Types of Ports in Switches

The switches are a crucial element of networking hardware used in Ethernet networks to ensure device connectivity. It is considered a network’s brain since it effectively connects devices using hardware addresses. Due to their increasing importance, switches are now manufactured in various configurations and specifications. A switch contains numerous ports where computers can be connected. Depending on the requirement, they are differentiated by considering factors like network architecture, speed, and functionality.

What are Switches?

Switches, in the context of networking, are high-speed networking devices that operate at the OSI model’s layer 2 or data link layer. They connect numerous hardware devices, including printers, servers, wireless access points, and computers, to a single network within a building or campus. Connected devices can communicate and share data due to a switch.

There are numerous ports on a switch where computers can be connected. A network switch examines the destination address of each data frame that enters one of its ports, performs any necessary checks, and then sends the frame to the appropriate device(s). It supports broadcast, multicast, and unicast communications.

Features of Switches

The switches have many features, some of which are listed here.

• A switch operates at the OSI model’s layer 2, or the data link layer.
• To transfer data packets to specified destination ports, it uses MAC addresses.
• It receives and transmits data packets from the source to the destination device using the packet switching technique.
• It supports broadcast, multicast, and unicast communications.
• In switches, communication occurs in both directions of the channel simultaneously. As a result, collisions do not occur.
• Switches can perform some error checking before sending data to the target port.
• Switches are active hardware that has network management and software capabilities.
• Most switches come with 24 or 48 ports, which is sufficient.

Types of Switches

There are various types of switches in a network.

1. Unmanaged Switches
   Home networks, small businesses, and companies frequently use unmanaged network switches. It allows networked devices to connect with one another, such as connecting a computer or printer to another nearby computer. It’s not always necessary to configure or keep an eye on an unmanaged switch. It is simple and easy to set up. Among all categories, these types of switches are the most affordable switches.
2. Managed Switches
   The benefit of managed switches over unmanaged switches is that they can be customized to improve a specific network’s functionality. They provide characteristics like Quality of Service (QoS), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), and others. Although these switches are the most expensive option, their scalability makes them the best choice for a growing network.
   There are two types of managed switches:
   • Smart switches
     Smart switches, also known as intelligent switches, are a type of managed switch with a limited number of management options. A smart switch might merely offer functionality to adjust a small number of settings, such as VLANs or duplex modes, compared to offering a managed switch’s full management functionality.
   • Enterprise-managed Switches
     Enterprise-managed switches have a web interface, SNMP agent, and command-line interface in addition to features including the capacity to fix, copy, transform, and display various network configurations. These switches, often referred to as fully managed switches, cost more than smart switches since they have additional capabilities that can be enhanced. These switches are utilized by organizations with a huge number of ports, switches, and nodes.
3. LAN Switches
   A local area network (LAN) switch is also known as an Ethernet switch or data switch. In most cases, LAN switches are used to connect points on an organization’s internal LAN. It prevents the overlapping of data packets traveling over a network by sparingly allocating bandwidth. By distributing a package of data only to the designated recipient, these switches reduce network congestion or bottlenecks.
4. PoE Switches
   Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology integrates data and power on the same cable to enable electricity devices to receive data concurrently with power using PoE switches. As a result, these types of switches in networking offer more flexibility while simplifying the cabling process.

Different Types of Ports in Switches

Classification Based on Network Architecture

Based on network architecture, Switch ports can be classified into the following types:

1. Access Port
   An access port is an Ethernet switch port used to connect servers, workstations, and other end devices to the network. Its primary purpose is to receive data from and transmit the data to end devices. An access port in an Ethernet network can only be a member of the access VLAN and will discard all frames that are not assigned to it.
2. Trunk Port
   A trunk port is a connection on a switch that can communicate with multiple VLANs. This type of switch port connects switches to other switches, routers, and servers available in the trunk link. A trunk port, which is frequently connected to another switch, can communicate with many VLANs. A trunk port manages data transmission to and from multiple VLANs on a complex network. A trunk port can do this by identifying frame tags that specify the intended destination for the data. Ethernet frames without tags are automatically transmitted to all VLANs, and this process is called untagged traffic.
3. Hybrid Port
   The hybrid port of a switch is a connection that allows data transmission to and from one or more VLANs. It supports both tagged and untagged VLANs like access and trunk ports and can accept data from one or more VLANs. This type of switch port is used to connect user devices (such as laptops) and network devices (such as switches).

Classification Based on Functionality

Based on functionality, Switch ports can be classified into the following types:

1. Combo Port
   A combo Ethernet switch port is a compound port that can manage two different physical ports while using the same switch fabric and port number, but both ports can’t be used simultaneously. It can transmit Ethernet data and fiber optical signals. It is used to configure the switch in accordance with the needs of the application.
2. Stack Port
   A switch’s unique functional port is called a stack port which connects additional stackable network switches of the same type to function as a single stackable switch. Although certain network switches may have a dedicated stacking port, they can also be an uplink port. It is a low-cost, flexible option that is used for making long-distance connections.
3. PoE (Power over Ethernet) Port
   The PoE (power over Ethernet) switch port is capable of transmitting both data and power through a single connection. It provides power in two different standard formats: IEEE $802.$af, which can give up to 15.4 watts of power on an Ethernet switch port, and IEEE $802.3$at, which can give up to 30 watts of power on an Ethernet switch port. It is utilized in devices like IP security cameras or wireless network repeaters that use a single Ethernet cable for power, data, and voice.

Conclusion

• Switches, in the context of networking, are high-speed networking devices that operate at the OSI model’s layer two or data link layer.
• A trunk port connects switches to other switches, routers, and servers available in the trunk link.
• An access port is an Ethernet switch port used to connect servers, workstations, and other end devices to the network.
• The hybrid port of a switch is a connection that allows data transmission to and from one or more VLANs.
• A combo port can transmit Ethernet data and fiber optical signals, and it is used to configure the switch per the application’s needs.
• The PoE (power over Ethernet) switch port can transmit data and power through a single connection.