need. Fixed-configuration switches are usually available with five, eight, 10, 16, 24, 28, 48, or 52 ports.
 Power over Ethernet (PoE) vs. non-PoE
 PoE lets you power a device—such as an IP phone, surveillance camera, or wireless access point—over the cable that is used for data traffic. This
allows you to place endpoints anywhere, even in those areas that are usually difficult to reach. Switches with PoE are more expensive, however.
As you evaluate your options, think about the devices you would like to connect to determine whether PoE is required.
 Stackable vs. standalone switches
 As your business (and your network) grows, you will likely need to support more and more devices, which will mean investing in more switches.
Just as its name implies, a standalone switch is managed and configured as an individual entity with limited capacity. If there is a problem,
troubleshooting is also switch specific.
 In contrast, stackable switches can be connected to increase the capacity and availability of your network. Rather than configuring, managing,
and troubleshooting each switch, you can treat the "stack" as a single unit. This means that if any part of the stack fails, the stack will route
around the failure, so your network keeps running

17. THE SWITCHED ENVIRONMENT

25. THANK YOU