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Network switches are the core of a local area network. This page explains how they work, where they're used, and the most common configuration mistakes that impact security and performance.
Network switches operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model and connect devices inside a LAN. They forward frames based on MAC addresses and create separate collision domains per port, improving efficiency and performance.
Misconfigurations are a major cause of outages and security incidents. Below are the most frequent problems seen in real networks.
Example: leaving admin/admin or no password configured.
Incorrect VLAN assignments or trunk settings that don't match the design.
Disabling STP or mis-tuning priorities across switches.
No MAC limiting, sticky MAC, or violation actions.
Allowing all VLANs on trunks or using an incorrect native VLAN.
A single badly configured switch can bring down a building or campus network. Standardized templates and Python-driven automation (like AutoSec) help prevent these errors and keep configurations consistent.