Best LAN Switching Solutions

The three methods used for LAN switching are:

1. Store-and-forward switching. This method takes every ethernet frame data packet and runs a cyclic redundancy check. If a cyclic redundancy is detected, the data is denied access. If there is no error, the data packet is sent to its intended target device.
   

2. Cut-through switching. This method only takes and checks the data’s intended MAC address. The first six bytes of the frame are what this network examines. This section of the frame is what helps the network decide whether or not it should forward the frame data packets.
   

3. Fragment-free switching. Fragment-free switching works in a very similar way to cut-through switching. However, unlike the six bytes that the previous method looks at, fragment-free switching looks at a minimum of 64 bytes. 64 bytes is the minimum size that can make up an ethernet frame.

When it comes to LAN switching, users can choose from two different types of LAN switching technologies: wired or wireless. When users employ wired LAN technologies, they make use of Ethernet cables, hubs, and switches. These wires, hubs, and switches create a physical infrastructure. Wireless LAN technology uses things such as microwave transmissions, radio waves, and the infrared portion of the light spectrum to convey data to the appropriate devices. These network technologies can be incorporated into larger networks.

Switched LAN architecture is the structure used to construct and describe the organization of the primary components of LAN networks. This structure is typically divided into 3 tiers. The lowest level is known as the “access” layer. This outermost layer connects directly to the devices being used by the network’s end users. It is in this layer that data is first gathered. The second layer is the “distribution” layer. This level takes the data from the “access “ layer and arranges it into categories. It is this layer that manages the traffic that is going on in the level below it. The servers of this level are more powerful than those of the “access” layer. The highest level is the “core” layer. This highest level is where the management of the network’s high-speed switching takes place. The servers that make up this level are the most powerful in the network.

Companies and organizations can enjoy the following benefits if they choose to employ LAN switches:

• Improve bandwidth performance: Users connected to the network will experience very little to no lag when they are performing activities that usually require a lot of bandwidth, such as using multimedia applications.

• Increased network scalability: LAN switches give users the ability to increase the scale of their network operations should their business needs call for network growth. Higher levels of bandwidth mean that a user’s system can handle a larger load of network traffic.

• Reduce the possibility of total network failure. When a network is overloaded and there are not enough resources to handle the traffic, the possibility of network failure is high. The strain on the network can slow it down significantly or even crash the entire network. When a network employs LAN switches, there are very few opportunities for network failures to take place.

• Data packet transmission speeds increase: LAN can help users segment their networks into many sub-networks. These sub-networks each require far less bandwidth than is required by the network as a whole. Each sub-network also handles its own load. The lower bandwidth requirements and reduced network congestion will impact the performance of the data packets that enable network access. They will travel more quickly and efficiently. This makes it easier for users to access the portion of the network that they need. The lower requirements mean that users will have quicker access than they might have otherwise.

• Parallel connectivity: Devices that connect through switch ports can send out various bits of data at the same without slowing down the network. Users who are working in collaboration, or even one user who is working on their own, can accomplish a lot more work in a quicker and more efficient manner. This ability is unique to devices that are connected through LAN switches. Traditionally-built networks cannot take advantage of parallel connectivity.

• Deploy and control secure VLANs. VLANs have a couple of potential uses. These virtual networks can keep users connected when changes are being made to the physical network. They require no reconfiguration whatsoever. Once they are set up, users do not have to take further steps to continue working on their projects. Additionally, users can create small VLANs so that groups that are working on similar projects can work securely on their own private networks.

Features you should look for in LAN switches include:

• PoE ports reduce the need and cost of power supplies, circuits, and cables in addition to those that are already in use.
  
  
• Software defined networking architecture and a network functions virtualization solution that virtualize and then centralize critical network functions.
  
  
• Quality of service support so that specific types of network traffic are granted priority over other types.
  
  
• A virtual chassis to enable users to expand their resource availability.
  
  
• Embedded security capabilities to guard against bad actors and digital threats.
  
  
• Ability to work with other types of devices to meet changing business needs.
  
  
• A single point of management that can be used to simply manage the whole network.
  
  
• Network redundancy capabilities to stave off network failure.

Using VLANs in your LAN Switching architecture allows you to segment network traffic efficiently. This segmentation reduces broadcast domains, enhancing network performance by reducing unnecessary traffic. With VLANs, you can improve security, restricting access to specific segments and making network management simpler and more flexible. As a network professional, implementing VLANs means you have the capability to adapt to changing network demands effortlessly.

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is crucial in preventing loops in your LAN Switching network, which can cause significant disruptions. By ensuring a loop-free topology, STP stabilizes your network infrastructure, allowing for redundant paths without the risk of broadcast storms. You should configure STP correctly to optimize device performance and ensure network reliability, especially when scaling your operations.

Quality of Service (QoS) is vital in prioritizing network traffic, ensuring critical applications are given precedence over less important data. By implementing QoS in your LAN Switching setup, you can maintain optimal performance for voice, video, and data services, reducing latency and jitter. This is particularly important in environments with high bandwidth demands, providing a smooth, uninterrupted experience for users.

Port Channeling, or link aggregation, allows you to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link. This increases your network capacity and provides redundancy, which means if one link fails, traffic will automatically travel through the remaining links without interruption. By integrating Port Channeling into your LAN Switching strategy, you enhance bandwidth, improve reliability, and streamline network management.

Securing your LAN Switching network involves several best practices, such as implementing strong authentication and access control measures, enabling port security to prevent unauthorized devices, and using secure management protocols. Regularly update your switch firmware and apply network segmentation with VLANs to limit broadcast domains and control access. Monitoring traffic and performing security audits will help you proactively identify vulnerabilities and maintain a robust network defense.