A switch is a component of networking equipment used to connect various devices on a network. Switches are usually tiny, flat devices that house a number of Ethernet connections. A small home office switch can have as few as 4 ports and rest on a desk, while a rack-mounted business switch can have up to several dozen ports. To guide traffic within the local area network and forward data packages to their targets, they carry out a job known as packet switching.

Between an Ethernet gateway and a router, networking switches sit in the center. Switches only forward a data packet to its intended target, as opposed to ports, which disseminate data packets to every device linked to them. This makes it possible for routers to more effectively control a network's capacity. Switches, in contrast to routers, can only send data to other hardware on the local network. Data transmissions intended for another network must first pass through the gateway of that network. Unlike routers, which use IP numbers, switches also use MAC identifiers to guide data streams.

The finest switch for a network will rely on its scale and the requirements of its users. Switches come in a few different designs.

• Small, plug-and-play switches are unmanaged switches. These switches are best suitable for residences and small workplaces or as a means to add extra Ethernet connections to a bigger network setup because they are devoid of any additional programming options.
• Controlled switches come with a variety of setup choices, which are typically accessed via a command line. With these choices, network managers can establish quality of service parameters, enable and deactivate specific channels, prioritize traffic, and set up a virtual LAN (VLAN).
• Clever switches, also known as smart switches, fall between controlled and unregulated switches. Although they don't have as many setting choices as a fully-managed switch, they do offer some, typically accessible through an online portal.