BlogInfrastructure & networking
Network switches: managed vs unmanaged
By Vicky Ogola, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play; managed switches add VLANs, monitoring and security that growing networks need.
Switches connect wired devices. The choice between managed and unmanaged affects what the network can do.
Unmanaged switches
Plug in and they work. No configuration, no visibility. Fine for a home or a few desks.
Managed switches
Can be configured and monitored. They support:
- VLANs to separate staff, guests, cameras and servers.
- Quality of service for voice and video.
- Port security and access control.
- Monitoring of traffic and errors.
- Remote management.
When to choose managed
Any office with servers, cameras, Wi-Fi access points or more than a handful of users benefits from managed switches.
Secure management
Change default passwords, restrict management access and keep firmware updated.
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About the author
Vicky Ogola
Senior ICT Consultant
Vicky Ogola writes about network design, connectivity, data centres and the infrastructure that business systems depend on.