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switch

(1) A mechanical or electronic device that directs the flow of electrical or optical signals from one side to the other. Switches with more than two ports, such as a LAN switch or PBX, are able to route traffic. See LAN switch, softswitch, PBX, data switch and transistor.

     With regard to a simple on/off switch, remember... Open is "off." Closed is "on."

(2) In programming, a bit or byte used to keep track of something. Sometimes refers to a branch in a program.

(3) A modifier of a command. See DOS switch.




Mechanical and Semiconductor Switches
The semiconductor switch (transistor) performs the same function as an on/off light switch on the wall. Instead of being manually closed, the switch is electronically closed by pulsing the semiconductor material, which makes it conduct.





A Manual Switch
This early switch panel from New York Electric Switchboard Company was used to manually open and close electric lines.





similar terms
Entries before switch
SWIFT
Swing
SWIR
Swiss cheese application
Swiss cheese security
Entries after switch
switch fabric
switch hook
switch router
switch-to-computer
switch vs. hub
 




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