Unmanaged vs. Managed Network Switches

A network switch is effectively the brain of the network. An ethernet network connects all devices on a LAN (Local Area Network), redirecting data and forwarding it to the proper destination. Having a network switch that covers your entire IT scope is important when you are running a business.

Managed switches and unmanaged switches come in different sizes and can have any number of ports up to 48, but there are differences that go deeper than that. To help you decide which type is the right one for you, we're going to define the two types, explain how they differ, and show you the differences between them.

Managed and unmanaged network switches: what's the difference?

Unmanaged switches allow you to plug-and-play devices into your network, but managed switches give you more control. However, the differences go deeper, so let's look at each's features, performance, security, cost, and applications.

‍Features

An unmanaged switch connects Ethernet devices with a fixed configuration that can't be changed, and is often used for small networks or to add temporary groups of systems to larger networks. Additionally, a managed switch allows you to manage, configure, and monitor the settings of your LAN, including controlling LAN traffic, prioritizing certain channels, and creating virtual LANs to segregate smaller groups of devices and to better manage their traffic. Furthermore, managed switches provide redundancy features that duplicate and recover data in the event of a device or network failure.

‍Performance

The advantage of unmanaged switches when it comes to performance is that you can plug them into your network immediately. There's no need to set anything up, and it has in-built QoS services to ensure it works smoothly. With a managed switch, however, you can prioritize channels at will, ensuring that the best performance is delivered where it's needed. In addition, features like Priority SNMP, which can be used for remote troubleshooting of the network, allow you to check for issues impacting performance and implement fixes if necessary.

‍Security

On the whole, unmanaged switches have very basic security. They are secured by ensuring there are no vulnerabilities from one system to another, which accessories like a lockable port cover can ensure no one is tampering with the device directly. Managed switches provide many security benefits, such as monitoring and controlling the network to stop active threats, data protection, control, and management. Managed switchers differ in terms of their security features, from encryption of network communication to access control lists that keep out unauthorized users, as well as the ability to create temporary or limited access to your network for those who normally shouldn't have access. However, managed switches can provide a great deal of control over your network that could pose a threat. Thus, they should be monitored and controlled by a network technician with the highest access privileges. Cyber security is becoming increasingly important as our digital landscape changes.

‍Cost

Comparing the costs is relatively straightforward. Unmanaged switches usually cost between $50 and $100 (USD) or more. The price usually depends on how many ports you need. Managed switches, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 (USD) per port to $2800 (USD) per port. The prices here are more affected by the various features, such as security and access controls that you are paying for, as well as the switch's configuration capabilities.

‍Application

When selecting a switch, size is not the only consideration, since you can find switches with any number of ports, both managed and unmanaged. Smaller networks, such as those for small businesses, homes, single offices, etc., are more likely to use an unmanaged switch. Managed switches are best suited to enterprise-sized businesses with a much larger network scope, or for users of data centers who need better control over their network traffic.

What are the differences between managed and unmanaged network switches?

The answer to this question cannot be so simple. A network manager or technician is usually the best person to assist you in choosing a network switch. A smaller business or freelancer with a single office is unlikely to need more than an unmanaged switch. When thousands of users are on the network at once, managed switches become essential.

‍The size is important, but you should also consider the features you might need and the complexity of the network. One factor to consider is security. Even if your network is relatively small, if you will be transmitting a lot of highly sensitive data (customer data, financial information, etc.) then managed data switches will still be the best choice for you. Likewise, if your business frequently has access to your network by clients and partners who only require a temporary, limited level of access, then the VLAN feature of the managed switch might be essential to your business' security.

‍With the help of a network technician, find out what is the best network switch for you

Having read all of the above, if you are still not sure whether an unmanaged network is suitable for your needs or if you have crossed the line where a managed switch is necessary, you should consult an expert. With Field Engineer, you have access to a global network of IT experts, including network technicians, who can ensure that you choose not just the right network switch, but that your network is secure and efficient, and has all the features that you need.

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