Everything You Need to Know About Fiber Optic Network Switches

They are networking hardware used to connect various devices operating on a computer network using packet switching?

The network switches are multiport devices that receive and forward data to the destination service. They use a multiport network bridge to forward data existing at the data link layer of the Open Systems Interconnection Model.

What are the types of Fiber Optic Switches?

The following are a few common types of network switches.

• Unmanaged Switches: These are plug-and-play type switches and they possess no configuration options. They are the affordable type of switches that are suited for the home or office environments. Unmanaged switches are usually rack-mounted or desktop-mounted.
• Smart Switches or Partially Managed Switches: This switch has limited management features and it lies between managed and unmanaged switches. Smart switches provide a web interface and are used for the configuration of settings such as duplex, VLANs, and port-bandwidth. These switches are helpful if your organization is using VoIP phones and they are also affordable than managed switches.
• Managed Switches: These switches are configurable, which means they can be easily configured to modify the switch operations. They can be easily managed using an embedded Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), a command-line interface (CLI), or a web interface. The CLI can be accessed through a Secure Shell, telnet, or serial console. Managed switches also provide Layer 2 networking for various types of Ethernet networks such as Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and so on. Many of these switches also support Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and are used for connecting wireless access points, IP Phones, and so on.
• Hardened Switches: These switches are sealed to protect against dust, dirt, and moisture. They are placed in an enclosure, which is rated on the ingress protection (IP) style.

Hardened switches provide Layer 3 or Layer 2 networking for networks such as Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet networks. Hardened network switches featuring SFP ports offer excellent flexibility and can support a wide range of connectors and fiber cables.

• PoE Switches: A PoE switch is a type of network switch that possess Power Over Ethernet built-in. The switch can easily detect whether the network devices connected to it are PoE-compatible or not. If compatible, the switch will power automatically. These PoE switches are available for all applications from unmanaged edge switches to multi-port rack-mounted units. PoE switches deliver DC power and data packets on the same cable. This makes the deployment of systems like Wi-Fi access points, VoIP phones, and security cameras easy. This PoE switch requires both powered devices (PDS) and power sourcing equipment (PSE) to create a complete system.

PoE switches are identified as end-span SPE, which makes them distinct from mid-span PoE devices.

• Enterprise Managed Switches: Enterprise managed switches feature a set of features that enable fault monitoring and other activities. These features include SNMP agent, CLI, and web interface. These switches possess a flexible design which helps modify, display and restore configurations. These switches can be customized to suit application requirements, which makes them more expensive than other network switch types in the market. These switches are used across organizations having complex networks, with a large number of connections and switches.
• LAN Switches: These switches are variously known as data switches or Ethernet switches and are used for LAN connections. LAN switches help reduce network congestion by delivering the package to the intended recipient.
• Carrier Ethernet Switches: The switches were designed for wide area network (WAN) connectivity applications. These switches support a wide range of MEF-based carrier Ethernet services such as business Ethernet, mobile backhaul, carrier exchange E-access services, and so on.

Types of Switches Based on Mounting

Network switches are distinguished into the following types based on mounting.

• Standalone Switches: It is a type of network switch that is managed as well as configured individually.
• Stackable Switches: It is a type of a fully functional standalone network switch that can be set up as a part of a large group of switches. They are Ethernet switches that are rack-mounted and are usually of 1-2 rack unit size. You can see a fixed set of data ports on the front visible side. All the switches are grouped to function as a single switch. These switches are widely preferred in expanding networks because they are easy to manage and have a single management interface.

Port Count of Switches

All network switches feature port counts, which improves their usability. These switches are usually chosen based on their port counts. The switches with high port density can serve large workgroups and the ones with small port counts support small workgroups. These small port count switches usually serve as backbone switches. The port counts can be found in switches of all categories. The switches of fixed-configuration (managed, partially-managed, and unmanaged switches belong to this category) are usually provided in 5 to 52-port configurations. They come in 5, 8, 16, 10, 24, 28, 48, as well as 52-port configurations. The ports on these switches may possess copper ports with RJ-45 connectors on the front, and a combination of SFP/SFP+ slots for establishing fiber connectivity. The RJ-45 connectors enable connections up to a distance of 100 meters, whereas SFP modules allow it only up to 40 meters. Most enterprises use switches up to 288 ports.

Network Switch Certifications

The switches are designed to meet quality standards established by different industry standards. Most switches are designed according to the following standards.

• ATEX: This is the name given for two European Directives that aim at controlling the explosive atmosphere. The first directive is Directive 94/9/EC (also known as ‘ATEX 95’ or ‘the ATEX Equipment Directive’) and the second one is Directive 99/92/EC (also known as ‘ATEX 137’ or the ‘ATEX Workplace Directive’). The term ATEX is derived from "Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives". Both these directives relate to the installation, as well as maintenance of equipment used in an explosive atmosphere and their safety. The switches that are ATEX certified are designed for use at natural gas distribution centers, offshore oil rigs, oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and so on.
• CE Mark: This is a certification that regulates the safety, health, and environmental protection standards for products that are manufactured for use or for selling in the European Economic Area (EEA). CE is an abbreviation of "Conformité Européene", which means "European Conformity". This standard is managed by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). There are various types of CE marked switches and some popular ones include managed, unmanaged, and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) switches. These switches are used in abusive environments such as factory floors, outdoor enclosures, and so on. CE switches support Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds.
• UL Listing: This is a certification given by Underwriters Laboratories. The network switches that are CE marked to meet the strict standards regulated by Underwriter Laboratories. UL listed switches support different speeds, as well as PoE.
• Class 1 Div 2: This standard is designed for abusive work environments, where systems are exposed to flammable fluids like vapors, gases, and liquids. Class 1 Division 2 switches are therefore ideal for use in explosive environments like factory floors, and so on.
• FCC Class A: This certification is issued by the Federal Communication Commission. If your network switch is FCC Class A marked, then it indicates that the switch complies with immunity and commission standards. These switches are intended for use in commercial or industrial environments. There are FCC Class B switches, too, which are intended to use in residential environments. The products marked with FCC Class A or Class B are manufactured to be sold in the United States.

A Brief Introduction to Network Switch Speeds

The network switches are available at different speeds or throughput to transmit data. For instance, the switches of fixed-configuration can support 10/100 Mbps, 10/100/1000/10000 Mbps, and 40/100 Gbps speeds. Thus, you must choose the type of switch based on your requirements. For instance, if you need to transfer a large amount of data, perhaps, you would need a Gigabit Ethernet switch.

Traffic Monitoring

Monitoring the traffic of a bridged switch can be difficult. This is because the traffic is only seen by the sending and receiving ports.

Other Essential Accessories That You May Need for Networking

• Adapters: An adapter is a device that uses the attributes of any device or system to support a system that may not be otherwise compatible with it. Some adapters may modify signals, whereas others may modify power. There are mainly three types of adapters – computer adapters, AC-to-DC adapters, and adapters for external ports. The adapters for external ports are sometimes referred to as dongles.
• Power Supplies: These devices power up media converters and are designed to withstand harsh environments. Most times, these power supplies are provided with AC/DC converters.
• Mounting Brackets: The mounting brackets are used for installing switches. Wall mounting brackets, DIN rail mounting brackets, rack mounting brackets, and pole mounting brackets are a few popular types of mounting brackets used.
• Cables: Copper cables and fiber optic cables are the two types of cables used by media converters for making connections. Of the two types, fiber optic cables are preferred for long-distance transmissions and have the capability to connect to more equipment and users. Fiber optic cables can resist electromagnetic interference, and all these factors make media converters an ideal choice for utility, commercial, and government networks.

R.W. Tull is the President of VERSITRON. He interfaces daily with current and potential end-users. R.W. works closely with clients to review layout diagrams and drawings in order to ensure that the best fiber optic solution is achieved.