Network Switch

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Network Switch

Definition

A network switch is a multiport network bridge that uses hardware addresses to process and forward data at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Modern switches can also operate at the network layer (layer 3) and transport layer (layer 4), providing advanced routing and traffic management capabilities. It intelligently directs data packets between connected devices, creating a dedicated communication path between sender and receiver to optimize network performance and reduce collisions. This product is classified under the Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing industry. It is a device-level machine. The switch typically provides 8 to 48 ports, with port speeds of 10/100/1000 Mbps (IEEE 802.3). Switching capacity ranges from 16 to 176 Gbps, and forwarding rates from 11.9 to 131 Mpps. The MAC address table size is 8K to 128K entries. Power consumption is 10 to 120 watts, operating temperature 0 to 50 °C, input voltage 100–240 V AC, ingress protection IP30 to IP65 (IEC 60529), dimensions 440×200×44 to 440×350×88 mm, weight 2 to 8 kg, and MTBF 100,000 to 500,000 hours. Materials on file include plastic, metal, silicon, copper, and fiber optic materials. These values are reference ranges; verify model-specific specifications with the manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

Network switches operate by examining incoming data packets, reading the destination MAC address in each packet's header, and forwarding the packet only to the specific port connected to the destination device. This is achieved through a MAC address table that maps MAC addresses to switch ports. When a packet arrives, the switch checks its MAC address table; if the destination address is found, it forwards the packet to the corresponding port. If not found, it broadcasts the packet to all ports except the source port (flooding) and learns the source MAC address for future reference. This process creates separate collision domains for each port, enabling full-duplex communication and significantly improving network efficiency compared to hubs.

Common Materials

Plastic, Metal, Silicon, Copper, Fiber Optic Materials

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Number of PortsRequired	8–48 ports	Total number of physical network interfaces available for connecting devices
Port SpeedRequired	10/100/1000 Gbps	Maximum data transfer rate supported by each port, typically 1Gbps, 10Gbps, or higherIEEE 802.3
Switching CapacityRequired	16–176 Gbps	Maximum aggregate throughput the switch can handle across all ports simultaneously
Forwarding RateRequired	11.9–131 Mpps	Maximum number of packets per second the switch can process and forward
MAC Address Table SizeRequired	8K–128K entries	Maximum number of MAC addresses the switch can learn and store in its forwarding table
Power Consumption	10–120 watts	Maximum electrical power required for switch operation under full load
Operating Temperature	0–50 °C	Temperature range within which the switch is designed to operate reliably
Input Voltage	100–240 V AC	Wide range for global use.
Ingress Protection	IP30–IP65	Dust and water resistance for industrial use.IEC 60529
Dimensions (W×D×H)	440×200×44–440×350×88 mm	Rack-mount 1U or 2U form factor.
Weight	2–8 kg	Affects mounting and handling.
MTBF	100000–500000 hours	Reliability indicator for continuous operation.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Switch Fabric
Internal architecture that enables simultaneous data transfer between multiple ports by providing dedicated pathways for packet forwarding

Material: Silicon-based integrated circuits and copper interconnects
Network Processor
Specialized microprocessor that handles packet processing, forwarding decisions, and management functions

Material: Silicon semiconductor with integrated memory
Port Interfaces
Physical connectors that provide network connectivity to end devices, typically RJ45 for copper Ethernet or SFP/SFP+ for fiber optic connections

Material: Copper contacts with plastic housing for RJ45, ceramic/plastic with metal contacts for SFP
MAC Address Table Memory Part
Storage component that maintains the mapping between MAC addresses and corresponding switch ports for efficient packet forwarding

Material: Semiconductor memory chips (typically SRAM or TCAM)
Power Supply Unit
Converts AC power from the electrical outlet to the DC voltages required by the switch's internal components

Material: Metal housing with electronic components including transformers, capacitors, and rectifiers
Cooling System
Maintains optimal operating temperature through passive heatsinks or active fans to prevent thermal damage to electronic components

Material: Aluminum or copper heatsinks with plastic fan blades (if active cooling)
Management Interface
Provides administrative access to configure, monitor, and manage switch settings through console port, web interface, or network protocols

Material: Plastic and metal connectors with supporting electronic circuits

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Network Switch.

Manufacturers of Network Switch

10 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

ZTE Corporation

Shanghai, CN

Approx. 31,000 staff

Also makes: Access Controller, Energy Storage/Transfer Element (for active systems)