“Cisco Business Basics – Unmanaged vs Managed Switches” Video Transcript
Doorbells – every house comes with one. Guests just give it a push, and it lets the owner know someone is there. It’s simple and serves its purpose well.
Some homeowners upgrade to a smart doorbell, especially if they want that extra protection. They are more complicated to set up and are more expensive, but provide more security and control, even allowing you to monitor things remotely as well as at home.
Which is best? It all depends on your needs. The same can be said for unmanaged vs managed switches. They both manage the flow of data, but one will be a better fit for your needs.
Let’s go through some of the main differences between unmanaged and managed switches.
Unmanaged Switch Basics
We will start by talking about Cisco’s unmanaged switches. Most often, unmanaged switches are added to an existing network to expand the network’s capacity for connecting additional Ethernet capable devices. All while making that addition as seamless as possible. Setup is straightforward. You simply connect the switch to your router or another switch, plug it into an outlet, and you are good to go. No configurations are needed. Unmanaged switches provide basic network connectivity for a low price.
Features of Unmanaged Switches
Some models even provide Power over Ethernet ports, which can power network connected devices like a security camera or a phone. Best suited for a home office or a small business, an unmanaged switch can be just what’s needed to get the job done, just like a traditional doorbell. Need more control? Then you might want a managed switch.
What's the Difference with Managed Switches?
Managed switches are bit more involved to set up and cost comparatively higher, but the advantages may be worth the effort. Managed switches allow for better control of your network with custom configurations and remote management. Cisco managed switches come with a Web User Interface that assists with setup, maintenance, and monitoring. In addition, managed switches support advanced features like network segmentation (VLANs), Security (Port Security, authentication etc.), and configurable Traffic Prioritization (QOS) that provide you additional control over your network. Which Switch is Right for You and Your Business?Do you just need the connectivity of a basic, unmanaged switch, or do you want that extra control for well, management? Now that you know the facts, what you choose to buy is up to you! Thanks for reading. We’ll see you next time.