Network Switch and Router Setup & Rack-and-Stack

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Network Switch and Router Setup & Rack-and-Stack san antonio technicians throw around terms like Ethernet switch, network hub and router almost interchangeably, but each performs a different function on the network. Switches expand and optimize a wired local area network (LAN) while routers connect networks, including home and business Wi-Fi connections to the Internet.

A network switch manages data transfer between devices by noting each device’s media access control (MAC) address, a unique code baked into its networking-interface card. The switch then routes incoming packets to devices with the matching MAC addresses. It also sends outgoing packets to those same devices.

Network Switch and Router Setup & Rack-and-Stack in San Antonio

Most homes and small businesses only require routers to connect to the Internet, while a switch is necessary for connecting to other networked devices within a wired local area network (LAN). Larger offices and networks may use switches for additional Ethernet LAN ports that a router can’t provide.

Routers connect to networks and can include security features, such as a firewall, for improved protection of your information. In addition, they allow multiple devices to connect to one Internet connection and can create Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity.

To connect a switch to a router, plug one end of an ethernet cable into each of the available ethernet ports on the back of the switch. Power on both devices, then connect the other end of the ethernet cable to a free port on the router and the other end to an open ethernet port on the back of the switch. Once connected, the LED lights on both devices should illuminate to confirm a successful link.