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Ethernet switches can replace or augment hubs in networks where high volumes are common. Switches segment the traffic into smaller sub-networks, each sub-network consisting of a single PC/Server connection or a hub with a number of connected users. Each of these downstream subnets then handles network traffic independent of the others. A switch manages the network traffic more intelligently so that multiple separate conversations can occur simultaneously (rather like a telephone system). Any two ports on the switch can have a dedicated connection between them while another two ports can have the same. This gives a considerable increase in performance. NETGEAR Ethernet switches combine 10Mbps, 100Mbps and 1000Mbps speeds in a variety of configurations. This gives bandwidth-hungry users extra speed by using a dedicated connection, while the entire office continues to enjoy optimal performance.
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