Switching Technology

Another approach to pushing beyond the limits of Ethernet technology is the development of switching technology. A switch bridges Ethernet packets at the MAC address level of the Ethernet protocol transmitting among connected Ethernet or Fast Ethernet LAN segments.

Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network capacity available to users on a local area network. A switch increases capacity and decreases network loading by dividing a local area network into different segments, which don’t compete with each other for network transmission capacity.

The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the individual segments. The switch, without interfering with any other segments, automatically forwards traffic that needs to go from one segment to another. By doing this the total network capacity is multiplied, while still maintaining the same network cabling and adapter cards.

Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network bridges, which were characterized by higher latencies. Routers have also been used to segment local area networks, but the cost of a router, the setup and maintenance required make routers relatively impractical. Today switches are an ideal solution to most kinds of local area network congestion problems.

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LevelOne GSW-2474T, GSW-1674T manual Switching Technology
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GSW-1674T, GSW-2474T specifications

The LevelOne GSW-2474T and GSW-1674T are cutting-edge managed Gigabit Ethernet switches that are designed to meet the demanding networking needs of modern businesses. These switches are ideal for organizations that require robust performance, high reliability, and advanced features to support their growing networks.

The GSW-2474T is a 24-port gigabit switch that offers a combination of Layer 2 switching capabilities and extensive management features. It includes 24 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, allowing for seamless integration of multiple devices with high-speed connectivity. Additionally, it supports IEEE 802.3x flow control, ensuring efficient data transmission and preventing packet loss. One of the key features of the GSW-2474T is its support for VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configuration, which provides network segmentation and improved security by isolating traffic types within the same physical infrastructure.

On the other hand, the GSW-1674T is a versatile 16-port gigabit switch that shares many similarities with the GSW-2474T. It also supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connections, making it a powerful option for smaller networks or branch offices. This switch is equipped with advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) functionality, which prioritizes network traffic and enhances the performance of critical applications like VoIP and streaming media.

Both models feature a user-friendly web-based interface for easy management and configuration, allowing network administrators to monitor traffic, configure settings, and troubleshoot issues with minimal effort. They also support SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), enabling integration with network management tools for real-time monitoring and reporting.

Another significant aspect of these switches is their energy efficiency. They comply with the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard, reducing power consumption during periods of low traffic without compromising performance.

In terms of reliability, both switches offer a robust metal housing for durability and ensure uninterrupted operation through a fanless design, resulting in silent operation. These features make the LevelOne GSW-2474T and GSW-1674T excellent choices for various networking environments, from small businesses to larger enterprise setups. Their feature-rich design, high performance, and reliability make them invaluable assets in any modern network infrastructure.
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