Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Adams
How Ethernet switch works? And how to connect two Ethernet switches?
Ethernet switch is one of the most common pieces of networking technologies. It is an older device that is still being used by many people. The reason behind its popularity is its easy setup. Also, they are easier to manage as each device has a different Ethernet cable. How Ethernet switch works? And how to connect two Ethernet switches?
While, the ethernet connections are considered to be an issue by some people, others consider them as a benefit. They provide stable connection and do not face as much errors as a wireless device.
The question is how Ethernet switch works? And how to connect two Ethernet switches? Well, let’s get in to the first part of the question.
First things first, what exactly is an Ethernet switch? Ethernet switch is a networking device that enables multiple devices to connect together in a same network. It allows the connected devices to share data and communicate with each other. An Ethernet switch is considered to be the building block of the network.
How Ethernet switch works? Ethernet switches are usually used for LAN (Local Area Networks). It links multiple devices together and allows the relaying of data from one device to another in a network. Data frames that are used to move the data are called “Ethernet frames”.
Ethernet switches also allow users to manage the flowing traffic in a network. An ethernet switch moves the ethernet frames to a larger ethernet network such as a LAN by the use of switch ports.
Multiple Ethernet switches can be connected together to connect to a larger network such as WAN (Wide Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network). And that brings us to our second part of the question.
How to connect two Ethernet switches? The method is simple and is same to connect two or more than two ethernet switches. There are three main technological ways to connect multiple ethernet switches.
- Switch Cascade, Switch cluster
- Switch stack
The most common way is the Switch Cascade. It is most popular among people because it is also the easiest one. This method involves two different topologies; Daisy Chain topology and Star topology. In simple words, Daisy chain topology uses daisy chain and allows connection of multiple ethernet switches by adding them one by one.
It is a linear network structure and does not provide connection of switches at both of the ends. While the star topology works in such a way that there is a core switch that connects all the other switches. The data is transmitted from the core switch to all the connected Ethernet switches.
This is how you can connect two or more than two Ethernet switches. Although there are two other ways, they are much more difficult especially for beginners. The switch cascade is an easy and common method suitable for both newbies and professional users.
Recommended Readings (Rated Recommendation)