A network switch is a computer networking device that connects network segments.

The term commonly refers to a Network bridge that processes and routes data at the Data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Switches that additionally process data at the Network layer (layer 3 and above) are often referred to as Layer 3 switches or Multilayer switches. The term network switch does not generally encompass unintelligent or passive network devices such as hubs and repeaters. 16 Port switch modules in the router can save you big on switching if the needs are small and can be migrated to a bigger dedicated switch later down the road. These are great when you have a small telco closet that you have to squeeze everything into. After that you’re looking at 3550 switches with POE so you can power WiFi and VoIP if the office is to use those technologies. I am not sure if the 16 port switch modules can support POE so that would be a consideration. In switches intended for commercial use, built-in or modular interfaces make it possible to connect different types of networks, like Ethernet, Fibre Channel, ATM, and 802.11. This connectivity can be at any of the layers mentioned. While Layer 2 functionality is adequate for speed-shifting within one technology, interconnecting technologies such as Ethernet and token ring are easier at Layer 3. Interconnection of different Layer 3 networks is done by routers. If there are any features that characterize “Layer-3 switches” as opposed to general-purpose routers, it tends to be that they are optimized, in larger switches, for high-density Ethernet connectivity.

                  The D-Link 16-Port 10/100 Desktop Switch (DSS-16+) provides a simple solution for expanding your network. Connect this 16-port Desktop Switch to a router and add up to fifteen additional computers or other Ethernet-based devices such as a printer, Network-Attached Storage (NAS), or Internet camera to increase the functionality of your network. This 16-port Desktop Switch includes a Quality of Service (QoS) feature that can help improve the delivery of time-sensitive applications such as voice, video, and gaming traffic. With the support for QoS, it enables you to enjoy jitter-free Voice over IP (VoIP) and experience lag-free network gaming.

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