In computer networking, an Ethernet switch connects multiple devices, such as computers, servers, or game systems, to a Local Area Network (LAN). Small business and home offices often use an Ethernet switch to allow more than one device to share a broadband Internet connection. A gigabit Ethernet switch operates in the same way, only differentiating in data rates. Gigabit Ethernet is much greater than standard or Fast Ethernet. People can use these switches to quickly transfer data between devices in a network, or to download from the Internet at very high speeds. Gigabit Ethernet transmits at approximately one gigabit per second. That is at speeds nearly 10 times those of Fast Ethernet, which transfers data at approximately 10 megabits per second. The gigabit Ethernet switch is designed to work at these increased speeds, without signal loss or transfer rate reduction.

Gigabit Ethernet Switch: Managed or Unmanaged?

Gigabit Ethernet switches are either managed or unmanaged. Usually an unmanaged switch is referred as a “dumb switch”, which can be easily operated by every noob. It behaves like a “plug and play” device. A basic unmanaged gigabit Ethernet switch has no user configuration. It is placed in the network with the cables plugged in and the unit turned on, and there is nothing else to do. In contrast, a mangaed gigabit switch can be configured, and can be monitored and adjusted at your discretion, such as adjust speeds, combine users in subgroups, monitor traffic and report network activity. Although a managed switch is typically more expensive than an unmanaged switch, it offer much greater flexibility.

Gigabit Ethernet Switch or Ethernet Hub?

Although an Ethernet switch is sometimes called a hub, because a switch performs the same job as a hub, there is a huge difference between a true hub and a gigabit Ethernet switch. An Ethernet hub is a device that connects multiple Ethernet devices to a single network. A hub does not gather information and input in one port results as an output in all ports on the network. While a gigabit switch is considered as a more intelligent hub, because it gathers information about the data packets it receives and forwards it to only the network that it was intended for.

Gigabit Ethernet Switch Recommendations

A gigabit Ethernet switch can be an inexpensive and easy way to expand your network in your home or small business. After probing into some parameters like brand, popularity, reviews and performance, here is a list of network switches including Ethernet switches for home, port gigabit Ethernet switches, cost-effective gigabit switches etc.