Lesson
Switches
Learning objective
Explain how switches connect local devices and associate devices with ports at an introductory level.
What is a switch?
A switch connects devices in a local network. It is the modern, multi-port development of the bridge idea: instead of treating all connected devices as one shared signal space, it can be selective about which port carries local traffic.
Switch ports
Each physical switch port is a connection point for a host or another network device. Port labels help people trace cables and understand which devices are connected where.
At this stage, remember the simple relationship: local devices connect to labelled switch ports. The detailed process a switch uses is taught later.
More selective than a hub
A hub repeats an incoming signal to all other ports. A switch can send local traffic through a suitable port rather than treating every port the same. This makes switches a better fit for modern local networks.
Switches and routers
A switch primarily connects devices inside a local network. A router connects different IP networks. Home equipment may combine both functions in one box, but the roles remain different.
Match hosts to ports
Use the cable description to match the printer with its labelled switch port.
Match a host to a switch port
Switch ports connect local devices. In this example, the printer cable is plugged into Port 3.
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