What Is a Network Switch?
The Complete Beginner’s Guide to the Heart of Your Network
If structured cabling is the highway system of a building, then the network switch is the traffic controller.
Every computer, security camera, wireless access point, VoIP phone, printer, access control panel, and network-connected device eventually connects to a network switch.
Without one, modern business networks simply wouldn’t function.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a network switch does, how it works, the different types of switches available, and why it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment in any low-voltage installation.
What Is a Network Switch?
A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices together on the same computer network.
Think of it as a central meeting point.
Every Ethernet cable throughout your building eventually connects back to a switch. The switch then intelligently directs information between devices so they can communicate quickly and efficiently.
Unlike older networking equipment that simply broadcasts data to every connected device, modern switches send data only to the device that needs it. This makes networks faster, more secure, and more efficient.
Why Do You Need a Network Switch?
Imagine a small office with:
- 25 computers
- 18 security cameras
- 8 wireless access points
- 12 VoIP phones
- 4 printers
- 6 access control doors
- A network video recorder (NVR)
- A server
That’s more than 70 network-connected devices.
Without a switch, none of those devices would be able to communicate with one another.
The switch becomes the central hub that allows everything to work together.
Think of a Switch Like a Mail Room
Imagine an office building with one central mail room.
Every employee sends and receives mail through that room.
The mail room knows:
- Who sent the package
- Who should receive it
- Where it needs to go
A network switch works much the same way.
Instead of letters, it moves digital information.
Instead of offices, it connects network devices.
Its job is to make sure data reaches the correct destination as quickly as possible.
Where Does the Switch Go?
Most commercial buildings have one or more equipment racks.
Inside that rack you’ll commonly find:
- Internet modem or fiber handoff
- Firewall
- Router
- Network switch
- Patch panel
- UPS (battery backup)
- Cable management
- Fiber enclosures
Every Ethernet cable from throughout the building eventually terminates on a patch panel.
Short patch cords then connect those patch panel ports to the network switch.
This keeps the installation organized, protects the permanent cabling, and makes future changes much easier.
What Connects to a Network Switch?
Almost every network-enabled device can connect to a switch.
Common examples include:
Computers
Desktop computers and workstations.
Security Cameras
Most modern IP cameras connect directly to a PoE switch.
Wireless Access Points
Ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi devices receive both network connectivity and often power through the switch.
VoIP Phones
Business phones commonly receive both voice communication and power through the network switch.
Printers
Network printers are available to every authorized user on the network.
Access Control Systems
Door controllers, intercoms, and related equipment often communicate through the network.
Servers
Servers provide shared resources such as files, applications, and authentication services.
How Does a Network Switch Know Where to Send Data?
Every network device has a unique identifier called a MAC (Media Access Control) address.
As devices communicate, the switch automatically learns which MAC address is connected to each port.
When data arrives, the switch checks its table and forwards the information only to the correct destination instead of sending it everywhere.
This intelligent forwarding improves performance and reduces unnecessary network traffic.
What Is a PoE Switch?
Many modern switches include Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Instead of simply carrying data, they also supply electrical power through the Ethernet cable.
A PoE switch can power devices such as:
- Security cameras
- Wireless access points
- VoIP phones
- Video intercoms
- Building sensors
- Some access control equipment
This eliminates the need for separate power adapters at each device and greatly simplifies installation.
Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches
Not all switches are the same.
Unmanaged Switches
An unmanaged switch is essentially plug-and-play.
Simply connect your devices, and it begins forwarding traffic automatically.
These switches are commonly used in:
- Small offices
- Home networks
- Temporary installations
Advantages
- Lower cost
- Easy installation
- No programming required
Limitations
Very little control over how the network operates.
Managed Switches
Managed switches allow network administrators to configure and monitor the network.
Features may include:
- VLANs
- Port security
- Traffic monitoring
- Quality of Service (QoS)
- Remote management
- PoE monitoring
- Port diagnostics
- Link aggregation
Managed switches are the standard choice for most commercial environments.
How Many Ports Do You Need?
Switches come in a variety of sizes.
Common port counts include:
- 5 ports
- 8 ports
- 16 ports
- 24 ports
- 48 ports
Large facilities often use multiple switches connected together.
When planning a new installation, it’s wise to leave room for future growth rather than filling every available port on day one.
Common Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes people make is purchasing a switch that’s just large enough for today’s needs.
As businesses grow, they often add:
- More employees
- Additional cameras
- Extra Wi-Fi access points
- Smart building devices
- Digital signage
- Access control doors
Planning for expansion now can prevent expensive upgrades later.
Another common mistake is buying a non-PoE switch when many of the connected devices require power over Ethernet. Always verify the power requirements of your equipment before selecting a switch.
Pro Tip from Planet Low Voltage
When designing a new network, we rarely recommend using every available switch port.
A good rule of thumb is to leave 20–30% spare capacity whenever possible.
That extra room makes it much easier to add cameras, phones, wireless access points, or new workstations in the future without immediately replacing the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a switch the same as a router?
No.
A router connects your local network to other networks, such as the internet.
A switch connects devices together within your local network.
Most business networks use both.
Can one switch power my security cameras?
Yes—if it’s a PoE switch with enough available power and ports to support all connected cameras.
Can multiple switches be connected together?
Absolutely.
Large commercial buildings often contain several interconnected switches located in different telecommunications rooms.
Does a switch make my internet faster?
A switch doesn’t increase the speed of your internet service, but it allows devices inside your building to communicate efficiently with one another and prevents unnecessary network congestion.
Planet Low Voltage Recommendation
For most commercial projects, we recommend using managed PoE switches from reputable manufacturers.
They provide greater flexibility, simplify future expansion, improve troubleshooting, and support modern technologies such as security cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and access control systems.
Combined with quality structured cabling, patch panels, and proper documentation, a good switch becomes the foundation of a reliable business network.
What’s Next?
Now that you understand where every network cable connects, it’s time to learn why those cables are terminated on a patch panel instead of plugging directly into the switch.
In the next guide, we’ll explain What Is a Patch Panel?, one of the simplest but most important components of a professional network installation.
Continue Learning
- What Is Low Voltage?
- What Is Structured Cabling?
- Cat5e vs. Cat6 vs. Cat6A
- What Is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
- What Is a Patch Panel?
- How Network Racks Work
- MDF vs. IDF
- Understanding Fiber Optic Cable