As we all know, the biggest difference between managed and unmanaged PoE switch is whether it has interface to configure the setting or not. There are 3 types of managed PoE switch in the market – Fully managed, Web smart managed and LCD smart managed.
What is the smart managed? Actually, the “smart” is kind of managed which has set limitation of management features. Compared with fully managed, smart managed reduces some advanced functions, leaving behind basic controls and monitoring of the settings for exchanging and forwarding data. The smart managed PoE switch requires less operation and is friendly for home application as well as small-medium companies where the technicians don’t need to tweak the network configuration.
Most fully managed switch can be accessed by command line interface via a RS-232C console port, telnet or SSH session, even a web GUI. It has advanced management options with wide range of configuration and flexibility. Smart managed usually is lack of console port, probably don’t support telnet or SSH either, only web GUI is reserved.
- Fully managed
Fully managed PoE switch has complete control of operational status. The operator can define the behavior of each ports. For example, there is 16-port fully managed PoE switch connecting many security data devices. Users can set each port through the console and giving orders from PC like allowing 1-4 port having priority data flow and blocking visitors from specific IP address.
• High-levels of network security, control and management.
• Limit access to specific devices, prioritize user traffic and partition a network.
• Layer 3 routing capability to link smaller networks into much larger business-wide networks.
• Remotely monitor network performance, detect and repair network problems without having to physically check devices or requiring network services.
• Optimize a network’s speed and resource utilization.
Management method: Console or web GUI
- Web smart managed
The Web smart managed has part of full managed functions and the smart PoE switch is usually only can be accessed through Web browser. It benefits for non-professional users who want simplified control options and plug and play.
Including but not limited to:
• Offer options like QoS, VLANs, ect.
• For VoIP phones, small VLANs, and working groups for places like labs.
• Configure ports, basic settings and set up virtual networks.
• Assign higher priority to critical traffic.
• Divide your network into multiple virtual networks for better traffic security and reliable connectivity.
• Allocate network bandwidth the way you work.
Management method: web browser GUI
- Visual smart managed
This is new type of PoE switch fall into niche market between managed and unmanaged. The visual PoE switch has LCD screen display built-in which can show power and data traffic status running in each port real-time. Users are able to manage and adjust setting through LCD screen directly without involving in a PC computer. It is convenient for who want to understand their network with no hassle operation.
• Flag traffic flow, priority the PoE power, VLAN
• Port management and status, and SFP information
• Troubleshooting: cable diagnostic and remote IP ping
• Maintenance: reboot, factory default and save configuration
Management method: LCD screen and press button in switch.
The managed PoE switch should be picked basing on the network requirement and the knowledge the operators possess. The smart PoE managed can satisfy home usage as well as small-medium companies. Look into the PoE technology while upgrading the existed devices, it save installation time and cost.