What is Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Gigabit Ethernet switches support transmission speeds of at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). This is the current standard for LANs, with gigabit Ethernet replacing the older and slower “Fast Ethernet.” 

The difference is in data transmission speed. Gigabit Ethernet switches support transmission speeds of at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). Fast Ethernet switches can only transfer data at 100 megabits per second (Mbps). 

Not only are networks increasing in size, but the devices that connect to networks are creating data at volumes never seen in the past. Because Gigabit Ethernet switches is 10 times faster than 100Mbps Fast Ethernet, gigabit switches are better equipped to handle the high data loads of modern networks. 

For small networks with low bandwidth requirements, 10/100 Ethernet (Fast Ethernet) is often fine. But when purchasing network switches, it is important to consider scalability – how well will existing equipment work as the network and data volumes increase over the years. 

Gigabit Ethernet can transmit 81000 full size frames each second. An Ethernet frame is a data link layer protocol data unit. 

10G Ethernet switches are usually used as core switches: switches installed at the backbone a hierarchical network. 10G Ethernet switches operate at full-duplex, eliminating the need for collision detection and devices such as repeater hubs. 

Both copper and fiber cables can be used for 10 Gb transmission. Fiber options include both Single-mode fiber (SMF) and Multi-mode fiber (MMF). At higher speeds, copper cables are best used for shorter distances.