What is a Switch in Networking - How does a Network Switch Work?

In this video I am going to explain what is a switch in networking.

Switches are the heart of all computer networks and are responsible for connecting up to 1000's of computers together.

If you want to know how does a network switch work then I hope this video explains that to you.

I will also explain the difference between a hub and a switch.
#networkswitch

A network switch looks a lot like a network hub. Unlike hubs, however, network switches are capable of inspecting incoming messages as they are received and directing them to a specific port—this creates an arp table on the switch so it knows where each device is and where to send the traffic destined for that device.

A switch determines the source and destination addresses of each packet and forwards data only to the specific devices, while hubs send the data to every port except the one that received the traffic.

A switch is a lot more efficient on bandwidth as data only is sent to where it needs to go.

Switches are often confused with Routers, but a Router is a completely different device which decides which network to send traffic to.

The confusion has come from most home broadband routers now including a small 4 port switch so box boxes are combined and most people refer to it as the router.

[TriumphFrancis]

Why can't YouTubers be this straight ❤

[josephwood]

Thank you for the plain and simple description. Couldn't be easier when you get basic concepts explained in a clear and demystified manner. I really appreciate it.

[rcxcole]

Thank you for explaining how switches work, just earlier I had no clue what they were but after watching this video, I have a grasp on what they do, thanks again

[RBASB]

I actually can’t believe I’m 3 years late. I absolutely love your terminology. Thank you kindly for you explanation and your time in making this video so people like me and learn. Much appreciated 🙏🏻. I certainly have to subscribe to your wonderful channel. Thank you once again.

[joshualewis]

good video, well explained for beginniners studying IT/Networking.

[hammozeen]

Thank you so much. I was specifically trying to know how the switches know where data should go . Thank you for the amazing explanation

[watiulei]

awesome explanation. im a newbie in networking, hope to learn more basics before moving on more advanced networking

[danielc]

thanks mate, i dont know why I struggled to make the difference between switch and router. have a nice one.

[isstechnz]

A1 to the point. No going on about 20 other things at once just the basics. THANKS now I understand in 5 mins.
Excellent thanks.
I guess to tell the swicth what to do you would do that though a computer.
It would be interesting to see you do a basic set up of a CCTV system with out a swicth and one using a swicth for extra cameras.
And maybe linking it to a Phone App. Maybe like HikVison.
A1 information thanks 👍

[andresamancio]

My English is basic but i understand all do you told . Gracias Amigo, Good video

[waynezahra]

Hi Mr, I know I’m a couple of years late but…thank you kindly for your direct and clear explanation. You’re a superstar without realising it. Thank you kindly for your time in making this video.

[emrc]

I did not under the difference between switch and a hub, Thank you for explaining how switches work,

[Jessica-jieh]

Thank you for a great explanation. Could not get my head around the difference between a switch and a hub. Simple and easy explanation.

[rjsaab]

Thank you for posting this! Great use of terminology and easy to understand. As an IT student, you are a lifesaver lol.

[keithkeber]

So I have been using unmanaged switches since 2005 on my SOHO network. I've always idly wondered the kinds of options that "managed" switches offer. Your video helped me to understand the difference. As curious as I am, I think I'll continue to use unmanaged switches. LOL, sometimes it's better to have fewer choices.

[Stareque]

Thanks Roger for simple explanation of Switch. I have a question about how Switch and Java programming works together. if you give a simple example it will be great.

[eliuchiha]

I really need this for my presentation and you make it’s so simple to understand. Thank you ❤

[emirh.]

Sometimes it is good to revisit the core concepts. I recently did some reading about native vlans, tagging and spanning tree just to refresh.

Thanks Roger!

[joemufa]

Great simple video. I am trying to learn Networking but im struggling to find a good starting point that isn't too abstracted
Any ideas on how to start "from scratch" to get a deeper understanding?

[nisargtrivedi]

Hi Roger, just saw your video and I must say it was very simple but to the point explanation. Glad I saw your video. Just subscribed your channel and will go through other videos as well. Really appreciate your efforts and time. 👍