Gigabit Ethernet switches are network devices that connect different network devices to each other in order to efficiently control data traffic. A Gigabit Ethernet switch is the new network standard for increased speed, because at 1 Gbit/s it is 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet switches.
They are characterized by high throughput performance, secure access control, support for quality service standards and tagging functions, an auto-negotiation function (compatibility), a low latency rate and simple setup, monitoring and management. Gigabit switches are available with 8, 16, 24 or 48 ports and are usually equipped with multiple RJ45 interfaces and SFP slots. The switches work with twisted copper cables and optical SFP transceivers, which work with corresponding patch cable types.
There are many different types of Gigabit Ethernet switches: stackable Gigabit switches, Gigabit switches with a fixed connection, chassis-based Gigabit switches, managed & unmanaged Gigabit switches and Power over Ethernet Gigabit switches. Gigabit switches are widely used in many corporate networks, data centers and home networks due to their high bandwidth and low latency.