Ethernet switch ICs are electrical components that provide control and switching capabilities to ethernet switches. They are usually attached to the circuit board of an ethernet switch and work together with the power supply and fans to ensure optimum switching.How do Ethernet switch ICs work?An Ethernet switch IC provides the mechanism for software on a processor to search, learn or delete an entry in a Media Access Control (MAC) address table. They use memory optimisation to enable high speed switching. Most Ethernet switch ICs have advanced power management features that enable them to power down at the software, hardware, port or even transceiver level. Some will even have a bypass mode that enables them to shut down the processor connected to the switch without impacting the normal switch operation.What are Ethernet switch ICs used for?Applications of ethernet switch ICs range from Internet of Things (IoT) consumer electronics and gaming to industrial factory automation and computing.