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switch Last modified: Monday, November 20, 2006
(swich) (n.) (1) In networks, a device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments. Switches operate at the data link layer (layer 2) and sometimes the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI Reference Model and therefore support any packet protocol. LANs that use switches to join segments are called switched LANs or, in the case of Ethernet networks, switched Ethernet LANs. (2) A small lever or button. The switches on the back of printers and on expansion boards are called DIP switches. A switch that has just two positions is called a toggle switch. (3) Another word for option or parameter -- a symbol that you add to a command to modify the command's behavior. See also Webopedia's "Did You Know... Routers, Switches and Hubs: What's the Difference?"
Switch Buyer's Directory LAN Times site with information finding the right switches for your needs and budget. The directory features switches in nearly all categories: ATM, ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, FDDI, and token ring. Network Switching Tutorial How can you tell if your network will benefit from switching? And how do you add switches to your network design for the most benefit? This tutorial is written to answer these questions. Open Networks Today Networking news moves at a fast pace, and Open Networks Today lets you keep up with it. Open Networks Today offers its readers the ability to control how news is presented through customizing content filters, discussions, and news feed links. PracticallyNetworked.com PracticallyNetworked.com provides easy-to-understand help for small-network builders. The site contains how-to information for setting up and debugging home-office and small-business networks. Users can also find extensive troubleshooting information, tips on getting applications to work through firewalls, product reviews on network hardware and software, and more. PracticallyNetworked.com Discussion Forums If network connections, sharing computers, router problems or other networking issues are bogging you down, then the PracticallyNetworked.com discussion forum is the place to be. Here you'll find help and support for all your network-related problems. What's the Difference Between Routers, Switches and Hubs? Many people use the terms routers, switches and hubs interchangeably. However, the functions of the three devices are all quite different from one another, even if at times they are all integrated into a single device.	Related Categories Business Computing Hardware Networking Hardware Related Terms 3COM backpressure BPDU DIP switch hub option parameter router routing switch switched Ethernet toggle