Switches
Network Electronics Switches
How to select a switch?
Based on the different applications and the needs of configuration, several options are available in the whole range of switches: unmanaged switches and managed switches.
An unmanaged switch is a plug-and-play device, which allows to immediately connect different devices by cable without the need of any prior adjustments to the configuration.
A managed switch, on the other hand, provides a number of advanced options and features for detailed network configuration at Layer 2 level. It also allows the customization of the configuration according to the needs of the network, the monitoring performance and controlling what is happening with the connected devices.
A comparison of the features each of them provides is described below:
| Features | Unmanaged Switch | Managed Switch |
| Plug & Play | Yes | No |
| Application | Small networks or providing workgroups to a large network | Professional uses such as in data centers or coporate networks. It allows professional uses such as in data centers or corporate networks. It allows the customization of the network at the Layer 2 level and the functions of each port individually |
| Performance | Fixed configuration, no interface configuration allowed | Modifiable configuration according to needs |
| VLAN Management | No | Yes |
| Control | Limited default settings | Access control, priority SNMP and network traffic control |
| Advanced functions | No | IPv4 Detection, DHCP, QoS, VLANs, IP routing, redundancy, CLI, ARP |
| Economic features | Small outlay | Higher price at higher benefits |
Managed
A managed switch includes full features and advanced configuration options for detailed network configuration at the L2 layer level
- Configuration customization according to the needs of the network
- Performance monitoring
- Control of what is happening with all connected devices
Unmanaged
Element of a network to which the different equipments are connected to generate a communication network without previous configuration
- Plug & play device
- No configuration settings required