subject: Computer Communication [print this page] When computers are connected to a switch, they are able to communicate with each other. There is no programming that you have to do. You basically just have to plug things into it and you are good to go. Hubs and switches are very similar.
There are so many advantages with using a switch. One is that any computer that is hooked up to a switch receives the entire bandwidth signal. This helps all of the computers to have even communication.
Ethernet cables connect the switches and the computers. Each switch has several ports for multiple Ethernet cables. The more ports there are, the more computers the switch can help communicate back and forth.
One computer sends information to another computer by using the switch. The switch then copies the data packet and analyzes it. If the material is safe and secure, then it sends it to all of the other computers.
In the beginning the switch will send the information to all of the computers just like hubs do. One feature that switches have that hubs do not is a learning capability. You do not have to do any kind of programming, the switch does it all on its own.
Through sending data packets the switch learns each computer's addresses. The switch then assigns the computer's address to its corresponding port. Switches do this so that they can send data packets to specific computers.
Switches both send and receive packets of data. Hubs would get slowed down if computers were sending and receiving things at the same time, but switches do not. Switches have a collision domain built into each port.
Switches can both send and receive data packets simultaneously because of the collision domain. The computer's functions will not even slow down. This feature makes it great for small business to function and still communicate.
