switches

Switches are devices that control the flow of electricity or data by making, breaking, or redirecting connections. The term covers physical electrical switches as well as network switches that manage traffic between devices on a local network.

Electrical switches vary in form, including toggle, rocker, push-button, slide, and rotary types. They can be momentary or latching and use configurations such as SPST, SPDT, and DPDT. They are rated for voltage and current, with contact materials and coatings influencing arcing, resistance, and life expectancy. Enclosure and environmental design affect safety and durability.

Network switches connect multiple devices within a local area network. They forward frames based on MAC addresses at layer 2, reducing collisions; higher-end models may also perform layer 3 routing. Key features include port count and speed, switching method (store-and-forward vs cut-through), buffering, VLAN support, and PoE. Managed switches offer configuration, monitoring, and security controls; unmanaged switches provide plug-and-play operation.

Design considerations emphasize reliability and safety. Electrical switches require appropriate voltage/current ratings, proper insulation, and, for high-power applications, arc suppression and compliance with standards. Network switches require compatibility with Ethernet standards and, for managed equipment, stable firmware and security features.