Running Head: ETHERNET SWITCHING MODES

Ethernet Switching Modes

Richard Cogdal
NTC/405
January 27, 2015
Bradley Rush

Ethernet Switching Modes

Running Head: ETHERNET SWITCHING MODES

In todays society the popularity of the network has increased, as more and more individuals are using
them. Especially with the younger individuals, as you have facebook, skype, and so on. Because of the
popularity networks begin to slow down. As the use of the internet continues to rise, months or years down the
road the networks will have to have a bigger bandwidth of support to be able to handle the increasing traffic. The
most commonly used and installed local area networks or LANs is the Ethernet. The Ethernet can use several
types of cabling, the most common type of cabling used is coaxial or twisted-pair. Several Ethernet-based
networks can be linked together using different types of devices. These types include: routers,bridges and
switches. The switched Ethernet is the widely used of these three when it comes to connecting to multiple
networks. Switching will change the way networks are designed and will maximize the use of the internet.
Network Switching

When it comes to dealing with the network, the basis of this technology consists of
nodes (computer), mediums (wired or wireless internet), and other connecting
equipment (routers and hubs). All of these work together which allows your computer to
send data to other computer networks everywhere. Switches play a role in this
technology as well, they allow data to be sent swiftly and efficiently. The use of this
technology is making networks faster and more productive in todays society. When dealing
with switches you have to at least have an understanding of how this technology works.
Switching directs network traffic in a very efficient manner - it sends information directly from
the port of origin to only its destination port. Switching increases network performance,
enhances flexibility and eases moves, adds and changes. Switching establishes a direct line
of communication between two ports and maintains multiple simultaneous links between
various ports ("What Is Switch", n.d.). There are three basic types of switches on the market
at this time. They all perform the same basic function of dividing a large network into smaller
sub-networks, however the manner in which they work internally is different. The types are

Running Head: ETHERNET SWITCHING MODES

known as Store and Forward, Cut Through, and Hybrid. Below is the explanation of each
type:

A Store and Forward switch operates much as its name implies; first it stores each incoming frame in a
buffer, checks it for errors, and if the frame is good it then forwards it to its destination port.

A Cut Through switch operates differently than a Store and Forward type. In a Cut Through switch, the
switch begins forwarding the frame immediately upon recieving the Destination Address.

A Hybrid switch is an attempt to get the best of both Store and Forward switches and Cut Through
switches. A Hybrid switch normally operates in Cut Through mode, but constantly monitors the rate at which
invalid or damaged frames are forwarded. (Teschler,

2006).

Designing A Switched Ethernet Network

When designing a network and deciding on the types of equipment to use such as, hubs, router, and
switches there is a criteria that should to be followed. Before designing a switched network look closely at the
network usage patterns, this will help in deciding the type of bandwidth to use for the network. The criteria
mentioned above refers to the types of switches. To begin with,

It is most important to get a switch that doesn't drop frames.

Deciding between cut-through and store-and-forward depends on the application.

Multimedia stations may need dedicated switched ports.

Most switch implementations consist of a switch with many stations and few servers. It is best to keep a 1:1
ratio between the stations and servers.

Baseline your network prior to installing switches to determine the percentage of bad frames that already
exist on the network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, As introduction of more industrial devices which have built-in Ethernet capabilities

continues, networks keep becoming more complex and get crowded with signal traffic. This increases the
necessity for Ethernet switches and routers with advanced technology which limits collisions, control bandwidth
and have ability to craft virtual local area networks. Companies like Cisco, HP and IBM are racing to produce
devices that are based upon the new Ethernet standards. As internet speeds get faster, through copper and

Running Head: ETHERNET SWITCHING MODES

fiber, switches and routers must possess features of high capacity and expandability.

References:

Cisco Unified Computing System Ethernet Switching Modes. (2014). Retrieved from:
www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/data-center-virtualization/unifiedcomputing/whitepaper
Teschler, L. (2006). The Basics of Network Switching Technology. Retrieved from: www.machinedesign.com/
Ethernet Tutorial - Part II: Adding Speed . (n.d.). Retrieved from: www.lantronix.com/resources/net-tutor
What is switch. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.techtarget.com/network