Ethernet switches can replace or augment hubs in networks where high volumes are common. Switches segment the traffic into smaller sub-networks, each sub-network consisting of a single PC/Server connection or a hub with a number of connected users. Each of these downstream subnets then handles network traffic independent of the others.??A switch manages the network traffic more intelligently so that multiple separate conversations can occur simultaneously (rather like a telephone system). Any two ports on the switch can have a dedicated connection between them while another two ports can have the same. This gives a considerable increase in performance.??NETGEAR Ethernet switches combine 10Mbps, 100Mbps and 1000Mbps speeds in a variety of configurations. This gives bandwidth-hungry users extra speed by using a dedicated connection, while the entire office continues to enjoy optimal performance.