What is a managed network switch?
- A managed network switch is a technology that allows Ethernet devices to communicate with each other and that contains features to configure, manage and monitor traffic on a Local Area Network (LAN).
- A managed network switch provides more control over how data travels over the network and who can access it.
For enterprise IT teams building and managing Ethernet networks, superior connectivity can be achieved with the help of a managed network switch, which offers greater functionality than an unmanaged switch. What is a managed network switch, what advantages does it offer the enterprise? Here’s a short tutorial on “What is a managed network switch?” that provides more detail.
What is a managed network switch?
A managed network switch enables Ethernet devices like a PC or a network printer to communicate with each other, and provides features that let administrators configure, manage and monitor a Local Area Network (LAN). A managed network switch consequently provides administrators with more control over how data travels over the network and has access to it.
What is a managed network switch vs. an unmanaged switch?
An unmanaged switch also allows Ethernet devices to communicate with each other, but offers no additional features for configuration and management. An unmanaged switch is essentially a plug-and-play device with a fixed configuration.
What is a managed network switch designed to do?
A managed network switch provides a much higher Quality of Service (QoS) than an unmanaged switch. QoS features enable administrators to prioritize network traffic to ensure consistent network performance. A managed switch can, for example, prioritize delay-sensitive data like voice packets traveling over the network to make sure they don’t get dropped or delayed.
What is a managed network switch protocol?
A managed network switch uses protocols like the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to share management information between network devices and provide administrators with data that lets them remotely monitor network performance and quickly find and fix network issues without having to physically interact with the switch.
What is a managed network switch’s cost to the enterprise?
A managed switch is more expensive than an unmanaged switch, but provides far more features such as redundancy, port mirroring and the ability to use virtual LANs (VLANs) that more than justify the additional cost.
What is a managed network switch’s security rating?
A managed network switch provides more control over how sensitive data is routed over the network, while an unmanaged switch offers no security accessories.
What is a managed network switch from Spectrum Enterprise?
Spectrum Enterprise is a leading provider of fiber solutions for businesses throughout the country. Our high-capacity Ethernet solutions provide secure and predictable Wide Area Network connectivity that include managed network switches to support flexible solutions for businesses of any size and complexity.