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(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.