What is a network switch?
A network switch is a device that allows computers and other devices to talk to each other.
What does a network switch do?
Network switches receive and forward data to the destination device or devices. Some advanced switches such as L2+ or L3 (Layer 3) can also switch packets between two different computer networks.
What is the difference between a network switch vs a router?
Network switches allow multiple devices to communicate with each other whereas a router allows for connections between networks.
To choose the best network switch, check how many ports are needed, types of interfaces (Etherent vs SFP), and pick at least a Gigabit model for great performance.
DrayTek network switches also come with Power over Ethernet ('P' models) ideal for IP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points. All models include web interface for configuration, monitoring and management. Remote management is also supported through VigorACS platform.
RJ-45 Ports | PoE Ports | PoE Power | 1Gb SFP Ports | 10Gb SFP Ports | Mngmt | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8 | Vigor Router VigorConnect | ||||
![]() | 16x2.5GbE | 4 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |||
![]() | 48 | 48 | 400 | 6 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |
![]() | 48 | 6 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |||
![]() | 12 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | ||||
![]() | 24+4 | 24 | 400 | 4* | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |
![]() | 24+4 | 4* | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |||
![]() | 8 | 2 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |||
![]() | 8 | 8 | 140 | 2 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |
![]() | 48 | 6 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |||
![]() | 48 | 48 | 400 | 6 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |
![]() | 8 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | ||||
![]() | 24 | 4 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |||
![]() | 24 | 24 | 400 | 4 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect | |
![]() | 16x2.5GbE | 4x PoE++12x PoE+ | 400 | 4 | Vigor Router VigorACS VigorConnect |
Overview the status of all switches on a site or network, or view the status of a single switch. The Dashboard displays detailed information on port & PoE power usage, with alerts and notifications if a port is unexpectedly offline.
With DrayTek VigorACS you can remotely configure and provision the operation of your DrayTek VigorSwitch from your computer, tablet or phone.
For a more in-depth look at DrayTek's VigorACS central management system, click here.
A DrayTek Vigor router on site can administer all of the VigorSwitch switches and VigorAP access points connected to it. Provision and manage switches and APs in the router's web interface using Central Switch & AP Management.
With the DrayTek Vigor router's switch management, you can receive automated alerts for VigorSwitch problems, view a virtual network topology with individual port information, set up schedules for PoE port operation and more.
DrayTek VigorSwitch models with a 'P' prefix such as the VigorSwitch P1280 provide Power over Ethernet, with a high power budget per switch, up to 385 watts.
Each port supports both IEEE 802.3af PoE and 802.3at PoE+ (up to 30 watts per port) to power advanced PoE devices, such as 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless access points and outdoor IP cameras.
The VigorSwitch can schedule PoE power to individual ports and monitor the status of connected devices. If a port is unexpectedly not responding, the VigorSwitch can automatically power cycle the connected PoE PD device.
Stay in control of what's connected to your network with Port Security and 802.1X & MAC authentication, to prevent connection of unauthorised equipment.
Protect against network issues arising from connection of unwanted devices with DHCP Snooping and IP Source Guard.
Control port access for every port on your network with the VigorSwitch Access Control List - to specifically allow or deny specified traffic types moving between ports, just like a Firewall.
When managed by a DrayTek Vigor router, the router's VLAN configuration can be easily transferred to a connected VigorSwitch.
Simply select the VLANs configured on the router that will be applied to each of the VigorSwitch's ports, then apply the configuration with a single click. The router will set up the VigorSwitch to work with the router's LAN subnets and VLANs.
Once applied, the port & VLAN configuration can be copied from one switch to the next, all through the DrayTek Vigor router's web interface.
Prioritise latency-sensitive applications on your network with Quality of Service (802.1p and DSCP) support.
Auto Voice VLAN allows the switch to automatically assign VoIP devices to a separate VLAN and prioritise their traffic.
Control throughput per-port with Rate Limiting and application specific Traffic Shaping.
Increase transfer speeds between switches and provide redundant links with Link Aggregation.
Improve network resiliency and handle redundant connectivity with Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP & MSTP).