{"id":5516,"date":"2022-10-19T21:49:14","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T01:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iesmartsystems.com\/?p=5516"},"modified":"2022-10-26T21:57:52","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T01:57:52","slug":"managed-vs-unmanaged-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iesmartsystems.com\/managed-vs-unmanaged-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"Managed vs Unmanaged Switch: Everything You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Managed vs Unmanaged Switch: Everything You Need To Know<\/h1><\/div>
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Knowing exactly what you need for your given situation can be a problem in the internet world.<\/p>\n

Whether you are trying to find the right dog food or determine which tool you need to help with a problem, there is so much information out there!<\/p>\n

When it comes to technology, though, we have all the information in one place. If you’re here, you’ve reached a point in your network management where you need to add more devices or improve performance.<\/p>\n

A switch is a perfect solution to do all this!
\nDetermining which switch is best for your situation can be tricky, though. Do you need a plug-and-play device with fewer bells and whistles, like an unmanaged switch?<\/p>\n

Or do you need a flexible, robust device like a managed switch?<\/p>\n

Looking down the page, we’ll be happy to help you determine who wins the classic debate of managed vs unmanaged switch.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Network Switches and What They’re Used For<\/h2><\/div>

A network switch is used a lot. Its primary use is connecting devices directly. With this in mind, you can connect any device over an ethernet cable to a switch. Printers, copiers, desktops, WAPs (Wireless Access Points), and many more devices can all connect to a switch.<\/p>\n

Connecting devices with a switch causes less latency when devices on the same network are communicating. As everyone knows, time is money, and switches help everything run smoother within a network.<\/p>\n

Most often, switches are one of the first “extra” devices added to a network . They are cheap for the performance they provide, making them a no-brainer when trying to improve your network.<\/p>\n

As you’ll learn below switches can be very basic, but they can also get extremely complicated fast. Between filtering traffic and managing five to ten different policies, switches will always be the core of a network.<\/p>\n<\/div>

What is An Unmanaged Switch?<\/h2><\/div>

An unmanaged switch is a straightforward switch that allows you to plug ethernet cables into it from devices and plug-in power. It is that simple!<\/p>\n

Once that is done, network traffic will pass threw the switch using the pre-programmed settings from the manufacturer. There aren’t any customisations or complex programs you need to learn.<\/p>\n

Unmanaged switches provide an easy-to-set-up LAN (local area network). A switch helps your devices communicate quicker and safer. This device is perfect for people who want to increase a network’s effectiveness without much work.<\/p>\n

After adding a switch, people notice that devices are easier to discover, data runs smoothly, and the internet is more staple.<\/p>\n<\/div>

What is a Managed Switch?<\/h2><\/div>

A managed switch performs all the functionalities of an unmanaged switch but with more improvements.<\/p>\n

You can think of a managed switch as adding improvements to your car. Your car will work with a frame for you to sit in, an engine, and a few wheels, but you can always add more things like a muffler, a new stereo, or a braking system.<\/p>\n

This switch has many functions that help with security<\/a>, functionality, and compliance. Any of the below will improve your network’s capabilities dramatically.<\/p>\n

The majority of managed switches can:<\/p>\n