Types of Ethernet Switches

Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch

This bandwidth improvement is accomplished very easily, with no change to the desktop (the network interface cards or software, and network wiring). As a result, the performance upgrade and the applications it enables are obtained very quickly and at a low cost.

Ethernet switches can be classiﬁed in different ways—as desktop switches or segment switches. A desktop switch is designed to support one or a few PCs per port. It is generally used when users need the full 10 Mbps network throughput to support the applications. Often, these switches support only a single MAC (media access control) address per port, and are relatively inexpensive compared to a segment switch. A segment switch, in contrast, is designed to support an entire workgroup on each port, with each port having signiﬁcant memory buffering and supporting thousands of MAC addresses.

Switches can also be classiﬁed by speed. As the name suggests, 10 Mbps switches support only 10 Mbps connections. Similarly, 100 Mbps switches support only 100 Mbps connections. Usually, 10/100 Mbps switches have primarily 10 Mbps ports with one or few 100 Mbps ports. Autosensing 10/100 Mbps switches support 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps connections on each port and are the most versatile and adaptable switch type.

Model SW108 Switch Overview

The Model SW108 switch is a 10 Mbps switch that can be used as either a segment or a desktop switch. Its design enables it to function as a segment switching, yet its pricing makes the switch very affordable for use in desktop applications.

Up to 4 switching paths (8 paths in full-duplex mode) can be established at the same time, with each path crossing two ports, performing switching that sends packets to the appropriate port according to the destination address scanned from the packet header. This technique reduces the latency of packet transmission to 75 microseconds (∝s) or less. Compared to approximately 800 ∝s for a bridge or 1800 ∝s for a router, the Model SW108 switch delivers a major improvement in the network performance.

Because the Model SW108 switch is a device functioning on the MAC layer, the switch is protocol independent and is compatible with IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u, TCP/IP, NetWare, DECnet, and XNS protocols.

1-2	Introduction

SW108 specifications

The NETGEAR SW108 is a versatile and robust network switch designed for managing the connectivity of multiple devices in small to medium-sized businesses or home networks. With its compact design and reliable performance, this switch is ideal for users looking to enhance their network infrastructure without complicating their setup process.

One of the primary features of the NETGEAR SW108 is its eight 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports. This enables the switch to support both wired and wireless devices, accommodating various connectivity needs. The switch automatically detects the device type connected to each port, facilitating seamless performance without requiring manual configuration. This plug-and-play capability means users can simply connect their devices and expect immediate functionality.

In terms of performance, the NETGEAR SW108 offers switch capacity and forwarding rates that ensure efficient data handling. With a switching capacity of 1.6 Gbps, it handles traffic with ease, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers. Additionally, the switch uses store-and-forward technology, which ensures that data packets are checked for errors before being forwarded, leading to improved network reliability and performance.

Built with a sturdy metal housing, the SW108 is designed for durability and longevity. It supports fanless operation, ensuring that the switch operates quietly, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. The switch is also energy-efficient, featuring IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet technology, which automatically reduces power consumption when connected devices are inactive.

The NETGEAR SW108 is equipped with advanced features such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities on select ports, allowing users to power devices like IP cameras, access points, and VoIP phones directly through the Ethernet connection. This eliminates the need for additional power cables, resulting in a cleaner and more organized setup.

Overall, the NETGEAR SW108 embodies a blend of user-friendly features, reliable performance, and energy efficiency, making it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to enhance their networking capabilities. Whether for a small office or for home use, this switch delivers the functionality and reliability expected from a trusted brand in networking solutions.