Businesses can now use a network switch to enable employees to connect to servers, printers, computers and other network devices. A managed switch is one type of such device. We will provide you with the basics of a managed switch, its benefits for businesses, and the reasons it is better than an unmanaged one in this article.
What is a Managed Switch and how does it work?
Businesses can use a managed switch to connect multiple network devices to a Local Area Network. It is often used as a core layer in an IT network. Network users will be able to securely exchange information with other business units or departments using a managed switch. This allows IT network administrators to better manage LAN traffic and identify IT problems that may arise.
Unmanaged switches are another type of network switch, apart from managed switches. These are the main differences between them.
What is a Managed Switch? Its key differences to an unmanaged Switch
Difference No. 1: Configuration and Control
Unmanaged switches are not as advanced as managed switches and do not offer advanced features for controlling LAN traffic within your network. Unmanaged switches allow network devices (computers and servers, printers etc.) to communicate with each other. Only one device can communicate with another using unmanaged switches. Users cannot modify the configurations of unmanaged switches.
Difference No. 2: Security Standards
They also have different security standards. Unmanaged switches are less secure than managed switches. Unmanaged switches don’t have any security beyond a lockable cover. Managed switches, on the other hand, can offer their users an efficient way to protect data, control, and management planes.
Difference No. 3: Cost-Efficiency
Unmanaged switches are less expensive than managed switches but they don’t have the same features as managed switches such as VLAN, Port Mirroring and Dynamic ARP Inspection. These features allow for better network configuration and control. Managed switches are more expensive initially, but they will prove to be more beneficial in the long-term.
These are the top benefits of using a managed switching device.
Advantages
1: It reduces the risk of network downtime
Managed switches reduce the chance of network failures in an IT network. They allow for failover links within the network. If the primary system is down, a failover link will connect the user to a backup system. A managed switch can reduce the risk of network downtime by using protocols. A-Ring is one of these protocols. It allows failover links to be activated in around 30 milliseconds after a network link fails.
2: Remote Network Management
Managed switches allow businesses to reduce their IT system management costs. Managed switches will allow businesses to monitor their networks from any location. Managed switches enable remote connections.
This will allow your IT staff to remotely access all network devices. This allows them to remotely access and make changes to the devices, as well as troubleshoot any issues that are detected.
3: It increases network security
Managed switches come with advanced security features that will significantly increase your IT network’s security. The feature can restrict network access to trusted devices. This allows you to block unauthorized access. You can also view a MAC Address Table that lists all devices that have connected to a particular network device with managed switches.
Conclusion
Managed switches provide businesses with a safe way to connect their network devices to their IT networks. A managed switch offers advanced security features that will help you reduce network downtime risks, lower operational costs, and increase endpoint security for your IT network.
