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Network switches are like the “brain” of a network. Therefore, choosing suitable and well-performing network switches is an important task for network managers. For a long time, many users feel confused that how to choose between a managed switch and unmanaged switch. Now the problem that users care much about—what is the Differences Between Managed Switches vs Unmanaged Switches—will be explored.
What Is Managed Switch or Unmanaged Switch?
■ Managed Switch
Managed switches are usually to deliver the most comprehensive functions for a network. Due to their diverse and rich features such as VLAN, CLI, SNMP, IP Routing, QoS, etc., managed switches are often used in the core layer in a network, especially in large and complex data centers. However, in order to meet different size of networks demands, there are some lightly managed switches in the market, which is also known as smart switches. These switches only have part capabilities of managed switches. When users have limited costs and do not need all the features of fully managed switch, smart switch offers them an optimal alternative.
■ Unmanaged Switch
Compared with managed switches, unmanaged switches seem to be more “brainless”. They are a type of plug & play Ethernet network switch. What users need to do is to plug them in and wait them to work. Because unmanaged switches require no configuration at all. Therefore, when users need a few ports on their home or in a conference room, unmanaged switch can be used as a simple desktop switch to satisfy their demand.
Key Differences Between Managed vs Unmanaged Switches
There are various types of managed and unmanaged switches in the market like HRUI managed / unmanaged switches etc. And opinions about applications of these network switches vary from person to person. What’s the difference between managed switches and unmanaged switches?As the name suggests, one of the key differences between a managed and unmanaged switch lies in its approach. A managed network switch provides flexibility to the network administrator to control, manage, and prioritize the LAN traffic. However, an unmanaged switch works like a plug and play switch which allows devices on the LAN to communicate with each other, without user intervention. The following points will help you understand other key points between these two network switches:
■ Freedom of Configuration:
The managed switches allow users to manage, configure, as well as monitor the LAN. They allow users to create new LANs and segregate smaller devices and help users manage the traffic effectively. Managed network switches come with advanced features that allow users to recover data in the event of failure of the device or network. They also allow data recovery.
Unmanaged switches may be easy to use, but they come with a fixed configuration, which means you cannot make changes to the networks. This is why it is most commonly used for startup businesses having limited data exchange.
■ Performance Management:
Unmanaged network switches are the plug and play type switches. They have built-in QoS services, which ensure their easy setup and utility. However, the managed network switches allow you to manage the performance by prioritizing the channels. It utilizes protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to monitor the ethernet network the performance of all devices connected on the LAN. The managed switch also uses SNMP to analyze the current performance of devices on the network through an easy-to-understand graphical interface. Additionally, SNMP also enables remote management of the connected devices and network, without requiring a physical intervention on the switch.
■ Security Features:
Unmanaged switches have basic security features such as a lockable port cover that ensures basic security, and helps avoid any type of direct tampering on the device. However, managed network switches are equipped with advanced features that help identify active threats and shut them down on time, and protect data and control.
■ Costs:
The unmanaged network switches are available in affordable price ranges, whereas the managed switches are available in higher price ranges owing to their advanced features.