How the Switch Can Be Used, Switching

How the Switch Can Be Used

Switching

When a network of repeater hubs is in operation, any information that is sent by the workstations is passed around the whole network (regardless of the destination of the information). This can result in a lot of unnecessary traffic that can slow the network down. The Switch solves this problem because it ‘listens’ to the network and automatically learns what workstations can be reached through its ports. It can then selectively pass on any information by transmitting the traffic from the relevant port only (instead of all ports like a repeater hub). This operation is called ‘switching’.

The Switch effectively divides up your network, localizing the network traffic and passing on traffic as necessary (as shown in Figure 2). If you have workstations that communicate frequently in the same part of the network, traffic between them is not passed on unnecessarily to the remainder of the network, thereby reducing the load. If you have any high performance workstations that require a lot of bandwidth, connect them directly to the Switch.

The Switches have a built in feature to aid network performance at times of excessive load. It is called Priority Queuing. When a packet is received, the Switch will examine it to see if it has been priority encoded. If it has, the Switch will then read the priority level and determine

whether it should be directed through the normal or high priority channel. This feature can be useful, for example, during excessive loads when one type of traffic may require priority over another. The Switch is configured to to comply with VLAN priority tagged frames and IP TOS / DSCP priority encoded frames.

Figure 2 The Switch Separates Your Network and Controls the Information Effectively

16 Plus specifications

The 3Com 16 Plus was a groundbreaking networking device widely recognized for its performance and reliability in the early days of computer networking. Launched in the 1990s, the device played a pivotal role in advancing Ethernet networking technology and facilitating connectivity between multiple devices in local area networks (LANs).

One of the primary features of the 3Com 16 Plus was its ability to support 16 ports, which allowed for a considerable number of devices to connect simultaneously. This scalability made it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as educational institutions looking to expand their networking capabilities without requiring extensive infrastructure investment. The ports typically supported 10BASE-T (Ethernet) and 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet) technologies, enabling a range of data transfer speeds that catered to different networking needs.

The 3Com 16 Plus utilized a non-blocking switching architecture, which ensured that data packets could be transmitted without delay, leading to enhanced overall network performance. This was particularly significant for environments that demanded high bandwidth, as it minimized packet loss and improved the efficiency of data transmission between connected devices.

Another key characteristic of the 3Com 16 Plus was its plug-and-play capability. This feature facilitated easy installation, requiring minimal configuration for users. The device automatically detected connected hardware, allowing businesses to focus on productivity instead of navigating complex setup processes. The inclusion of automatic address learning also streamlined network management, as the switch could learn and remember device addresses without manual input.

In addition to its hardware capabilities, the 3Com 16 Plus was complemented by robust software utilities that provided network monitoring and management features. These tools enabled administrators to monitor device performance, track bandwidth usage, and troubleshoot connectivity issues effectively.

The 3Com 16 Plus also prioritized reliability, with features such as power redundancy and enhanced thermal management, ensuring continuous operation even under demanding conditions. Its durable construction assured clients of longevity, which was essential for those investing in networking solutions at the time.

In conclusion, the 3Com 16 Plus was a vital asset in the evolution of networking technology. Its 16-port design, support for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, non-blocking architecture, plug-and-play capability, and robust management tools made it a favored choice in its era. Businesses and educational institutions benefited from its ability to create efficient, reliable, and scalable networks, laying the groundwork for the advanced networking standards we see today.