Switches are an important part of network configuration, supporting connection and communication on local networks. There are many different types of Switches on the market today, each used for different purposes and needs. In this article, DNG Corp will clearly provide readers with the distinction between Managed Switches and Unmanaged Switches to help administrators better control and optimize costs when building enterprise network systems.
Managed Switches and Unmanaged Switches
Currently, Managed Switches and Unmanaged Switches are two commonly used types of Switches. Managed Switches allow users to better control the network and data frames. Unmanaged Switches allow devices to be connected to each other in the most basic form. Below, DNG Corp will provide you with detailed information about what are Managed Switches and Unmanaged Switches?
What is Managed Switch?
Managed switches, also known as managed switches, are devices that allow users to control each port on the switch in any setting, so that the network can be managed, configured, and monitored in a variety of ways, meeting any business need. Furthermore, managed switches provide greater control over how data flows across the network and who can access that data. Managed switches typically provide Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which supports monitoring the status of the switch and individual switch ports. At the same time, they will provide statistics to users such as traffic, network fault detection, and network status. From there, network administrators can monitor in real time and use them to troubleshoot and optimize network capacity.
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Managed Switch ports can be configured as Trunks. This is a process of tagging data frames with VLAN IDs and transporting multiple VLAN frames over a link. Trunk ports are used to connect two switches together or a switch to a VM host that requires access to multiple VLANs. This allows administrators to combine multiple virtual ports to form port aggregation links that transport at speeds many times faster than a single link.
What is Managed Switch?
In addition, Managed Switches are often equipped with a console to allow remote access via command lines or a web interface. Therefore, users can make changes or edit configurations from different geographical locations.
What is an Unmanaged Switch?
Unmanaged switches or unmanaged switches are switches that use auto-negotiation ports to determine parameters such as data rates. At the same time, they can switch between half-duplex and full-duplex modes. Unmanaged switches do not support virtual LANs (VLANs). Therefore, all switches belong to the same broadcast domain.
Unmanaged switches do not have many features and the way they operate is extremely simple, users just need to plug and play without any complicated configuration. Therefore, this type of device is suitable for network systems with few connected devices such as home networks, small offices.
Since Unmanaged Switches only support basic connectivity features, they do not provide data rate statistics or provide access to the system. However, they do allow users to monitor MAC addresses and corresponding switch ports and received MAC addresses.
What is Unmanaged Switch?
Compare the differences between Managed Switches and Unmanaged Switches
When comparing the differences between Managed Switches and Unmanaged Switches, we need to consider the following three criteria:
1. Usage features
The first factor when distinguishing between Managed Switches and Unmanaged Switches is the control and transmission performance. With the advanced features equipped, Managed Switches certainly have superior transmission performance than Unmanaged Switches. In terms of control, Managed Switches allow users to change settings in many different ways, and also allow remote access. Meanwhile, Unmanaged Switches are used simply as plug and play.
In addition, Managed Switches are different from Unmanaged Switches in that they are equipped with additional smart features such as:
- Support STP protocol for switching and linking redundancy without creating loops.
- Provide QoS implementation capabilities.
- Support VLAN.
- Bandwidth rate limitation.
However, since the Switch does not manage the provisioning of the MAC address table, it helps to limit conflicts from occurring and reduce the total number of broadcasts transmitted.
Distinguishing between Managed Switch and Unmanaged Switch features
2. Security
Managed Switches are equipped with smart security features such as 802.1X authentication, port security and private VLANs. Unmanaged Switches do not have this capability.
3. Cost of use
Managed switches are equipped with more advanced smart features, so the price will be much more expensive than unmanaged switches. However, when choosing Enterprise Switches, we should prioritize products that suit the needs and network management model of the enterprise.
Should we use managed or unmanaged switches?
Unmanaged switches are the most suitable and cost-effective choice for small, simple networks with few connected devices and no urgent need for security.
For large networks that require high reliability and security, managed switches are the right choice because of their flexibility and strong control capabilities. These network systems are often used for large corporations, government organizations, etc. Thus, above we have given readers a detailed look at the distinction between managed Switch and unmanaged Switch features.
For the most detailed advice on switching devices, please contact DNG Corp – Authorized distributor of the famous Switch brand Soltech via Hotline 0983 959 796/ 0988 712 159 or Email: sales@dngcorp.vn.
