Location and function in the network: A switch is a computer networking device that connects devices together on a computer. Its main function is to connect a devices together, it is located on a router.
Description of how it operates:
A switch is a multport network bridge that uses hardware addresses to process and forward data and the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Switches can also process data at the network layer (layer 3) by additionally incorporating routing functionality that most commonly uses IP addresses to perform packet forwarding. A switch is used to physically connect devices together. Multiple cables can be connected to a switch to enable networked devices to communicate with each other. Switches manage the flow of data across a network by only transmitting a received message to the device for which the message was intended. Each networked device connected to a switch can be identified using a MAC address, allowing the switch to regulate the flow of traffic. This maximises security and efficiency of the network.
Limitations of the device: This device is considered to be very efficient, because of these features, a switch is often considered more "intelligent" than a hub, however, if switches are in Promiscuous mode they are vulnerable to security attacks like spoofing IP address or capturing of Ethernet Frames.
Sustainability: A Switch is very efficient, therefore it is built to last, a brand new switch should last for at least a few years if not more.
Description of how it operates:
A switch is a multport network bridge that uses hardware addresses to process and forward data and the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Switches can also process data at the network layer (layer 3) by additionally incorporating routing functionality that most commonly uses IP addresses to perform packet forwarding. A switch is used to physically connect devices together. Multiple cables can be connected to a switch to enable networked devices to communicate with each other. Switches manage the flow of data across a network by only transmitting a received message to the device for which the message was intended. Each networked device connected to a switch can be identified using a MAC address, allowing the switch to regulate the flow of traffic. This maximises security and efficiency of the network.
Limitations of the device: This device is considered to be very efficient, because of these features, a switch is often considered more "intelligent" than a hub, however, if switches are in Promiscuous mode they are vulnerable to security attacks like spoofing IP address or capturing of Ethernet Frames.
Sustainability: A Switch is very efficient, therefore it is built to last, a brand new switch should last for at least a few years if not more.