Network Switches can be hardware devices that manage physical networks or software-based virtual devices. A network switch operates on the data-link layer, or Layer 2, of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.

What are the different types of network switches?

• Unmanaged, smart and managed switches. 
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches.
• Power over Ethernet switches or PoE switches provide PoE power to network devices such as access points, surveillance cameras, IP phones, lighting, and other IoT devices. PoE switches often are capable of prioritizing and optimizing PoE power allocations for critical network devices.
• Fixed, modular and stackable switches.
  • Fixed switch is where ports, interfaces, power supplies and cooling fans are set and cannot be changed, added or altered.
  • Modular switch or chassis switch is a type of network switch which can be configured using field-replaceable units.
  • Stackable Switches, with the term “stack” (or stackable), refers to a group of physical switches that have been cabled and grouped in one single logical switch.