vahetuvõrgud

Vahetuvõrgud, also known as switched networks, represent a fundamental concept in modern telecommunications and computer networking. Unlike older broadcast networks where all devices shared a single communication channel, switched networks utilize intelligent devices called switches to create dedicated, temporary connections between communicating devices.

When a device on a switched network sends data, the switch examines the destination address of the data packet. Using its internal table, the switch identifies the specific port connected to the destination device. It then establishes a direct, point-to-point connection for the duration of that communication, forwarding the packet only to the intended recipient. This process significantly reduces network congestion and improves overall efficiency, as bandwidth is not shared among all connected devices.

Ethernet is a common example of a switched network technology. In such networks, switches replace older hubs, enabling faster and more reliable data transfer. The ability of switches to learn the physical addresses (MAC addresses) of connected devices allows them to make intelligent forwarding decisions. This scalability and performance enhancement are crucial for the operation of the internet, local area networks (LANs), and various other communication systems.