In this era of computer based communication systems, networking via physical media and wireless has become an inevitable affair. A network switch is an integral part of a computer communication network. It is a class of computer networking devices that is used to link network devices or network segments to make communication possible. The term is commonly used for a multiple port network bridge that is used to process and route data within the second layer of the popular OSI model known as the data link layer. A special class of network switches known as multi layer switches is used for processing data at the network layer level.
Different computer networks need to be managed by the use of different network switches. In fact, this type of a switch exists for different types of networks like, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Fiber Channel, Ethernet, InfiniBand, and others. The four main types of network switches are classified as managed switches, smart switches, unmanaged switches and enterprise managed switches. All of these are available for sale on online shopping portals and are delivered right at the customer’s doorstep. The two leading manufacturers of these networking devices are D Link and Netgear. They are the best in the market and are renowned for the quality and reliability of their products.
Popular D-Link network switches include models like the D-Link DES-1008A 8-Port 10/100M Unmanaged Standalone Switch, Netgear Prosafe 16-Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch JFS516GE, D-Link DES-1016A 16-Port 10/100M Unmanaged Standalone Switch and many others. Catering to mass orders from businesses spanning over various domains, the online portals offer excellent deals for the purchase of these switches. There is also an option of free shipping of the ordered goods to any place within India.
Every specific type of network switch has its own set of strengths and weaknesses which make it suitable for a particular networking purpose or for a specific network layer. The D-Link DES-1008A 8-Port 10/100M Unmanaged Standalone Switch is a popular choice in the market and has the following features:
• It is a fast Ethernet switch solution for SOHO/home and is very inexpensive too.
• It has 8 extremely fast Ethernet ports which are capable of speeds as high as 10/100 Mbps.
• All the ports have Auto MDI/MDIX crossovers.
• The switching scheme involved is store and forward.
• The communication for Ethernet or Fast Ethernet speeds is full or half duplex.
• The flow control is based on IEEE 802.3x standard.
• It is RoHS compliant.
• It can be plugged and played.
• The product comes with a three year guarantee.
These days it is also possible to have a network that is managed by multiple switches. Such switching circuits are constructed by the combination of various types of network switches each of which operate at different speeds over the same network. The selection of a network switch is extremely crucial for the proper and optimum performance of a network. The online shopping site helps customers to select the right switch and also provides expert advice for the same. This makes their purchase a smooth task.