A switch is a network device that connects multiple devices together. Some switches operate on layer-2, which is where the physical information lay or the MAC address. According to switch’s table which contains the port information and the device connected MAC, it forwards the incoming packets. Other switches operate on layer-3, this is where the IP information lay, giving the switch more power, you can connect multiple networks within VLANs for example.

Today smart switches are what people talk about. They include more functions in terms of security and control.

It is very interesting what can be done on the switch’s level if these smart devices are deployed. For example, deploying security measures such as anti-virus on the network itself instead on every workstation. Defining user roles and what they can do and access. The minimum security requirement for a workstation not part of your company’s domain to get plugged into your network.

Sometimes breaches happen not because you did a bad job or lack of administration, it’s just cause there is a lot of stuff to administer and something is bound to slip. This concept of intelligent network eases administration, offers more security, flexibility, etc.

More on the subject: Intelligent network switches