Managed and unmanaged switches are two types of network switches that vary in their level of control and configuration abilities. An unmanaged switch is a device that can be used straight out of the box without configuration. It functions as a primary switch, enabling devices to connect and communicate with one another in a local network. Unmanaged switches are generally more affordable and user-friendly. However, they need advanced features and control options. They cannot be monitored or managed remotely, and you cannot adjust specific settings like VLANs (Virtual LANs) or Quality of Service (QoS).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!On the contrary, managed switches are more advanced devices that offer greater control and flexibility. They enable you to monitor and manage the network through a web-based or command-line interface. You can configure settings such as VLANs, QoS, link aggregation, port mirroring, and other features with a managed switch.
Additionally, managed switches often have more security options and support protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). These advanced abilities make managed switches suitable for more extensive networks that require more control and customization. In summary, the main difference between managed and unmanaged switches lies in their configurability, monitoring capabilities, and the availability of advanced features. Unmanaged switches are simpler to use but offer limited control, while managed switches provide more power and features but require more configuration and management.