Ethernet switching What is Ethernet switching?
Ethernet switching is a network process that efficiently receives and forwards data, transmitting packets between wired devices and to their intended destination, commonly within a local area network. The equipment that performs this process is called an Ethernet switch (also called a network switch).
- Ethernet switching explained
- IEEE standards for Ethernet switching
- Why Ethernet switching?
- Types of Ethernet switching devices
- How do I choose an Ethernet switching vendor?
- HPE Aruba Networking CX Switches
Ethernet switching explained
Ethernet switching is a network process that efficiently receives and forwards data, transmitting packets across network nodes and between physically connected wired devices to their intended destination, commonly within a local area network.
The equipment that performs this process is called an Ethernet switch (also called a network switch). Ethernet switches transmit packets through physical ports and fiber or copper twisted pair cabling to other devices, like access points (APs), IoT devices, computers, and other network equipment.
To find the correct destination device, an Ethernet switch will often reference and forward a data packet according to its listed destination MAC address—a physical address typically embedded into a device during manufacturing. More sophisticated forms of Ethernet switching can assign and reference IP addresses to devices within the network and use them to apply policies, track flows, and shape traffic to meet IT operational requirements for performance and segmentation.
IEEE standards for Ethernet switching
Industry standards broaden the appeal of new technologies to customers by helping assure them that different products from different vendors work together, which is a critical consideration for network operations.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has standardized many characteristics of Ethernet switching under the IEEE 802.3 family of specifications. This set of protocols defines the physical layer (layer 1) and data link layer (layer 2) for media access control through wired Ethernet. Ethernet is built on the CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) protocols, which help avoid data collisions when several devices are attempting to send data simultaneously.
IEEE 802.3 standards have continued to evolve over the past several decades, with each version and supplement adding to and enhancing Ethernet performance, capacity, and functionality.
Why Ethernet switching?
Ethernet switching offers scalability for networks of all sizes, accommodating the evolving needs of organizations and adapting to changing network demands. With the ability to add new devices and expand network capacity seamlessly, Ethernet switches facilitate network growth without compromising performance or reliability.
Ethernet switches play a critical role in modern networking infrastructures by enhancing performance, security, scalability, and manageability. Their ability to optimize data transfer, provide granular control, and support advanced networking features makes them essential components for organizations seeking to build resilient, high-performing networks.
Modern networks require switches to provide connectivity throughout office spaces, buildings, and across facilities and campuses with support for the following:
- Evolving wired access to bandwidth-heavy workstations, servers, other network equipment and the need to future-proof with 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE multi-gigabit wired connectivity
- High density network infrastructure needing 25GbE, 40GbE, 50GbE, 100GbE, 400GbE, and 800GbE to build and scale enterprise aggregation, core, and data center workloads
- Wireless aggregation for high-performance Wi‑Fi 6, Wi‑Fi 6E, and Wi‑Fi 7 adoption in mobility-first campus architectures
- Wired IoT connectivity for smart building devices, like PoE lighting, signage, HVAC controls, security cameras, and industrial IoT equipment
Types of Ethernet switching devices
While Ethernet switches serve a critical function in establishing and enabling network connectivity across an enterprise campus, the type of switch and its typical day-to-day workload is more specifically defined by where in the network it is deployed:
- Access switches: sit at the edge of the network, often where the most data originates. Their job is to connect users, wired client devices, and infrastructure equipment to the network. Some infrastructure equipment, like Wi‑Fi access points, security cameras, and voice over IP phone systems, support Power over Ethernet (PoE) to simplify deployment.
- Aggregation switches: Connect access switches together, aggregate outbound traffic, and distribute data across the network edge and to the network core. To effectively manage traffic volume, these switches often have multi-gigabit ports, redundancy features, and deeper Layer 3 routing capabilities.
- Core switches: Sit at the heart of the network, typically connected to a router or gateway. They manage traffic coming to and from aggregation switches, the wide area network (WAN), and the internet and typically offer High Availability (HA) capabilities to ensure continued network access.
- Data center switches: High-performance switches designed with HA and fault tolerance built-in for mission-critical applications. They handle east-west and north-south traffic with top-of-rack and end-of-row features and deployment flexibility.
- Ruggedized switches: Similar to access switches in that they sit at the edge of the network to connect users, wired client devices, and infrastructure equipment. However, these switches are engineered to brave wide temperatures and harsh environments outside of carpeted and climate-controlled office areas.
How do I choose an Ethernet switching vendor?
- Demonstrate industry leadership as recognized by leading analysts such as Gartner, Forrester, and IDC.
- Offer a portfolio of intelligent, scalable, and high-performance switching solutions so you can create a network foundation ready for new technologies and future business needs.
- Help simplify operations by using automation to promote programmability, reduce manual tasks, and enjoy error-free configurations.
- Deliver real-time analytics and automation to speed troubleshooting and provide actionable recommendations for quick issue resolution.
- Support built-in security with unified policy enforcement globally across wired and wireless networks.
- Provide the flexibility to manage on-prem or in the cloud.
- Offer global support services to deliver desired SLA, attractive financial services, and as-a-service options.
HPE Aruba Networking CX Switches
HPE Aruba Networking CX Switches connect, protect, and simplify your network, bridging users, applications, and mission critical data. With intuitive tools and built-in analytics, CX switches cut the complexity of IT, reduce time spent troubleshooting, and create a foundation for new technologies and future business.
- Access and aggregation switches
- Core and data center switches
- Ruggedized switches