User Manual

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Further, they include some basic configuration features that small businesses can use to optimize the performance,
reliability, and security of their network. With a smart switch, you can:
• Congurebasicsettings,likeMACaddressbindingandratelimits(asimpleinterfacemakesitlessintimidating
for novice users).
• Assignhigherprioritytocriticaltrafc(especiallyhelpfulinthecaseofbusinessdesktopphones,sincebetter
voice data quality means calls don’t get dropped and conversations come through crystal clear).
• Divideyournetworkintomultiplevirtualnetworks(orVLANs)forbettertrafcsecurity,moreconsistentand
reliable connectivity, and improved allocation of network bandwidth.
• UseQualityofService(QoS)toprioritizecertaindevices—likethepaymentprocessingsystemortheboss‘s
laptop — so that bandwidth is allocated the way that works best for your business.
• Groupportstogethertoaggregatetheiravailablebandwidth.
• Authenticatedeviceswishingtoconnecttoyournetworkusingport-basedorradiusauthentication.
Managed Switches
For large networks with a great deal of concurrent data-streaming needs, the ability to manage access becomes
increasinglydifcult.Multipledeviceswithinmultipledepartments,allofwhicharepullingdatasimultaneously,
can wreak havoc on the efficiency of the network. In these scenarios, managed switches are the best solution.
While these types of switches lie at the premium end of the pricing spectrum, they offer the maximum punch of
features. With upwards of 52 available ports, managed switches feature options and configurability you just can’t
get with the other two types of switches. In addition to the functionality you get with a smart switch, a managed
switch also allows you to:
• Limitaccesstospecicdevices(likesecuringtheaccountingstafffromotherdepartmentsorblockingInternet
access to the production floor).
• UseLayer3routingcapabilitytolinksmallernetworksintomuchlargerbusiness-widenetworks.
• Take advantage of Power over Ethernet (PoE), a technology that uses the network’s wired Ethernet connection to
carry electrical currents to devices such as phones, security cameras, and Wi-Fi access points.
• Monitortheperformanceofthenetworkremotely,anddetectandrepairnetworkproblemswithouthavingto
physically inspect the switches and devices, or take the network out of service.
These switches are often also the most future-proof option, since they give your business plenty of room for growth,
and they typically feature expansion ports, which can bridge the connection to a high-speed data backbone,
likea10Gborberconnection.
Which is the Switch for You?
When it comes to making the “switch-switch,” one of the biggest differences
among the types of switches available is the level of configuration and
manageability. An unmanaged switch trades simplicity for control, offering no
configurability but the most budget-friendly price. A managed switch offers
significantly more advanced control features at a higher cost. A smart switch is
an entry-level managed switch, providing the best of both worlds.
In general, a business network hosting less than 100 active users will do just
fine with a smart switch. These devices have more than adequate functionality to
support the business — for example, word processing, Internet access, IP-based
desktopphones,andhotspots.Managedswitchesaremuchmorecommonwhen
it comes to larger businesses, although they also make a smart investment for
small businesses interested in maintaining scalability for the future.