Category Archives: Enterprise Network

Gateway vs Router: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to the difference between gateway vs router, many people who are unfamiliar with gateway and router may be confused. So it’s necessary to clarify the differences between them. To help you get a general idea about the differences between gateway and router, this article will focus on what is a gateway, what is a router, gateway vs router: what’s the difference, and when to choose which.

What Is a Gateway?

As is suggested by its name, a gateway is a network entity and also called the protocol converter. It can connect a computer of one network to another and define the boundaries of a network. If two networks of different protocols want to connect with each other, both networks need to have gateways which provide exist and entry points for computers from the two networks to communicate. In another word, a gateway can join dissimilar systems.

Gateway vs router: How a gateway works as a protocol converter

Figure1: How a gateway works as a protocol converter

What Is a Router?

As a network layer device, a router connects multiple networks together and controls the data traffic between them. People who are new to router often muddle it with network switch, which is a high-speed device that receives incoming data packets and redirects them to their destination on a LAN. Based on internal routing tables, a network router reads each incoming packet’s IP address and its destination IP address, then decides the shortest possible path to forward it. What is a routing table? A routing table contains a list of IP addresses that a router can connect to transfer data. Besides, routers usually connect WANs and LANs together and have a dynamically updating routing table. Gigabit Ethernet switches and hubs can be connected to a router with multiple PC ports to expand a LAN. Not only that, a router divides broadcast domains of hosts connected through it.

Gateway vs router: How a router works in wired and wireless connections

Figure2: How a router works in wired and wireless connections

Gateway vs Router: What’s the Difference?

What are the differences between gateway and router? The following chart will differentiate them from 7 different aspects.

Network Equipment	Router	Gateway
Primary Function	To ensure that data packets are switched to the right addresses.	To connect two networks of different protocols as a translator.
Feature Support	DHCP server, NAT, static routing, wireless networking, IPv6 address, Mac address	Protocol conversion like VoIP to PSTN, network access control etc.
Dynamic Routing	Supported	Not supported
Hosted on	Dedicated appliance (router hardware)	Dedicated/virtual appliance or physical server
Related terms	Internet router, WIFI router	Proxy server, gateway router, voice gateway
OSI layer	Works on Layer 3 and 4	Works up to Layer 5
Working principle	Installing routing information for various networks and routing traffic based on destination address	differentiating what is inside network and what is outside network

Gateway vs Router: When to Choose Which?

To choose between gateway vs router, you need to consider the requirement of your network.

Connection In One Network With Router

For example, there are 30 computers connected inside Network A. All these computers communicate with each other. In this situation, no gateway is needed. Because a router with a routing table that defines the hops within those 30 computers is enough.

Connection Between Different Networks With Gateway

In another hand, we suppose that there are two networks, that are Network A and Network B. Computer X from Network A wants to send data to Computer Y from Network B, then there need to have both a Gateway A and a Gateway B so that the two networks will be able to communicate.

Summary

Gateway vs router is detailedly explained in the above passage from the aspects of primary function, supporting feature, support of dynamic routing, working principle, etc. Briefly speaking, a gateway is a single point of access to computers outside your network like a door, while a router determines the shortest possible path your data can travel from Computer A to Computer B, like a hallway or a staircase. All in all, it is important to consider both your current and potential future needs when assessing what option to use between gateway vs router.

What Is DWDM？

The Internet demand is always growing, especially the hugely popular video streaming services are increasing greatly. This provides a threat for the service provider. As the hottest topic in the telecommunication industry, DWDM offers unprecedented bandwidth which promises an effective solution to the challenges posted by the Internet growth. But what is DWDM, do you really know？

What Is DWDM?

DWDM wiki has defined it as an optical multiplexing technology. As one wavelength pattern of WDM system (the other pattern is CWDM), it stands for Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing, which is used to increase bandwidth over existing fibre networks. This powerful technology can create multiple virtual optical fibres, so as to increase bandwidth on existing fibre optic backbones. It means that the fibre in DWDM system can transmit multiple signals of different wavelengths simultaneously. More specifically, the incoming signals are assigned to specific wavelengths within a designated frequency band, then the signals are multiplexed to one fibre. In addition, the most commonly used grid is the 100GHz grid, which consists of a spacing of 0.8nm per channel.

After knowing what is DWDM, we need to learn DWDM architecture. A typical DWDM architecture includes transmitter, receiver, optical amplifier, transponder, DWDM multiplexer and demultiplexer. Transmitter and receiver are the place where the source signal comes in and then multiplexed. Optical amplifier can amplify the signals in the wavelength range, which is very important for DWDM application. Transponder is the converter of wavelength. It’s responsible for converting the client optical signal back to an electrical signal. Multiplexer first combine multiple wavelengths of different fibre to one fibre, and at the receiving end, the demultiplexer separates all wavelengths of the composite signal onto individual fibres. Commonly, channels of DWDM Mux/Demux are available in 8, 16, 40 and 96 channels. All the DWDM basics work together to enable high capacity data flow in ultra-long distance transmission. The following figure is DWDM working principle.

Why Use DWDM Technology?

The most obvious advantage of DWDM technology is providing the infinite transmission capacity, which would meet the increasing Internet demand. And more capacity can be added just by upgrading several equipment or increasing the number of lambdas on the optical fibre. Thus, the investment of DWDM technology has been reduced. Besides, DWDM technology also enjoys several other advantages, like the transparency and scalability.

Transparency. Due to DWDM is a physical layer architecture, it can support Time Division Multiplex and data formats like Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel with open interfaces over a physical layer.

Scalability. It’s easy to be expanded. A single fibre can be divided into many channels, thus there is no need to add extra fibre but the wavelength will be increased. All these advantages make DWDM popular in the network.

Application of DWDM

As a new technology more applications of DWDM are yet to be tapped and explored. It was first deployed on long-haul routes. And now, DWDM technology is ready for long distance telecommunication operators. Using point to point or ring topology, the capacity will be dramatically improved without deploying an extra fibre. In the future, DWDM will continue to provide a higher bandwidth for the mass of data. With the development of technology, the system capacity will grow.

Conclusion

As for the question what is DWDM, I believe you have a good understanding of it. This powerful technology is related closely with current industry advancements trend. Now, service providers are faced with the sharp growth in demand for network capacity, DWDM is the best solution. With DWDM technology, the transmission work is no longer limited by the speed of available equipment, because it provides the high bandwidth without limit. We believe, DWDM will shine in the network world.

Best Way to Set Up Ethernet Switch and Mesh Network

Want to connect all your wired and wireless devices and expand your network with ease? Setting up an Ethernet switch and mesh network may be the best way. Because today it becomes increasingly difficult to use only a router to make your all connections since the approach of IoT. However, Ethernet switch and mesh network will function adequately no matter how many connections you want to make. Here focus on the Ethernet switch and mesh networking.

Why Mesh Networking?

Unlike the stand-alone routers, which will arise signal loss or strength drops when you go away from them, while mesh Wifi networks can use another connection to create a continuous wireless link which minimises the possibility of dead zones. For example, you put your router in the downstairs living room. When you are on the first floor, your phone can connect to the Internet with a strong signal. But when you want to search the Internet in the upstairs office, the signal would degrade. Of course, you can boost a Wifi router’s connection with a signal amplifier. But in that situation, you have to manually connect your phone to the amplifier’s Wifi network. And if you go back to the downstairs, you have to switch back to the main router’s wireless network again. What a pain! Luckily, working with mesh Wifi networks, things are different. In a wireless network, all the nodes are connected with each other which means any node could be an Access Point (AP). Therefore, through the APs, wireless mesh network allows your phone automatically connects to the strongest signal no matter you are in the upstairs or downstairs. That’s better than what we could do with the traditional router Wifi networks.

Figure 1: Mesh network exists in our life.

When to Set Up Ethernet Switch and Mesh Network

If you want to build a wireless mesh network, using an Ethernet switch is a good choice. Before installation, you should consider how much coverage you need in your home. For many people, the money might be better spent on a Wifi router with good quality, since the mesh network equipment like the switches cost too much. But if you want to cover a large area with signal and your home brick is too solid for signal travel through, then use a switch to build wireless mesh network is a way to go.

Use FS Ethernet Switch to Build Mesh Network

Achieving a cheap mesh network is based on switches. FS.COM publishes a set of Gigabit Ethernet switch supporting 1G, 10G, 40G and 100G Ethernet, in order to meet different demands. All the Ethernet switches meet all design and safety standards made by international and industrial organizations like ISO9001, FCC etc.

The following is a 10Gb switch named S5800-48F4S. It has 48 1GbE SFP ports and 4 10GbE SFP+ ports. This switch is a Layer2/3 switch with low latency of 2.3us. With the switching capacity, it provides a throughput of 130.95MB. Besides, it supports functions like MLAG, SNMP and so, making it becomes popular on market. Following the S5800-48F4S switch installation guide, you can easily finish the switch installation. Then you can configure the bridge parametres of AP according to the installation instructions to build a mesh network.

Figure 2: S5800-48F4S 48 Port Ethernet Switch

Conclusion

Due to mesh network advantages and disadvantages, we understand why and when to use wireless mesh network. Based on Ethernet switch, mesh networking can spread out fast Wifi across a relatively large area, which makes our life and work more efficiently. So don’t hesitate, pick one Ethernet switch from FS.COM to optimise your Wifi network.

VPLS vs VPWS—How Much Do You Know?

Recently, network virtualisation technology is the most popular and advanced technology both in our daily life and professional fields. There is a wide range of VPN technology available, such as VPLS and VPWS. Based on the use of Ethernet transport, VPLS and VPWS provide high-speed communications. But many business users who are seeking the most cost-efficient and efficient solutions for their network are confused when they face the two technologies VPLS and VPWS. Here focus on VPLS vs VPWS, to unveil their mysteries.

What Is VPLS？

Virtual private LAN service (VPLS) is a Layer 2 technology that uses MPLS and VPN to connect different LANs over the Internet. It’s a point to multipoint service that enables geographically isolated sites to be connected through a MAN or a WAN. And all services in a VPLS are on the same LAN. CE and PE are the two basic concepts used in VPLS. CE stands for custom edge, which is the device like a router or a 10gbe switch at the customer premises. PE, the provider edge, is defined as the router at the network of the service provider. It’s typically connected with the CE and responsible for VPN access.

How VPLS Works?

Now let’s look at how VPLS works. In VPLS, first, the packet from a service provider network is sent to a CE device (for example, a 48 port 10gbe switch ). Then, the packet is sent to a PE router. It goes through the service provider network via the MPLS label-switched path. At last, when the packet arrives at the exist PE router, it will forward the traffic to the CE device at the destination customer site. For people who implement VPLS on a data switch, they will enjoy a fast, secure and homogeneous network with lower latency.

Figure 1: Example of VPLS

What Is VPWS?

Virtual private wire service or VPWS is built on MPLS network and provides point to point connections that connect end customer sites in a VPN. It’s also a Layer 2 technology that consists of three main elements, PE routers, Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) and Label Switched Path Tunnel. Unlike the traditional VPNs over Layer 2 circuits, which needs extra separate networks for IP and VPN services, VPWS can share the provider’s core network infrastructure between IP and Layer 2 VPN services. Thus, the cost of these services will be reduced. In addition, a VPWS Layer 2 VPN can be a full mesh or a hub and spoke topology. And MPLS is the tunneling in the core network. But other tunneling protocols like GRE also can be used in VPWS.

Figure 2: Example of VPWS

VPLS vs VPWS: What Are the Differences?

From the above, we can see clearly that the biggest difference of VPLS vs VPWS is that the VPLS provides a point to multipoint servers, while the VPWS provides a point to point service. It means that the CE devices of VPLS and VPWS are different. For VPLS, the CE routers just send all traffic to the PE devices. In contrast, in VPWS, CE routers are used to carry out Layer 2 switching and have to decide which virtual wire could be used to send data to another customer site.

Conclusion

As regard with VPLS vs VPWS, we know they both can build a Layer 2 VPN service to meet today’s high speed network requirement. So don’t be hesitated, use your data switches or routers to set up a safety and efficient VPLS or VPWS service to optimise your network.

What Is DHCP and How It Works

To transmit data back and forth across the Internet, an IP address that administrators have to accomplish and configure on a router or Lay3 fibre switch is the essential cornerstone of a host. Besides, when you want to communicate with other networks, you need to know the default gateway address and subnet mask for the local network, as well as the DNS server. DHCP can help you get all the information dynamically. So what is DHCP and how it works?

What Is DHCP?

DHCP wiki defines the term dynamic host configuration protocol as a network management protocol used on UDP/IP networks. It assigns an IP address and some other configuration parameters to each network device automatically, so that the device will be authorized to communicate with other IP networks. This means users don’t need to configure the network, just plug the wire into your computer or connect to the WiFi, your computer will automatically receive the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server. Then how to enable DHCP? DHCP can be installed on a single server or integrated in most network equipment like a Gigabit PoE switch, a router or even the firewall. The following are some related terms we should know.

DHCP Client—It obtains an IP address and other parameters from a DHCP server. It is the initiator of an IP address allocation.
DHCP Server—It assigns IP address and other parameters to the DHCP client.
DHCP Repeater—It forwards DHCP messages between a DHCP server and DHCP clients.
DHCP Snooping—It records the users’information that has applied for IP address through the layer 2 equipment.

What Are the Advantages of DHCP?

DHCP protocol reduces the complexity and numbers of administrative work by using automatic TCP/IP configuration. This is the greatest benefit. Today, no matter in the data centre or at home, more and more devices are being networked from printers and fax machines to TV and fridges. Often times, these devices are placed in different locations, without DHCP, you have to get up out of your comfy chair and find the device and configure each manually. But assisted by DHCP protocol, all you need to do is changing the settings on the server or may be a 10gbe switch. As addresses are assigned automatically, there is no need to keep a record of the used and free ones. Besides, DHCP snooping can detect unauthorized DHCP server on the network.

How DHCP Works?

As the title mentions what is DHCP and how it works, now we have learned what DHCP is, let’s turn to its operation. In essence, DHCP leases IP address and other parameters to the specific clients for a period of time. The following picture shows how DHCP works.

Step one: When a new client wants to join a network, it will broadcast a DHCP discover packet to the servers.

Step two: To answer the request, DHCP servers will send the free DHCP offer packet to the client.

Step three: The client takes the first DHCP offer message from different serves. Then it will send a DHCP request to the Internet to indicate which IP address it has taken.

Step four: DHCP server sends an acknowledge message to make sure the IP address has been used that will not assign to any other client. And now the client can participate on the network.

Conclusion

With regard to the question, what is DHCP and how it works, I think you have found the answer. Any questions of DHCP or network switch supporting DHCP, you can visit FS.COM or contact via sales@fs.com.

What Is IGMP Snooping

With the development of Internet technology, traditional network unicast mode can’t meet today’s data transmission requirement. On the contrary, this mode increases network load and consuming network bandwidth greatly. IGMP snooping is developed to solve the problem. So what is IGMP snooping?

Introduction of IGMP Snooping

IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) is a communications protocol. So what is IGMP used for? Commonly, it’s used to establish membership in a multicast group. And each member host of an IP multicast is a transmitter or receiver.

As for IGMP snooping, which sounds like an obscure hacker technique that may break into one’s network, is actually an advanced option available on most switches or routers. Wiki defines it as the process of listening to IGMP network traffic. It is a multicast constraint mechanism running on the two-layer device, which is used to manage and control the multicast group. If there are plenty of multicast traffic in your network, the whole performance may be affected due to the excessive false flooding. At this moment, the IGMP snooping switch can help to optimize your network. It enables the Gigabit Ethernet switch configured with IGMP snooping decides which devices will receive the applicable multicast traffic, thus the others won’t receive the message. This means the broadcast packet on layer 2 has been reduced so that the network bandwidth will be conserved. Besides, IGMP snooping helps improve message information.

IGMP Snooping Process

After knowing what is IGMP snooping, let’s see how it works. Once a device joined the multicast group, the router or fiber switch will notice this. Then the message cab forwarded to the devices that have joined the multicast group. Look at Figure 1, when the switch runs without IGMP snooping, the multicast packet will be transmitted to host A, B, and C. But when the switch has set up IGMP snooping, only multicast group members host A and C can receive the multicast packet. This is the main IGMP snooping tutorial.

Figure 1: The picture shows how IGMP works.

Using FS.COM Switch to Build IGMP Snooping

To keep pace with technology development, FS.COM releases a set of switches to help customers establish IGMP snooping. Here is a 24 port switch named S3900-24T4S. The fanless 24-port 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit stackable managed switch provides an affordable solution for business of all sizes requiring switches with essential L2 switching features like VLAN and IGMP snooping, along with a simple and intuitive management interface. It includes 24 10/100/1000Base-T ports and 4 10G SFP+ ports to extend your home or business network at gigabit speeds. Equipped with BCM53346 switch chip, the Layer 2 Plus (Layer 3 Lite) switch has a switching capacity of 128Gbps, which is compliant with the international standard.

Figure 2: S3900-24T4S 24 Port Switch

Conclusion

Now I think you know the answer to the question we posed at first, what is IGMP snooping. When IGMP snooping is enabled, the bandwidth consumption will be reduced in a multi-access LAN environment so as to avoid flooding the entire VLAN. Any question about IGMP snooping configuration, please contact us via support@feisu.com.

How to Use a PoE Injector to Install an IP Camera?

Are you looking for a solution to easily power your IP cameras? It’s no doubt to use a PoE injector or Gigabit PoE switch to complete the installation. Once your system is established, you can view your home circumstance from your computer or smartphone from anywhere. Here focus on how to use a PoE injector to install an IP camera.

What Does a PoE Injector Do?

Power over Ethernet is commonly regarded as PoE for short. It’s a technology that can transfer both power and data over twisted pair Ethernet cables such as Cat5e, Cat6, etc. A Poe injector is a device that is commonly known as the “midspan”. It supplies power to a camera by delivering power into the Ethernet cable. Usually, a power over Ethernet injector converts the alternating current into direct current so it can be the power supplier for low voltage IP camera.

What Does an IP Camera Do?

Unlike the traditional cameras, IP cameras can send and receive data over a LAN or the Internet. It’s a separated unit with its own IP address that needs nothing but a network connection like WiFi or PoE injector switch. IP cameras capture images just like a digital camera, and compress the files for transmission over the network. So these images can be viewed anywhere in the world. Also, this camera can be controlled remotely.

How to Use a PoE Injector to Install an IP Camera

Preparation

Before the installation, we should prepare a PoE injector, IP camera and Cat5e cables. Here, we will choose the products, single port 10/100/1000M Gigabit PoE injector, 3MP indoor/outdoor dome IP camera with infrared from FS.COM as an example.

Single port 10/100/1000M Gigabit PoE injector fully complies with IEEE 802.3af. It has two RJ45Ethernet ports, one is labeled Data In and one is labeled PoE/Data Out. With a power supply of 15.4W, this PoE injector for IP camera delivers power up to 100 meters. No configuration is required, just plug and play.

Figure 1: Example of PoE injector

3MP indoor/outdoor dome IP camera with infrared is a professional surveillance and security solution for houses and enterprises. It provides video resolution of 2065×1553 pixels over a digital signal using Cat5e or Cat6, and observe high quality footage with the advanced SONY starvis back-illuminated CMOS sensor.

Figure 2: Example of IP camera

Introduction

First, check the equipment, make sure the PoE injector and IP camera are in good condition. Besides, turn off the devices’ power for safe installation.

Second, plug one end of Cat5e cable into the PoE injector’s PoE/Data out port, and the other end into IP camera’s PoE port.

Third, choose a place to mount IP camera. Usually, the dome IP camera is installed on the roof corner that is adequate to capture the faces of subjects of different heights.

Fourth, use another Cat5e cable to connect PoE injector and a fibre switch.

Last, make sure all connection is correct. Then plug in power to ensure all connections are working normally.

Conclusion

The installation just requires several devices, a PoE injector, an IP camera, a non-PoE switch and some cables, or you can use a PoE switch like 24 port PoE switch to replace the PoE injector. Well, no matter which way you will choose to install your IP cameras, FS.COM is the one-stop shopping base when you need to buy these network devices.

Understanding the Two Terms: EVPN vs VXLAN

EVPN vs VXLAN is one of the most popular network technology. They were developed because enterprises need to deliver data and share resources at different geographical locations. Therefore, the efficient, reliable and high speed interconnection is required for the different sites. EVPN vs VXLAN are born as the new upcoming technology to meet today’s network demands.

Introduction of EVPN vs VXLAN

What Is EVPN

EVPN or Ethernet VPN, is regarded as a next generation all-in-one VPN technology. It offers Ethernet multipoint services over MPLS (multiple protocol label switching) or IP networks. Using EVPN service and with the help of MPLS core network, users can connect the offices located in different areas via the lay 2 network for sending messages. This is similar to the work that extends LAN to WAN. Also, it greatly reduces the difficulty of network deployment and maintenance. In addition, EVPN supports MPLS, VXLAN, and other data plane encapsulations.

Figure 1: Example of EVPN

What Is VXLAN

VXLAN is short for Virtual Extensible LAN. As the name implies, we know this technology is designed to provide the same transmission service for Ethernet connection that VLAN do today, but in a more extensible way. Technologically, VXLAN is a MAC in IP/UDP encapsulation technique with a 24 bit segment identifier in the form of a VXLAN ID, which is larger than the LAN with 12 bit segment ID. Also, it supplies a way to span Layer 3 network by VXLAN tunnel that is established between VETP (VXLAN Tunnel End Point). Thus it has a higher scalability to address more Layer segments.

Figure 2: Example of VXLAN

Route VXLAN with EVPN

EVPN vs VXLAN are both virtual technology. VXLAN explained that EVPN could be the control plane of VXLAN, which uses the BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to provide high scale, multi-tenant separation and fast convergence for host and VM mobility. So EVPN helps us to deploy VXLAN tunnels without controllers. Routing VXLAN is available in two architectures—centralized or distributed. Compare these two approaches, it’s clear that the distributed architecture will simplify the traffic flow. And here is the place for routing VXLAN with EVPN according to VXLAN tutorial.

For the distributed architecture, asymmetric IRB (integrated routing and bridging) and symmetric IRB are the two models to achieve inter-subnet routing with EVPN. Both of them are valuable, so choose the suitable model for your legacy network system.

FS.COM Solution for EVPN vs VXLAN

FS.COM S5850 series switches are designed for hardware based VXLAN function. The following is a 10gb Ethernet switch from FS.COM.

This S5850-48S6Q is a Layer 3 switch. This fibre switch has an advanced architectural design with 48 port 10G SFP+ and 6 port 40G QSFP+ in a compact 1U form factor. It can provide extensive data centre service features and switching capacity of 1.44Tbps. Besides, the wind direction of the switch is front-to-back, or you can change it to back-to-front. With support for advanced features, including MLAG, VXLAN, IPv4/IPv6, SFLOW and so on, this switch can help enterprises to build a scalable data centre network platform in the cloud computing era.

Figure 3: S5850-48S6Q Switch

Conclusion

From the above, we have a better understanding of EVPN vs VXLAN. FS.COM, as an excellent provider of enterprises solutions, offers different kinds of switch such as PoE network switch, SDN switch to satisfy customers’ various network demand.

SDN vs NFV: What Is the Difference?

SDN and NFV that have emerged in recent years, are the most aggressive technology in the networking industry. SDN NFV are born to provide new ways to design, build and operate networks. What is SDN? What is NFV? SDN vs NFV, what’s the difference? Here talks about SDN and NFV.

Figure 1: SDN and NFV

SDN vs NFV—Definition

What Is SDN

SDN, software defined networking, started from the campus network. It developed to solve the network issue that people had to change the software of their devices when they tried to deploy a new protocol. SDN is a telecommunication revolution that separates the control plane of a network from the data plane that forwards one’s network traffic, aiming at creating a centrally managed and programmable network. As an innovative architecture of new network, it provides a way to implement network virtualisation.

What Is NFV

NFV, network function virtualisation, is developed by dozens of large telecommunication service providers. Often times, it’s difficult for them to accelerate the implement of new network services due to the restrictions of hardware-based appliances. Thus, the goal of NFV is to virtualize the network services such as DNS, caching, etc., and abstract them from the hardware on which they run, and hence they can run in software. NFV is a disruptive technological reform that offers a more open and flexible service deployment for telecom operators’ network architecture.

SDN vs NFV—Difference

From the above, we know SDN and NFV rely on virtualisation so that the network design and infrastructure can be abstracted in software. But do you know the difference of SDN vs NFV?

Figure 2: SDN vs NFV

Basically, SDN abstracts physical devices like data switch or router and makes the controller process to a virtual network control plane. In this way, the virtual control plane will decide the locations for sending traffic. By contrast, NFV is designed to use the standard x86 server to replace the dedicated network devices like the firewall. As a result, the network function is independent from the dedicated devices, which enables the network to develop without extra devices. The table below shows the differences between SDN and NFV.

	SDN	NFV
Basic idea	Separate control and data.	Transfer network functions from dedicated applications to generic servers.
Initial application target	Cloud orchestration and networking	Firewalls, gateways, WAN, CDN, etc.
Protocols	Open flow	None
Supporting organisation	Open networking foundation	ETSI NFV working group

SDN vs NFV—Future Outlook

Since SDN and NFV share the same aims that improve software-based approaches to create more flexible, scalable and perfect networks to support the increasing business demand, they have become popular in the network industry. And there’s no doubt that SDN and NFV will work together with traditional switches or some other optical equipment in the future. To follow the technological trend, FS.COM has developed SDN switches to satisfy customers’ various needs.

The N5850-48S6Q SDN switch offers 48 SFP+ 10GbE ports and 6 QSFP+ 40GbE ports that support non-blocking exchange. It adopts 1.44Tbps full-duplex switch capability with the operating system of broadcom ICOS, creating a more open installation environment for users. Compared with the traditional switch, this SDN switch separates the data path from the control path, which helps to make a high-level routing decision.

Figure 3: SDN Switch

Conclusion

As regard to SDN vs NFV, we have learned the basic information of them. Also, we recognize that SDN and NFV will make a difference in the future. FS.COM, the supplier of switches such as 10gb switch, 40GbE switch and even 100GbE switch, will keep pace with the innovations of network world.

What Is VLAN Switch and Why Do We Need It?

VLAN or virtual LAN is a type of LAN that is defined to map workstations based on everything except for geographic location. It develops when the network has increased in size and complexity, and many companies require more access ports or a network design. Basically, it’s a networking technology which allows the network to be segmented logically without geographic restrictions. But how much do you know about VLAN switch?

What Is VLAN Switch?

VLAN switch is built on the fibre optic switch of LAN, which realizes the division and management of logical working group as a software. As defined in IEEE standard 802.1Q, VLAN switch can provide a way to transform one network into multiple broadcast domains. And each broadcast domain is usually matched with IP subnet boundaries, so that each subnet has its own VLAN. Therefore, users can obtain various wired LANs for different purposes that are co-existed physically, which means you don’t need to buy additional hardware or cabling at a large expense. With the development of IoT, VLAN switch is extremely useful.

Figure1: VLAN Example

Why Do We Need VLAN Switch?

As an important feature of modern network technology, VLAN switch not only can create a separate broadcast domain, but also isolate traffic. Besides, it enjoys several advantages as followed that help to optimize the network.

Security. Separating system of the VLAN switch can isolate the sensitive data from the general network, so that people will have slim chance to see the information that they aren’t authorized to see.
Performance. With LAN data rates increase, traditional routers may generate a bottleneck when sending data in software. VLAN switch can settle this issue. It can segment LAN into VLANs to achieve multiple broadcast domains, which helps to reduce unnecessary network traffic and increase the bandwidth. After a successful setup, VLAN switch will benefit the whole network performance.

Where to Buy VLAN Switch

Using network switches to realize VLAN switch is today’s common solution for network congestion. FS.COM develops a series of network switches such as 1G switch, 10GbE switch, 40G switch and 100G switch. Some products offer VLAN such as S3800-24T4S 24-port 10/100/1000 base-T Gigabit stackable managed switch and 24-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch, while some are without the support of VLAN like S5800-48F4S 48-port Gigabit SFP L2/L3/MPLS switch and N8000-32Q (32*40GbE) 40GbE spine/core layer switch. Now, we’ll take 24-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch as an example.

This S1600-24T4F PoE network switch supports 24 RJ45 ports with each PoE power consumption at 30W. For safety, each port is equipped with separated overload and short-circuit protection, and along with LED to show power status. When connected with CAT5e, each port can achieve single port power and data transmission. It accepts the dual-mode PoE standard and compliant with IEEE802.3af/at. Besides, its switching capacity can reach 52Gbps. The switch helps secure the network through supporting dynamic or static binding by users’ definition like IP, MAC, VLAN and so on.

Figure2: 24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

Summary

VLAN switch is a wonderful technology and tool to assist your network. Using FS.COM VLAN switches just by logging into the switch and entering the parameters for the VLAN, you can easily create a VLAN and enjoy your perfect networking experience.