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Ethernet switch port types 1. Ethernet switch port types by data rate Data rate is one of the important factors of Ethernet switch interface. It ranges from 1G to 100G and even higher. The following is a list of mainstream interface types with these data rates. - RJ45 Port: RJ 45, Registered Jack 45, is a typical Ethernet style data port that can be found on switches, network cards, routers, etc. This port on a 100/1000BASE switch can be used for LANs, server switching in data centers, and uplinks on desktop switches for broadband applications. RJ45 ports use 8 wires or pins to transmit data and are usually found on the back of network equipment to connect two RJ45 ports on a Gigabit switch. RJ45 ports are a type of Ethernet port that supports data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps, depending on the network infrastructure and cabling used.
- SFP and SFP+ Ports: Small Form Factor Pluggable Ports or SFP ports are designed for small form factor (SFF) connectors. They offer high speed and physical compactness. They enable Gigabit switches to achieve long-distance copper uplinks by plugging in the corresponding SFP modules. On the other hand, SFP+ is an evaluation of the SFP port that supports higher speeds up to 10Gbps. When comparing the compatibility of the two ports, SFP+ generally accepts SFP optics at a lower speed of 1Gbps. However, you cannot plug an SFP+ transceiver into an SFP port as it does not support speeds less than 1Gbps.
- SFP 28 port: It is an upgraded version of SFP+ port, providing a new networking upgrade method: 10G-25G-100G. It has the same form factor as SFP+, but provides 25Gbps on a single channel.
- QSFP28 port: Designed for 100g applications. It provides high-speed differential signaling with data rates ranging from 25Gbps to 100Gbps.
- QSFP+ port: It is an enhanced version of Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable or QSFP. It has four-lane Gbit/s SFP+ interface and can provide up to 40Gbps transmission rate.
2. Ethernet switch port types by function
As important as data rate, functionality, and application are, Ethernet switch connector types, as the same port is used for multiple purposes. This helps us gain insight into Ethernet switch port type configurations. - PoE Ports: Power over Ethernet or PoE switch ports can deliver both data and power over a single cable. Power is provided in two standard formats – IEEE 802.af (provides up to 15.4 watts on Ethernet switch ports) and IEEE 802.3at (provides up to 30 watts on Ethernet switch ports). However, energy is lost over distance.
- Combo port: This is a composite port that supports dual front ends, such as RJ45 and SFP connectors. However, these different ports cannot be used at the same time. This means that if the RJ45 port is in use, the corresponding port will be automatically disabled, and vice versa. One of the biggest advantages is that it provides different connections without occupying unused switching structures, allowing users to flexibly configure the switch according to their needs.
- Stacking Port: A special function port on a switch. It is used to connect other stackable network switches of the same model to operate as a single stackable switch. It can be an uplink port; however, some network switches may have dedicated ports for stacking. This is an economical solution with great flexibility and is preferred for long-distance connections.
3. Ethernet switch port types based on network architecture
Basically, network architecture consists of three layers such as core layer, access layer, and distribution layer. Fortunately, network switches also come in these types. - Access Port: As the name suggests, it is used to connect devices available in the access link, such as laptops, desktops, printers, etc. Access ports can only be members of a specific VLAN, which sends and receives regular Ethernet frames in untagged form.
- Trunk Port: Trunk ports are used between switches and higher-level network devices available in trunk links. They allow multiple VLANs to be set up, so they can carry traffic from multiple VLANs simultaneously.
- Hybrid port: It can connect to both users and network devices, so it is called a hybrid port. It supports both tagged VLANs (such as trunk ports) and untagged VLANs (such as access ports), and receives data from one or more VLANs.
- Uplink ports: Uplink ports are used to connect switches together to expand the size of the network. They are usually operated at the distribution layer or core layer of the network and are configured to carry traffic for all VLANs or a subset of VLANs.
- Management Port: The management port is used for remote management and configuration of the switch. It usually runs on a separate management VLAN and is used to connect to a management console or network management software.
- Stacking ports: Stacking ports are used to connect multiple switches together to form a stack, which is equivalent to a logical switch. They are usually used in large networks where a single switch may not provide sufficient capacity or redundancy.
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) Port: PoE ports are used to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras. They provide data and power over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power cord.
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