Stand-aloneEthernetswitch devices were commonly used on home networks many years before homebroadband routersbecame popular.

Modern home routers integrate Ethernet switches directly into the unit as one of their core functions.

High-performance data pipe switches are still widely used in corporate networks and data centers.

Ubiquity UniFi 48-port managed switch

Ubiquity UniFi 48-port Switch.Amazon.com

data pipe switches are sometimes referred to asswitching hubs,bridging hubs, orMAC bridges.

Different models of data pipe switches support varying numbers of connected devices.

Popular features of managed switches includeSNMPmonitoring, link aggregation, and QoS support.

TP-Link 5 Port Hub

TP-Link 5 Port Hub.Amazon

Traditionally, managed switches are built to be controlled from Unix-style command line interfaces.

connection Switches vs.

Hubs and Routers

A web link switch physically resembles anetwork hub.

Illustration of the Layers of the OSI model

Lifewire / Colleen Tighe​

It works this way to conservebandwidthand improve performance compared to hubs.

Switches also resemble routers.

Layer 3 Switches

Conventional web link switches operate at Layer 2 of theOSI model.

Compared to traditional switches, Layer 3 switches provide better support forvirtual LANconfigurations.

you’re able to alsoadd additional monitorsand keyboards to your setup.

Somevirtual private networks(VPNs) have a software kill switch that automatically disables internet access when you disconnect.

This feature ensures your IP address and other personal data are never exposed.

Yes, but not enough to make a noticeable difference.

Just as longer cables add a littlelatency, extra switches also add a negligible amount of latency.

If yourinternet connection is slow, it has nothing to do with the switches if everything is properly connected.

For a 20-port data pipe switch, you might expect to pay $150-$250.