Managed Vs Unmanaged Switch – what are the differences?
A switch is an essential component in enterprise and industry network setups. There are two types of switches: managed and unmanaged. Take a look as we compare the two and review some of the best switches in the market.
In a large scale networking setup such as an industry, the switch is regarded as the ‘brain’ of the network. It has one main purpose which is key in the effective running and management of the network: it connects all devices together on a local area network (LAN) and redirects data to their correct destinations.
Basically, you need a switch to help cover the needs of the entire network. There are two types of switches in the market today: managed and unmanaged switch. Their major difference is the fact that an unmanaged switch is a plug and play device while a managed switch allows for more control.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between unmanaged and managed switches?
Devices |
Unmanaged |
Managed |
Ports |
Multiport bridge |
Multiport bridge |
Intelligence |
Dumb networking |
Dumn networking |
Security |
None |
Port security |
Speed |
Wired: 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps
Fiber optic:1Gbps to 10 Gbps |
1 Gbps or 10/100 Mbps |
Mode of transmission |
Full duplex or half duplex |
Full or half duplex |
Type of address |
MAC address |
MAC address |
Managed vs. Unmanaged Switch – How do these devices compare?
There are key pillars we need to understand when comparing these two devices. They include the following.
Performance
A major distinctive feature of these two devices is the performance. Here, managed switches are better than unmanaged as they offer more control.With unmanaged switches, all you have to do it plug and play and you’re ready to go. Furthermore, unmanaged switches come with inbuilt QoS to ensure smooth operation. On the other hand, managed switches allow for more control and are built with much more complexity than their unmanaged counterparts.
First, a user can prioritize channels to ensure they are getting the best performance out of it. Also, managed switches come with Priority SNMP which is a feature that allows for remote troubleshooting of the network. With this feature, a user does not have to physically go and troubleshoot the switch, they can do it at home with their PC. This control is what makes the overall performance of the network better since fixes are quickly identified.
Security
The internet has some pretty bad attacks such as viruses and malware and it’s important that your networking devices feature a security standard. Once again, the managed switches have better security since they are much more complex in their operation. Unmanaged switches have very basic security – meaning not so good. Their security measures are more physical since they are unintelligent devices. Accessories such as a lockable port cover is what is considered security for an unmanaged switch.
There is no protection against software attacks such as malware. On the other side, we have managed switches. These have great security both physically and for software. First, they have the ability to control and monitor the network. By doing this, managed switches have the ability to kill off active threats, safeguard company data and more.
Advanced managed switches have even more security measures such as network communication encryption, access control lists that prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network and others. The only downside to this much control is that in the wrong hands, a lot of damage can be done since managed switches have the highest level of access privileges.
Functionality and use
When deciding on the right switch, it’s not only the number of ports that should guide you. How you plan to use the switch matters most. Unmanaged switches are better for smaller networks such as single offices and home use.Therefore, go for an unmanaged switch if you’re looking to use it at home. Managed switches are designed and better suited for enterprises and large companies and institutions. They are much better at traffic control and offer better security for the network.
Managed vs Unmanaged Switch – A comparison Overview
Managed Switch
A managed Ethernet switch is an unintelligent networking device that offers control of the network traffic as well as monitor the entire network. They are regarded to as virtual private servers since the user is responsible for setting it up, managing the switch and deal with downtimes. To control a managed switch, one needs a deep understanding of networking and IT. This is part of the reason they are used by large companies where there’s a networking department.
Furthermore, managed switches can be accessed and controlled through command line interface (CLI), web based interface in the browser or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The last being used for remote access. Through this controls, services such as QoS handling for traffic optimization, port mirroring and VLANS are made possible. In simple terms, this means you can prioritize speed for specific devices so that a selected device receives more bandwidth than the rest.
Netgear Nighthawk s8000
- ETHERNET PORT CONFIGURATION: 8 Gigabit ports
- CONFIGURATION & CONTROL: Management software with easy-to-use GUI interface offers basic capabilities to...
Gaming switches are the most recent type of switches we have today. Their growth in popularity is due to the smart features added to them compared to older traditional switches. The Nighthawk s8000 is a gaming switch with exceptional abilities and excellent design. The switch features a futuristic look design with sleek sharp edges and a glowing LED light at the top of the unit. It is also designed to be very slim (as most switches are) for easier placement in the house or office. Since the switch is designed for gamers, it comes with fully customizable RGB LED control for full immersion into a game. We also loved the sturdy feel of the switch in the hand.
Unmanaged Switch
An unmanaged switch like the name suggest does not need any input from the user. They are plug and play devices meaning once connected, they are good to go. Because of this, they are regarded as unintelligent devices. Basically, an unmanaged switch is used for its additional Ethernet ports and nothing more. In addition to this, unmanaged switches are locked to their OEM specification that helps in smooth setup of the device. Lastly, they are best suited for small offices and home use.
TP Link Fast Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Innovative energy-efficient technology saves power up to 70%
- Non-blocking switching architecture that forwards and filters packets at full wire-speed for maximum...
TP Link has been manufacturing high quality networking products for decades and they don’t go wrong with the TP Link Fast Ethernet Switch. This fast Ethernet switch features a whopping 16 ports. The switch also comes with top class energy saving system that saves up to 70% of power. It comes with a speed of 3.2 Gbps and a capacity of 9K Jumbo frames. But perhaps one of its best features is the quietness of this machine.
Model |
Netgear Nighthawk s8000 |
TP Link Fast Ethernet Switch |
Ports |
8 |
16 |
Speed |
16 Gbps |
3.2 Gbps |
Special features |
auto-learning and auto-aging |
Power saving |
Size |
5.2 x 5 x 2.1 inches |
11.8 x 2.4 x 7.4 inches |
Color |
White |
Black |
Availability |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Netgear GS108 is a much better purchase than the TP Link unmanaged switch. It offers better security, more control and offers great value for money.
