Managed VS unmanaged

Managed VS Unmanaged switches... are they really that different?

When it comes time to decide between unmanaged and managed switches, it is important to understand the implications on the decision that forms the building blocks of your automation system. Let’s go over the differences to help you make an informed decision.

Unmanaged switches: the basics

Unmanaged switches serve only one purpose: to provide Ethernet devices with a network connection so they can communicate with one another. Because they don’t allow for configuration or require setup, unmanaged switches cannot control network traffic, however, this makes them easy to deploy.

An unmanaged switch is typically used on smaller networks or when a simple service is required from the device such as conversion from fibre to copper or an installation that allows you to have a spare port for your maintenance laptop when connected to a device at the edge of a network. When comparing the costs between managed vs. unmanaged switches, unmanaged are always less expensive as there is less hardware required and significantly less R&D software costs without having to worry about firmware functionality.

Managed switches: the basics

Managed switches provide the same functionality as unmanaged switches with several key added benefits. A managed switch as the name implies offers management of the device which allows you to configure, monitor and troubleshoot the network as well as affect the traffic from your devices as it passes through the network.

With the ability to create virtual networks within the system using VLANs, prioritise traffic around the network with Quality of Service, prevent network loops with redundancy protocols such as RSTP or MRP and the ability to ensure the correct delivery of Multicast information for protocols such as Ethernet/IP utilising IGMP a managed switch offers a broad variety of features that are crucial for ensuring the network can deliver uninterrupted traffic for your critical assets.On top of all that the security features in a managed switch allow for control of which assets are allowed to communicate to which on a network, which devices can connect to which ports, which users are allowed to login to manage the switches and reporting to key services all of the above.

So which is right for you?

How much downtime can you accept? How important is security?

If downtime isn’t an option, then managed switches Is there a lot of highly sensitive data are the right choice. Built-in redundancy safeguards being transmitted across the network? If against downtime by providing an alternate data so, then managed switches are the most path. Managed switches also control traffic appropriate choice. They allow for network to make sure the most important information segmentation and can limit network access gets through, can prevent traffic from causing to only trusted devices and authorised users. malfunctions and allow individual control of switch port access for each network user.

How much downtime can you accept?

If downtime isn’t an option, then managed switches are the right choice. Built-in redundancy safeguards against downtime by providing an alternate data path. Managed switches also control traffic to make sure the most important information gets through, can prevent traffic from causing malfunctions and allow individual control of switch port access for each network user.

Do you need control over settings?

If you want to be able to manage, configure and monitor LAN settings—including traffic, channel prioritisation, etc.—then managed switches will allow you to do so.

How important is security?

Is there a lot of highly sensitive data being transmitted across the network? If so, then managed switches are the most appropriate choice. They allow for network segmentation and can limit network access to only trusted devices and authorised users.

Do you want remote access?

Managed switches can provide updates on network status, notify you of potential problems and let you troubleshoot and correct issues. This may even reduce the need for 24/7 onsite staff monitoring.