Choosing the right network switch is crucial for building a reliable and efficient network infrastructure. However, knowing which switch is the best for a particular network can be a challenge with all the available options. The following factors are helpful to consider before you choose a network switch. 

The Specific Needs of Your Network

With the primary task of connecting all devices in a network together, the switch is the network’s “brain.” Switches allow computers, printers, servers, etc., to talk to each other no matter where they are located within a building or on a campus.

Among other considerations, the right switch will depend on the needs of a network, including its size, the number of devices to be connected, and the types of connections.  

Types of Switches

There are three main types of switches: unmanaged, managed, and smart (hybrid) switches. The size and complexity of a network, as well as desired features, determine which choice is the best.

Unmanaged Switches

Unmanaged switches are virtually plug-and-play solutions. Ideal for home and other small, basic networks, unmanaged switches are less expensive with a fixed configuration. These are best used in networks with less than ten computers and for companies that don’t have a dedicated IT department. When the information stored in the company’s infrastructure is less sensitive, an unmanaged switch may be adequate.

Unmanaged Switch 

Managed Switches

Larger, more complex networks benefit from managed switches. While managed switches are more expensive, they provide excellent security and a greater number of configuration options. 

Advanced features of managed switches include:

  • IP routing
  • VLAN support
  • Port mirroring for network diagnostics
  • Quality of Service (QoS) Settings
  • Dynamic ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) inspection
  • SNMP support for monitoring
  • Security features
  • CLI (Command Line Interface)
  • IPv4 DHCP snooping

Managed switches offer excellent performance and remote troubleshooting.

Managed Switch

Smart Switches

Also known as hybrid switches, smart switches offer a lighter version of network management, security, and QoS. They cannot be monitored or accessed remotely and do not offer troubleshooting capabilities. Smart switches are often used in simpler networks or at the edges of larger networks in which managed switches are the core infrastructure.

Smart Switch

Port Count and Type

The number and types of ports involved in a network play a large role in switch selection. If there are less than 10 devices that need to be connected, an unmanaged switch might be sufficient. A larger network will operate more efficiently with managed switches. 

The chosen switch must be compatible with all types of ports used by each component in the network. Common port types include Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and PoE.  

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

If the network includes devices like IP phones, cameras, or access points, PoE-enabled switches may be the best option. Make sure to verify the PoE standard and wattage requirements to ensure that the switch is compatible. 

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Network Switch

Other characteristics of your network that should be looked at when considering which switch to choose include:

  • Switching Capacity: The switch must be able to handle expected data traffic without bottlenecks. 
  • Network Configuration: Is the network configuration rack-mountable or desktop? Choose a switch that suits the installation environment. 
  • Compatibility: The switch must be compatible with existing network equipment and protocols for everything to operate smoothly.
  • Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient features such as Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and idle port power down are preferable in a switch for cost and energy savings. 
  • Brand and Reliability: Look for switch manufacturers with a history of reliability before making a decision. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from peers or IT professionals. 
  • Documentation and Management: Make sure the switch you are interested in comes with documentation for configuration and setup. Evaluate the management interface to be sure it can meet your needs.
  • Warranty and Support: Review the manager’s warranty and support services. You might want to consider purchasing extended warranties or support contracts to help lessen downtime.
  • Budget: Balance your switch needs with available funds. Consider long-term costs when you set a budget for your network switch purchase.
  • Future Growth: A switch that can accommodate future network expansion is worth considering. Even if your plans don’t include the need for immediate network growth, it makes sense to plan for scalability.

The right switch for your network will provide safety and the features you need at a reasonable price. 

SMTP/SNMP Trap Event Alert

When is a managed switch the best option?

An unmanaged switch has limited features and opportunities for network expansion. A managed switch may be the right option for you if your network requires:

  1. Security: Managed switches can disable ports to prevent unauthorized access. This helps protect against viruses and data breaches.
  2. Monitoring: Managed switches have protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) that can remotely monitor network health or the status of a specific device. 
  3. Prioritization: Local Area Network (LAN) traffic must be prioritized for a network to run smoothly. Prioritization ensures that the most important traffic gets through and heavy network traffic doesn’t cause a malfunction.
  4. Redundancy: Managed switches have several options that support redundancy, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and ring topographies. These help to ensure that a network remains functional even when a link or device in the network fails.
  5. Segmentation: Segmentation of network traffic helps reduce unnecessary traffic to enable better system performance and an additional layer of security. With managed switches, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) can be created to successfully segment network traffic.

These features of managed network switches increase safety and help keep a network running smoothly. Providing PoE switches with the most innovative features for easy management of devices, Planet Technology USA is a leader in state-of-the-art network solutions.