Concept in Definition ABC

A switch is a device for interconnecting networks of other devices or computers.

Also known as "switch", the switch is a device that interconnects two or more segments of the same network for the data link, functioning as a bridge. It is said that in a "star network" the switch is the center.

The functionality of a switch is given by the multiplication of networks and data to be transmitted, with the subsequent need for an order and systematization for your operation. A switch functions as a filter on the network, improving performance and safety of the connections by causing a fusion of these.

A switch is commonly used in a telephone network, for example in a business, allowing all personal telephones are connected to each other for the execution of internal calls and for the transmission external calls. But they are also used with much more complexity switches in a network computing, connecting ports with each other and networks with each other.

Bridges or switches can themselves be connected to each other, but there can only be a single path between two points in the network. Otherwise, a

"loop" in the network and the transmission of data is altered, creating an infinite spiral. Thus, the "floods" on the network, as a consequence of which communications fail.

Switches can be classified as "store-and-forward" (which store each group of data in a buffer before retransmitting it), the "cut-through" (they minimize the delay of the first ones, reducing the time of storage of the information), the "adaptive-cut-through" (they support processes of the two previous types), the "layer 2 switches" (they work as multi-ports) and others.

The use of switches is very widespread today and, although they are used in complex computing processes, for example, for the administration of huge corporate data networks, they can also be used in small companies or projects that require a communication permanent membership.

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