How does a switch work? | Edimax Technology ES-5240G+ manual

The maximum length of the extension is equal to the quantity (slotTime - minFrameSize). The MAC continues to monitor the medium for collisions while it is transmitting extension bits, and it will treat any collision that occurs after the threshold (slotTime) as a late collision.

3-4. How does a switch work?

The switch is a layer 2 Ethernet Switch equipped with 24 Fast Ethernet ports and 2 optional modules which support Gigabit Ethernet or 100M Ethernet. Each port on it is an independent LAN segment and thus has 26 LAN segments and 26 collision domains, contrast to the traditional shared Ethernet HUB in which all ports share the same media and use the same collision domain and thus limit the bandwidth utilization. With switch’s separated collision domain, it can extend the LAN diameter farther than the shared HUB does and highly improve the efficiency of the traffic transmission.

Due to the architecture, the switch can provide full-duplex operation to double the bandwidth per port and many other features, such as VLAN, bandwidth aggregation and so on, that are not supported in a shared hub.

Terminology

Separate Access Domains:

As per the description in the section of “What’s the Ethernet”, Ethernet utilizes CSMA/CD to arbitrate who can transmit data to the station(s) attached in the LAN. When more than one station transmits data within the same slot time, the signals will collide, referred to as collision. The arbitrator will arbitrate who should gain the media. The arbitrator is a distributed mechanism in which all stations contend to gain the media. Please refer to “What’s the Ethernet” for more details.

In Fig.3-5, assumed in half duplex, you will see some ports of the switch are linked to a shared HUB, which connects many hosts, and some ports are individually linked to a single host. The hosts attached to a shared hub will be in the same collision domain, separated by the switch, and use CSMA/CD rule. For the host directly attached to the switch, because no other host(s) joins the traffic contention, hence it will not be affected by CSMA/CD. These LAN segments are separated in different access domains by the switch.

Micro-segmentation:

To have a port of the switch connected to a single host is referred to as micro-segmentation. It has the following interesting characteristics.

-Access contention (e.g. Collision) is not necessary. Each micro-segment has its own access domain; however, collision can still occur between each host and the switch port.

-When performing the full duplex, the collision vanishes.

-The host owns a dedicated bandwidth of the port.

The switch port can run at different speed, such as 10Mbps, 100Mbps or 1000Mbps. A shared hub cannot.

ES-5240G+ specifications

Edimax Technology ES-5240G+ is a highly versatile and efficient Ethernet switch designed to cater to the networking needs of small to medium-sized businesses and home offices. With its robust features and reliable performance, this switch is an essential component for a seamless network infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the ES-5240G+ is its 24 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports. This allows for high-speed connectivity, enabling users to transfer large files quickly and efficiently. The switch is equipped with a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that all ports can be utilized simultaneously without any reduction in bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on high-speed internet and internal networks for their daily operations.

The ES-5240G+ supports advanced Layer 2 switching features, including VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, port mirroring, and link aggregation. These features enhance network management and optimization, making it easier to segment network traffic and improve security. With VLAN support, users can create separate networks within the same switch, leading to improved performance and reduced broadcast traffic.

Moreover, the ES-5240G+ incorporates IEEE 802.3x Flow Control, which helps to prevent data loss during heavy traffic periods. This technology allows for effective communication between devices and ensures smooth data transmission, even in congested network environments. Additionally, the switch is equipped with Automatic MDI/MDI-X detection, eliminating the need for crossover cables and simplifying installation.

From a security perspective, Edimax has included features such as address filtering and port security, which help to protect the network from unauthorized access. The switch can restrict access to specific MAC addresses, providing an added layer of security for sensitive data.

In terms of energy efficiency, the ES-5240G+ is designed to comply with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet standards. This technology helps to reduce power consumption during low-traffic periods, making it an eco-friendly choice for businesses looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

Overall, Edimax Technology ES-5240G+ stands out as a reliable and efficient Ethernet switch, equipped with a range of features that enhance network performance and security. Its capabilities make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to streamline their networking infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.