October 29, 2023 • 27 mins
Ready to demystify the often perplexing world of network devices? That's the promise of our latest episode. We dissect the role of unmanaged switches, simplifying their technicalities and highlighting their plug-and-play setup, low maintenance, and cost-efficiency. Discover why these devices might be the perfect fit for your small network, whether you're a home user or small business owner, and gain a deeper understanding of networking essentials.
But as with any technology, unmanaged switches come with their own set of limitations. Could the lack of control, quality of service, VLAN support, security features, and troubleshooting capabilities be a deal-breaker for you? We debate this and more. Plus, we delve into the quick deployment process, their noise and energy efficiency, and why larger networks might need to steer clear. Brace yourself for a deep dive into the world of unmanaged switches – a journey that promises to be as instructive as it is captivating.
If you want to help me with my research please e-mail me.
Professorjrod@gmail.com
If you want to join my question/answer zoom class e-mail me at
Professorjrod@gmail.com
Art By Sarah/Desmond
Music by Joakim Karud
Little chacha Productions
Juan Rodriguez can be reached at
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@Prof_JRod
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Tap on Professor Jayrod.
In this episode we are going totalk about unmanaged switches
let's get to it music.
(00:56):
Alright, before we start, acouple of housekeeping things.
As always, one of the thingsthat I want to tell you guys is
that I've been, I was offered towork for a company and I cannot
say another project that isgoing to be out in December,
january.
(01:16):
It was all filmed, but youcould get, I don't.
I don't have to tell you whatcompany it is, but I can.
You can tell me doing thisstuff for the last four years,
what company approached me andwanted to do a video with me.
So I'm very excited about that.
That should come out in Januaryor, you know, december, january
(01:37):
, february, they said.
But it was a good experience.
I went down to New York City toa television studio and they
sat me down and they recorded me.
They did make up the wholething.
So I'm very excited about whatis to come.
We're gonna go back to back toback the next couple of days, so
be on the lookout for thepodcast.
(01:58):
Again, I, you know I've been alittle busy had a conference in
DC that I had to go to and, youknow, still doing my
dissertation and all the otherstuff that I'm doing, but I got
a couple of scripts ready.
So, as I said in the beginning,we're going to do switches and
specifically unmanaged switches.
(02:19):
All right, so we're gonna begin.
So in the realm of computernetworking, a switch is a
fundamental and crucial networkdevice that operates primarily
at the data link layer, which islayer 2 are.
The primary function of aswitch is to facilitate the
efficient and intelligenttransfer of data within a land.
(02:40):
Unlike older network deviceslike hubs, which simply
broadcast packets to allconnected devices, switches are
intelligent devices that makedecisions about where send data
packets.
They achieve this by examiningthe unique media access control
or MAC address associated withthe device connected to the
(03:00):
network.
Each device on a network has adistinct MAC address, akin to a
digital fingerprint.
When data is sent to, a switchutilizes these MAC address to
determine which specific port tosend the data packet to
ensuring that it reaches theintended recipient and isn't
broadcast unnecessarily to alldevices, like a hub does.
(03:23):
Switching.
Switches aren't a veryimportant to modern network
environments, whatever in homes,small businesses or large-scale
enterprises.
They play a central role inbuilding efficient and secure
networks enabling multipledevices to communicate
seamlessly.
Throughout this discussion withthe box into.
(03:43):
Well, it's going to be part onein part two.
Right, we're going to dounmanaged switches today and
then tomorrow we'll do managedswitch.
All right, unmanaged switch isalso refers as dumb switches are
simpler and morestraightforward Category of
network switches that aredesigned for basic plug-and-play
networking without the need foruser configuration.
(04:03):
Some key features of unmanagedswitch include One simplicity
unmanaged switch are extremelyuser-friendly and require
minimal setup.
There are essentiallyplug-and-play devices and making
them easy to use.
When you connect the devices tothe switch, it automatically
manages the routing of the datapacket and it's particularly
(04:24):
beneficial for individuals orsmall businesses with limited
network experience.
And that falls under, like youknow, eight or nine to ten
subcategories.
So, like I said, one isplug-and-play.
Unmanaged switches areessentially plug-and-play.
You can typically set them upby connecting network cables and
powering them on.
(04:45):
There are no complexconfiguration Steps or
management interface to navigatean unmanaged switch.
Unmanaged switch operatewithout the need for to
configure them.
They automatically pass databetween devices Connected to
their ports without any userintervention, so very easy to
use.
This makes an idea for userswho are not familiar with
network settings.
Low maintenance unmanagedswitches require minimal
(05:09):
maintenance once they're set up.
They generally operate Reliablewithout need for ongoing
adjustments or updates.
Cost-efficient unmanagedswitches are often more
affordable than managed switch.
This cost effectiveness makesthem an attractive option for
small business and home networksand basic connectivity needs,
(05:30):
and they are suitable for smallnetworks.
Unmanaged switches are wellsuited for small networks, with
simplicity and basicconnectivity other primary
requirements that are commonlyused at home office, small
office and simple home networks.
Unmanaged switches aretypically compact and fanless,
which means they do not generatesignificant noise or heat,
(05:53):
which is a good thing.
This makes them suitable forquiet environments in spaces
with limited physical space.
Unmanaged switch functions asstandalone devices.
They do not support advancedfeatures like VLANs, quality of
service or security settingsthat require configuration and
management.
While unmanaged switches areeasy to set up, they offer
(06:14):
limited scalability.
You cannot expand or manageyour network as easily as with
managed switches.
Unmanaged switches usually comewith a fixed number of ports,
making them suitable for smallnetworks with a limited number
of devices.
Unmanaged switches alsoeliminate the complexity
associated with configuring andmanaging Network features.
(06:36):
The simplicity is advantagethat advantage for users who do
not have a running backgroundand networking.
It is important to know whyunmanaged Switches are
straightforward and simple.
They have limitations.
They don't provide advancedcapabilities and control offered
by managed switches.
As your network requirementsgrow you, or if you need to
(06:56):
implement specific networkfeatures, you may need to
transition to a managed switch.
The choice between managed andunmanaged switch should be based
on your network needs, yourtechnical expertise and your
specific network complexity.
(07:17):
What's another thing aboutunmanaged switch is
affordability.
Unmanaged switch are generallymore budget-friendly compared to
managed counterparts.
This affordability makes theman attractive choice for
individuals or small businessLooking to expand their network
without occurring significantcosts.
Unmanaged switch are typicallyless expensive than managed
switch.
They're designed for simpleplug-and-play, which reduce
(07:39):
their cost.
Unmanaged switches do notrequire additional licensing fee
as they lack the advancedfeatures and management
capabilities found in managedswitches.
This keeps the total cost ofownership low.
Unmanaged switch have astraightforward design that
focus on basic networkconnectivity.
(07:59):
This simplicity allows for costsavings in terms of both
manufacturing and maintenance.
Unmanaged switches do notrequire specialized network
administrators or extensivetraining.
This reduce support andpersonnel costs, making them
accessible to small businessesand individuals.
Unmatted switches are oftendesigned to be energy efficient,
(08:21):
which can result in loweroperating costs over time.
Some models have features thatautomatically adjust power
consumption based on networktraffic.
Many unmatted switches arecompact, fanless, eliminating
the need for cooling system andreducing physical space
requirement.
The design choice contributesto affordability and the
practability of having anunmatted switch.
(08:43):
They're also excellent to fitfor small network and basic
connectivity needs.
They are affordability allieswith the budget constraints of
small and home users.
Small business users and homeusers Unmatted switch requires
minimal setup and maintenance,which again reduces the cost of
hiring.
To hire somebody who needs toadminister Unmatted switch
(09:08):
offers several cost advantage.
It's essential to consider yourspecific network requirements.
For simple network setups wherebasic connectivity is the
primary goal, the unmattedswitch offers economical and
practical solutions.
Now, lack of user interface.
Let's talk about that.
Unmatted switches typicallylack a user interface or
(09:30):
management capabilities.
They do not provide web-basedinterface or command line access
for configuration.
This simplicity means there areno advanced settings to adjust
or customize.
Unmatted switches are designedfor playing and play.
This simplicity can beadvantage for those who want
right, like I said,straightforward inflexibility.
(09:52):
Unmatted switches have fixedsettings and features that
cannot be customized.
To implement advanced networkfeatures, such as virtual VLANs,
quality of service of securitysettings, users are limited to
the switch's default behavior.
Without a user interface, youcannot access logs, statistics
or error message that could helpwith troubleshooting network
(10:13):
issues.
This makes diagnosing andresolving problems more
challenging.
No remote management.
Unmatted switches lack thecapabilities for remote
management.
Network administrators cannotaccess or configure the switch
settings remotely, making iteasier to be physically present
for any changes.
Unmatted switches providelittle visibility into network
(10:39):
traffic and performance.
Network monitoring, real-timestatistics and network analysis
are not typically not available.
Unmatted switches do not offeradvanced security features.
They like access control, portsecurity and other security
settings that are commonlyavailable in managed switch.
This can be a security risk incertain environments.
(11:01):
Unmatted switches have a fixednumber of ports and limited
scalability.
Expanding your network oradding features can be
challenging without upgrading toa managed switch.
Unmatted switches do not allowfor customization to adapt to
unique network requirements.
You cannot tailor the switchbehavior to specific needs or
optimize it for certainapplications.
(11:22):
Unmatted switches do notsupport VLANs, making it a
challenge to isolate orsegregate traffic between
different parts of the network.
This can impact networksecurity and network management.
It is important to choosebetween managed and unmanaged
switches based on your specificnetworking needs.
Unmatted switches are bestsuited for small networks with
(11:45):
basic connectivity requirementswhere simplicity and cost
effectiveness are paramount.
For more complex networks thatrequire advanced features,
security and customizations,managed switch with a user
interface and managementcapabilities are a better choice
, even if they come at a highercost.
Now let's talk about plug andplay on an unmanaged switch.
(12:07):
Unmatted switches are true plugand play devices.
After connecting your devicesto switch and powering it on, it
immediately begins functioningwithout any need for user
interventions.
This straightforward setup issuitable for scenarios with
quick and uncomplicated networkexpansion is required.
Again, no configurationrequired.
(12:30):
When you connect devices tounmanaged switch, there's
typically no need to configureit.
It automatically detects it andit starts working right away.
As soon as you plug networkcables into the switch ports and
provide power, your devices areconnected and can communicate
with each other over the network.
There's no need to set up IPaddress, configure VLANs or just
(12:51):
any network parameters.
The primary advantage ofplug-and-play with unmanaged
switch is simplicity.
Users, especially those who donot have extensive networking
knowledge, appreciate thehassle-free setup.
It is as simple as connectingcables and turning the switch on
.
Unmanaged switch are wellsuited for small network and
home environment where basicnetwork connectivity is the
(13:14):
primary concern.
The simplicity is one of thekey reasons that are commonly
used in such settings.
The plug-and-play feature ofunmanaged switch contributes to
that cost effectiveness.
They are typically moreaffordable than managed switch,
making them a budget-friendlychoice.
While the automatic operationsof unmanaged switch is
(13:36):
convenient for local setup, theylack remote management
capabilities.
Changes or adjustment must bemade directly at the switch,
which can be a limitation inlarger or more complex networks.
It is important to note thatwhile unmanaged switches are
excellent for simple networks,they have their limitations, as
(13:56):
we discussed.
Next we're going to talk aboutthe no-advanced features on an
unmanaged switch.
Unmanaged switch is likeadvanced networking features
that managed switch offers.
Let's take a look at some ofthem.
No configuration optionsUnmanaged switches don't provide
configuration interface foroptions.
(14:16):
You cannot customize settingslike E-Lands, quality, service
or Security.
They operate with a fixed,predefined configuration.
Limited control with unmanagedswitch, you have limited control
over network traffic.
You cannot prioritize certaintypes of traffic, implement
access control or fine-tunenetwork behaviors.
Lack of VLAN support unmanagedswitches do not support virtual
(14:41):
VLANs, which are used to segmenta network into isolated
subnetworks.
Vlans are commonly used toenhance network security and
manage traffic.
No quality of service Unmanagedswitches don't offer quality of
service features.
Qos is important forprioritizing network traffic to
ensure that criticalapplications receive sufficient
(15:03):
bandwidth and low latency.
No security features Unmanagedswitch lack advanced security
features such as access control,port security and MAC address
filtering.
These features are essentialfor controlling access to the
network and protecting againstsecurity threats.
Unmanaged switch are notsuitable for complex network
(15:24):
topologies.
They lack support for featureslike loop prevention, spanning
tree and layer 3 rottingTroubleshooting.
Networks with unmanagedswitches can be challenging.
They don't provide air logs ordiagnostic tools, making it
difficult to identify andresolve problems.
Unmanaged switches have fixedsettings and behavior.
(15:45):
It's predefined, set of rulesand you cannot adjust their
behavior.
Like I said before, there is noremote management on these
devices, which can beimpractical in larger or
remotely located networks.
So unmanaged switch are suitedfor simple network setups and
(16:06):
environments where basic networkconnectivity is the primary
need.
They are cost-efficient anduser-friendly, making it
suitable for small business.
Again, as we said, if you wantto do anything more complex, go
to management switch.
So let's end with the pros andcons of having Unmanaged Switch.
(16:30):
So, pros, simplicity UnmanagedSwitch are incredibly easy to
set up and use.
They also are incredibly easy.
They're essentiallyplug-and-play, requiring no
configuration.
You can connect devices toUnmanaged Switch and it will
automatically start working.
It can be quickly deployed,allowing for rapid network
(16:51):
expansion or device connectivitywithout time consuming process.
They're more affordable thanUnmanaged Switch.
They have minimal maintenance.
They ideal for small networkswith basic connectivity needs.
They are very reliable androbust for simple network tasks.
(17:12):
They're very user-friendly, soyou don't have to have a lot of
network knowledge.
Again, because they don't havea fan.
They don't make a lot of noiseand they're very compact.
There's no risk of accidentalmisconfigurations that could
disrupt the network.
Again, another thing to remindourselves is the affordability
(17:38):
Right low cost, no licensing fee, simplified design, reduced
support costs, energy efficient,cost-effective for your basic
needs.
You don't need any additionalnetwork equipment and no ongoing
license fees.
Again, it's reliable.
Simplistic, plug-and-play,reduced points of failure.
(18:00):
There are fewer components andpotentials for failure.
This leads to greaterreliability, ideal for small
networks.
Long-term scalability the lackof advanced features and
settings means that UnmanagedSwitches tend to operate with
high-degree stability over thelong haul.
Also, let's not forget that theplug-and-play is easy to set up
(18:24):
.
No configuration required.
Again, quick deployment,reliability, no risk of
misconfigurations those are thepros for having an Unmanaged
Switch.
The cons and there's a lot ofthem here, looking at my list is
lack of control.
There's a lack of control andcustomization.
You cannot fine-tune it.
(18:45):
It's inflexible.
It is what it is you buy.
It is what it is.
No quality of service, no VLANsupport.
If something happens, it'slimited in the troubleshooting
that it has.
It has no security features atall, such as access control,
port security, mac addressfiltering.
This could be a risk.
(19:06):
Reduce control over traffic.
With Unmanaged Switches youhave limited control of network
traffic.
No remote configurations.
Unmanaged Switches are notsuitable for complex network
topologies.
You cannot customize it.
It has no advanced networkfeatures.
The settings are fixed.
You have very limited networksegmentation.
(19:29):
You can't prioritize trafficright.
Limited security features areremote Right.
No port security.
Port security features, whichare very common In managed
switches, are unavailable andunmanaged switches.
Port security allow networkadministrators To restrict the
(19:50):
number of devices that canconnect to a specific port.
Unmanned switches do not havethis protective measure in place
.
Unmanned switches do notsupport Mac address filtering,
which is a method to controlaccess by allowing or denying
devices Based on a Mac address.
This can be a disadvantage interms of network security,
limited visibility andmonitoring.
(20:11):
Our unmanaged switches don'tprovide this.
This means that suspicious orunauthorized Network activity
may go unnoticed, making it achallenge to detect it.
Unmanned switches don't allowyou to implement and enforce
Network security policies andmanage switch.
You can define specificsecurity policies, as this
control, traffic, filtering,unmanaged switches.
(20:33):
You cannot do that Withoutadvanced security features and
modern capabilities.
Unmanned switches may be maylack the ability to detect and
respond to security threats inreal time, leaving the network
vulnerable to attacks.
Since unmanaged switches don'toffer access control or
(20:53):
authentication methods, there isa risk of unauthorized access
on the network.
Anyone who can have physicallyconnect to the switch can
potentially gain access to thenetwork.
Also, a couple more A fixednumber of ports.
Typically unmanaged switchescome with a fixed number of
(21:14):
ports, which means you cannoteasily expand.
Usually four or five Can addnew features.
You're limited in yourbandwidth.
Difficulty in expanding yournetwork.
Limited support for highdensity environments.
A large number of devices needto connect to a concentrated
(21:34):
area.
The fixed port amount and it'sso small it's not robust, may
not work for you.
Difficult in isolating traffic,inefficient network expansion.
And we have some what we calluse cases when we use managed
switches.
(21:54):
Unmanned switches are frequentlyused in home networks the idea
for connecting multiple devicesSuch as computers, printers,
gaming consoles and smart TVs Toa home router.
Home users typically don't needadvanced features and
appreciate the ease of unmanagedswitch when it can be used for
an extended wired connectivity.
(22:16):
In many homes there are limitednumber of ethernet ports
available on the router, onmodem Provided by the ISP,
usually three or four.
An unmanaged switch allows youto extend wired connectivity by
adding more ethernet ports,making it easier to connect
devices like computers, gamingconsoles, smart TVs.
I have like I have three allthree of mine ISP connections
(22:38):
used and I have a smallunmanaged switch which is eight
port and they're all used.
So this really expanded mywired connectivity Home setup.
For individuals working fromhome, unmanned switches can be
useful for creating a dedicatedhome office network.
This helps separate workrelated devices From personal
(23:00):
devices and ensure a reliablewired connection.
Smart home devices such assmart speakers, cameras and
thermostats offer requiredinternet connections for optimal
performance.
An unmanaged switch can beconnected to these devices and
ensure a stable networkconnection.
I have my smart TV connecteddirectly to the switch.
If you have multiple devicesusing for streaming video
(23:23):
content or online gaming, anunmanaged switch can provide
additional ethernet ports,reducing the load on your wi-fi.
I connect a network printer orNAS or NAS, not the wrapper
device is a network attachedstorage device to an unmanaged
switch, making these resourcesavailable to all devices on the
network.
It simplifies file sharing andprinting.
(23:46):
My print is also connected tothe switch.
Unmanned switches plug and play.
Again, they're cost effectiveFor devices that require stable
and reliable wired connections,such as desktop computers.
Unmanned switches ensureconsistent network performance.
You can expand it if you want athome For small offices.
(24:08):
Small offices and home officeswith minimal network requirement
can benefit again from that.
Again, you could expand yournetwork connectivity.
Affordable network expansion.
You could connect your officeequipment small offices to be
used desktop computers, printerscanners and fax machines.
When an unmanaged switch iseasy to connect, you can install
(24:29):
again a NAS at the wrapper forbackup purposes.
It's a reliable wired network.
For a small branch office orremote locations of larger
organizations, unmanaged switchcan provide a simple and cause
effective means Expanding yournetwork.
Simple setup, low maintenancemeaning your basic needs For
(24:52):
temporary networks convenientfor temporary setup, events or
workshops.
In this situation we need tocreate a network quickly and
don't have the time or luxury oftechnical expertise.
Unmanaged switches may be theway to go.
They will allow to connectdevices without worrying about
complex network settings.
Stuff like events andconferences, training sessions
(25:16):
and workshops, constructionsites, temporary offices, pop-up
retail or food stalls, like astreet fair, outdoor events,
music festivals, sporting events, emergency response and
disaster recovery, film andtelevision production.
They may need somethingtemporarily, temporarily
(25:37):
worksites and trade booths andexpositions.
Unmanaged switches are wellsuited for temporary networks
because of their ease of use,quick deployment and cost
effectiveness.
They provide basic networkconnectivity without the need
for complex configurations,making them ideal for short-term
(25:58):
networking needs.
However, it's essential toconsider the security
requirements of your temporarynetwork to take appropriate
measures to protect it, evenwhile using unmanaged switch.
In summary, unmanaged switchideal for situations with
simplicity and affordability areparamount.
They provide basic networkconnectivity but come with
(26:18):
limitations in terms of control,scalability and security
features.
If your network needs to becomemore complicated or require
advanced management, it may benecessary to consider upgrading
to a managed switch which offersmore control and customization,
and on our next podcast, wewill explore managed switches.
Speaker 1 (26:46):
And that's going to put a bow on it today.
Thank you for everybodylistening and we'll see you next
time.
If you want to contact me, youcan email me at professorjrod.
(27:17):
You can also follow me onInstagram at Professor Jrod.
This has been a little touch up.
Productions are by Jrod.
Until next time.
Tap on Professor Jayrod.
In this episode we are going totalk about unmanaged switches
let's get to it music.
(00:56):
Alright, before we start, acouple of housekeeping things.
As always, one of the thingsthat I want to tell you guys is
that I've been, I was offered towork for a company and I cannot
say another project that isgoing to be out in December,
january.
(01:16):
It was all filmed, but youcould get, I don't.
I don't have to tell you whatcompany it is, but I can.
You can tell me doing thisstuff for the last four years,
what company approached me andwanted to do a video with me.
So I'm very excited about that.
That should come out in Januaryor, you know, december, january
(01:37):
, february, they said.
But it was a good experience.
I went down to New York City toa television studio and they
sat me down and they recorded me.
They did make up the wholething.
So I'm very excited about whatis to come.
We're gonna go back to back toback the next couple of days, so
be on the lookout for thepodcast.
(01:58):
Again, I, you know I've been alittle busy had a conference in
DC that I had to go to and, youknow, still doing my
dissertation and all the otherstuff that I'm doing, but I got
a couple of scripts ready.
So, as I said in the beginning,we're going to do switches and
specifically unmanaged switches.
(02:19):
All right, so we're gonna begin.
So in the realm of computernetworking, a switch is a
fundamental and crucial networkdevice that operates primarily
at the data link layer, which islayer 2 are.
The primary function of aswitch is to facilitate the
efficient and intelligenttransfer of data within a land.
(02:40):
Unlike older network deviceslike hubs, which simply
broadcast packets to allconnected devices, switches are
intelligent devices that makedecisions about where send data
packets.
They achieve this by examiningthe unique media access control
or MAC address associated withthe device connected to the
(03:00):
network.
Each device on a network has adistinct MAC address, akin to a
digital fingerprint.
When data is sent to, a switchutilizes these MAC address to
determine which specific port tosend the data packet to
ensuring that it reaches theintended recipient and isn't
broadcast unnecessarily to alldevices, like a hub does.
(03:23):
Switching.
Switches aren't a veryimportant to modern network
environments, whatever in homes,small businesses or large-scale
enterprises.
They play a central role inbuilding efficient and secure
networks enabling multipledevices to communicate
seamlessly.
Throughout this discussion withthe box into.
(03:43):
Well, it's going to be part onein part two.
Right, we're going to dounmanaged switches today and
then tomorrow we'll do managedswitch.
All right, unmanaged switch isalso refers as dumb switches are
simpler and morestraightforward Category of
network switches that aredesigned for basic plug-and-play
networking without the need foruser configuration.
(04:03):
Some key features of unmanagedswitch include One simplicity
unmanaged switch are extremelyuser-friendly and require
minimal setup.
There are essentiallyplug-and-play devices and making
them easy to use.
When you connect the devices tothe switch, it automatically
manages the routing of the datapacket and it's particularly
(04:24):
beneficial for individuals orsmall businesses with limited
network experience.
And that falls under, like youknow, eight or nine to ten
subcategories.
So, like I said, one isplug-and-play.
Unmanaged switches areessentially plug-and-play.
You can typically set them upby connecting network cables and
powering them on.
(04:45):
There are no complexconfiguration Steps or
management interface to navigatean unmanaged switch.
Unmanaged switch operatewithout the need for to
configure them.
They automatically pass databetween devices Connected to
their ports without any userintervention, so very easy to
use.
This makes an idea for userswho are not familiar with
network settings.
Low maintenance unmanagedswitches require minimal
(05:09):
maintenance once they're set up.
They generally operate Reliablewithout need for ongoing
adjustments or updates.
Cost-efficient unmanagedswitches are often more
affordable than managed switch.
This cost effectiveness makesthem an attractive option for
small business and home networksand basic connectivity needs,
(05:30):
and they are suitable for smallnetworks.
Unmanaged switches are wellsuited for small networks, with
simplicity and basicconnectivity other primary
requirements that are commonlyused at home office, small
office and simple home networks.
Unmanaged switches aretypically compact and fanless,
which means they do not generatesignificant noise or heat,
(05:53):
which is a good thing.
This makes them suitable forquiet environments in spaces
with limited physical space.
Unmanaged switch functions asstandalone devices.
They do not support advancedfeatures like VLANs, quality of
service or security settingsthat require configuration and
management.
While unmanaged switches areeasy to set up, they offer
(06:14):
limited scalability.
You cannot expand or manageyour network as easily as with
managed switches.
Unmanaged switches usually comewith a fixed number of ports,
making them suitable for smallnetworks with a limited number
of devices.
Unmanaged switches alsoeliminate the complexity
associated with configuring andmanaging Network features.
(06:36):
The simplicity is advantagethat advantage for users who do
not have a running backgroundand networking.
It is important to know whyunmanaged Switches are
straightforward and simple.
They have limitations.
They don't provide advancedcapabilities and control offered
by managed switches.
As your network requirementsgrow you, or if you need to
(06:56):
implement specific networkfeatures, you may need to
transition to a managed switch.
The choice between managed andunmanaged switch should be based
on your network needs, yourtechnical expertise and your
specific network complexity.
(07:17):
What's another thing aboutunmanaged switch is
affordability.
Unmanaged switch are generallymore budget-friendly compared to
managed counterparts.
This affordability makes theman attractive choice for
individuals or small businessLooking to expand their network
without occurring significantcosts.
Unmanaged switch are typicallyless expensive than managed
switch.
They're designed for simpleplug-and-play, which reduce
(07:39):
their cost.
Unmanaged switches do notrequire additional licensing fee
as they lack the advancedfeatures and management
capabilities found in managedswitches.
This keeps the total cost ofownership low.
Unmanaged switch have astraightforward design that
focus on basic networkconnectivity.
(07:59):
This simplicity allows for costsavings in terms of both
manufacturing and maintenance.
Unmanaged switches do notrequire specialized network
administrators or extensivetraining.
This reduce support andpersonnel costs, making them
accessible to small businessesand individuals.
Unmatted switches are oftendesigned to be energy efficient,
(08:21):
which can result in loweroperating costs over time.
Some models have features thatautomatically adjust power
consumption based on networktraffic.
Many unmatted switches arecompact, fanless, eliminating
the need for cooling system andreducing physical space
requirement.
The design choice contributesto affordability and the
practability of having anunmatted switch.
(08:43):
They're also excellent to fitfor small network and basic
connectivity needs.
They are affordability allieswith the budget constraints of
small and home users.
Small business users and homeusers Unmatted switch requires
minimal setup and maintenance,which again reduces the cost of
hiring.
To hire somebody who needs toadminister Unmatted switch
(09:08):
offers several cost advantage.
It's essential to consider yourspecific network requirements.
For simple network setups wherebasic connectivity is the
primary goal, the unmattedswitch offers economical and
practical solutions.
Now, lack of user interface.
Let's talk about that.
Unmatted switches typicallylack a user interface or
(09:30):
management capabilities.
They do not provide web-basedinterface or command line access
for configuration.
This simplicity means there areno advanced settings to adjust
or customize.
Unmatted switches are designedfor playing and play.
This simplicity can beadvantage for those who want
right, like I said,straightforward inflexibility.
(09:52):
Unmatted switches have fixedsettings and features that
cannot be customized.
To implement advanced networkfeatures, such as virtual VLANs,
quality of service of securitysettings, users are limited to
the switch's default behavior.
Without a user interface, youcannot access logs, statistics
or error message that could helpwith troubleshooting network
(10:13):
issues.
This makes diagnosing andresolving problems more
challenging.
No remote management.
Unmatted switches lack thecapabilities for remote
management.
Network administrators cannotaccess or configure the switch
settings remotely, making iteasier to be physically present
for any changes.
Unmatted switches providelittle visibility into network
(10:39):
traffic and performance.
Network monitoring, real-timestatistics and network analysis
are not typically not available.
Unmatted switches do not offeradvanced security features.
They like access control, portsecurity and other security
settings that are commonlyavailable in managed switch.
This can be a security risk incertain environments.
(11:01):
Unmatted switches have a fixednumber of ports and limited
scalability.
Expanding your network oradding features can be
challenging without upgrading toa managed switch.
Unmatted switches do not allowfor customization to adapt to
unique network requirements.
You cannot tailor the switchbehavior to specific needs or
optimize it for certainapplications.
(11:22):
Unmatted switches do notsupport VLANs, making it a
challenge to isolate orsegregate traffic between
different parts of the network.
This can impact networksecurity and network management.
It is important to choosebetween managed and unmanaged
switches based on your specificnetworking needs.
Unmatted switches are bestsuited for small networks with
(11:45):
basic connectivity requirementswhere simplicity and cost
effectiveness are paramount.
For more complex networks thatrequire advanced features,
security and customizations,managed switch with a user
interface and managementcapabilities are a better choice
, even if they come at a highercost.
Now let's talk about plug andplay on an unmanaged switch.
(12:07):
Unmatted switches are true plugand play devices.
After connecting your devicesto switch and powering it on, it
immediately begins functioningwithout any need for user
interventions.
This straightforward setup issuitable for scenarios with
quick and uncomplicated networkexpansion is required.
Again, no configurationrequired.
(12:30):
When you connect devices tounmanaged switch, there's
typically no need to configureit.
It automatically detects it andit starts working right away.
As soon as you plug networkcables into the switch ports and
provide power, your devices areconnected and can communicate
with each other over the network.
There's no need to set up IPaddress, configure VLANs or just
(12:51):
any network parameters.
The primary advantage ofplug-and-play with unmanaged
switch is simplicity.
Users, especially those who donot have extensive networking
knowledge, appreciate thehassle-free setup.
It is as simple as connectingcables and turning the switch on
.
Unmanaged switch are wellsuited for small network and
home environment where basicnetwork connectivity is the
(13:14):
primary concern.
The simplicity is one of thekey reasons that are commonly
used in such settings.
The plug-and-play feature ofunmanaged switch contributes to
that cost effectiveness.
They are typically moreaffordable than managed switch,
making them a budget-friendlychoice.
While the automatic operationsof unmanaged switch is
(13:36):
convenient for local setup, theylack remote management
capabilities.
Changes or adjustment must bemade directly at the switch,
which can be a limitation inlarger or more complex networks.
It is important to note thatwhile unmanaged switches are
excellent for simple networks,they have their limitations, as
(13:56):
we discussed.
Next we're going to talk aboutthe no-advanced features on an
unmanaged switch.
Unmanaged switch is likeadvanced networking features
that managed switch offers.
Let's take a look at some ofthem.
No configuration optionsUnmanaged switches don't provide
configuration interface foroptions.
(14:16):
You cannot customize settingslike E-Lands, quality, service
or Security.
They operate with a fixed,predefined configuration.
Limited control with unmanagedswitch, you have limited control
over network traffic.
You cannot prioritize certaintypes of traffic, implement
access control or fine-tunenetwork behaviors.
Lack of VLAN support unmanagedswitches do not support virtual
(14:41):
VLANs, which are used to segmenta network into isolated
subnetworks.
Vlans are commonly used toenhance network security and
manage traffic.
No quality of service Unmanagedswitches don't offer quality of
service features.
Qos is important forprioritizing network traffic to
ensure that criticalapplications receive sufficient
(15:03):
bandwidth and low latency.
No security features Unmanagedswitch lack advanced security
features such as access control,port security and MAC address
filtering.
These features are essentialfor controlling access to the
network and protecting againstsecurity threats.
Unmanaged switch are notsuitable for complex network
(15:24):
topologies.
They lack support for featureslike loop prevention, spanning
tree and layer 3 rottingTroubleshooting.
Networks with unmanagedswitches can be challenging.
They don't provide air logs ordiagnostic tools, making it
difficult to identify andresolve problems.
Unmanaged switches have fixedsettings and behavior.
(15:45):
It's predefined, set of rulesand you cannot adjust their
behavior.
Like I said before, there is noremote management on these
devices, which can beimpractical in larger or
remotely located networks.
So unmanaged switch are suitedfor simple network setups and
(16:06):
environments where basic networkconnectivity is the primary
need.
They are cost-efficient anduser-friendly, making it
suitable for small business.
Again, as we said, if you wantto do anything more complex, go
to management switch.
So let's end with the pros andcons of having Unmanaged Switch.
(16:30):
So, pros, simplicity UnmanagedSwitch are incredibly easy to
set up and use.
They also are incredibly easy.
They're essentiallyplug-and-play, requiring no
configuration.
You can connect devices toUnmanaged Switch and it will
automatically start working.
It can be quickly deployed,allowing for rapid network
(16:51):
expansion or device connectivitywithout time consuming process.
They're more affordable thanUnmanaged Switch.
They have minimal maintenance.
They ideal for small networkswith basic connectivity needs.
They are very reliable androbust for simple network tasks.
(17:12):
They're very user-friendly, soyou don't have to have a lot of
network knowledge.
Again, because they don't havea fan.
They don't make a lot of noiseand they're very compact.
There's no risk of accidentalmisconfigurations that could
disrupt the network.
Again, another thing to remindourselves is the affordability
(17:38):
Right low cost, no licensing fee, simplified design, reduced
support costs, energy efficient,cost-effective for your basic
needs.
You don't need any additionalnetwork equipment and no ongoing
license fees.
Again, it's reliable.
Simplistic, plug-and-play,reduced points of failure.
(18:00):
There are fewer components andpotentials for failure.
This leads to greaterreliability, ideal for small
networks.
Long-term scalability the lackof advanced features and
settings means that UnmanagedSwitches tend to operate with
high-degree stability over thelong haul.
Also, let's not forget that theplug-and-play is easy to set up
(18:24):
.
No configuration required.
Again, quick deployment,reliability, no risk of
misconfigurations those are thepros for having an Unmanaged
Switch.
The cons and there's a lot ofthem here, looking at my list is
lack of control.
There's a lack of control andcustomization.
You cannot fine-tune it.
(18:45):
It's inflexible.
It is what it is you buy.
It is what it is.
No quality of service, no VLANsupport.
If something happens, it'slimited in the troubleshooting
that it has.
It has no security features atall, such as access control,
port security, mac addressfiltering.
This could be a risk.
(19:06):
Reduce control over traffic.
With Unmanaged Switches youhave limited control of network
traffic.
No remote configurations.
Unmanaged Switches are notsuitable for complex network
topologies.
You cannot customize it.
It has no advanced networkfeatures.
The settings are fixed.
You have very limited networksegmentation.
(19:29):
You can't prioritize trafficright.
Limited security features areremote Right.
No port security.
Port security features, whichare very common In managed
switches, are unavailable andunmanaged switches.
Port security allow networkadministrators To restrict the
(19:50):
number of devices that canconnect to a specific port.
Unmanned switches do not havethis protective measure in place
.
Unmanned switches do notsupport Mac address filtering,
which is a method to controlaccess by allowing or denying
devices Based on a Mac address.
This can be a disadvantage interms of network security,
limited visibility andmonitoring.
(20:11):
Our unmanaged switches don'tprovide this.
This means that suspicious orunauthorized Network activity
may go unnoticed, making it achallenge to detect it.
Unmanned switches don't allowyou to implement and enforce
Network security policies andmanage switch.
You can define specificsecurity policies, as this
control, traffic, filtering,unmanaged switches.
(20:33):
You cannot do that Withoutadvanced security features and
modern capabilities.
Unmanned switches may be maylack the ability to detect and
respond to security threats inreal time, leaving the network
vulnerable to attacks.
Since unmanaged switches don'toffer access control or
(20:53):
authentication methods, there isa risk of unauthorized access
on the network.
Anyone who can have physicallyconnect to the switch can
potentially gain access to thenetwork.
Also, a couple more A fixednumber of ports.
Typically unmanaged switchescome with a fixed number of
(21:14):
ports, which means you cannoteasily expand.
Usually four or five Can addnew features.
You're limited in yourbandwidth.
Difficulty in expanding yournetwork.
Limited support for highdensity environments.
A large number of devices needto connect to a concentrated
(21:34):
area.
The fixed port amount and it'sso small it's not robust, may
not work for you.
Difficult in isolating traffic,inefficient network expansion.
And we have some what we calluse cases when we use managed
switches.
(21:54):
Unmanned switches are frequentlyused in home networks the idea
for connecting multiple devicesSuch as computers, printers,
gaming consoles and smart TVs Toa home router.
Home users typically don't needadvanced features and
appreciate the ease of unmanagedswitch when it can be used for
an extended wired connectivity.
(22:16):
In many homes there are limitednumber of ethernet ports
available on the router, onmodem Provided by the ISP,
usually three or four.
An unmanaged switch allows youto extend wired connectivity by
adding more ethernet ports,making it easier to connect
devices like computers, gamingconsoles, smart TVs.
I have like I have three allthree of mine ISP connections
(22:38):
used and I have a smallunmanaged switch which is eight
port and they're all used.
So this really expanded mywired connectivity Home setup.
For individuals working fromhome, unmanned switches can be
useful for creating a dedicatedhome office network.
This helps separate workrelated devices From personal
(23:00):
devices and ensure a reliablewired connection.
Smart home devices such assmart speakers, cameras and
thermostats offer requiredinternet connections for optimal
performance.
An unmanaged switch can beconnected to these devices and
ensure a stable networkconnection.
I have my smart TV connecteddirectly to the switch.
If you have multiple devicesusing for streaming video
(23:23):
content or online gaming, anunmanaged switch can provide
additional ethernet ports,reducing the load on your wi-fi.
I connect a network printer orNAS or NAS, not the wrapper
device is a network attachedstorage device to an unmanaged
switch, making these resourcesavailable to all devices on the
network.
It simplifies file sharing andprinting.
(23:46):
My print is also connected tothe switch.
Unmanned switches plug and play.
Again, they're cost effectiveFor devices that require stable
and reliable wired connections,such as desktop computers.
Unmanned switches ensureconsistent network performance.
You can expand it if you want athome For small offices.
(24:08):
Small offices and home officeswith minimal network requirement
can benefit again from that.
Again, you could expand yournetwork connectivity.
Affordable network expansion.
You could connect your officeequipment small offices to be
used desktop computers, printerscanners and fax machines.
When an unmanaged switch iseasy to connect, you can install
(24:29):
again a NAS at the wrapper forbackup purposes.
It's a reliable wired network.
For a small branch office orremote locations of larger
organizations, unmanaged switchcan provide a simple and cause
effective means Expanding yournetwork.
Simple setup, low maintenancemeaning your basic needs For
(24:52):
temporary networks convenientfor temporary setup, events or
workshops.
In this situation we need tocreate a network quickly and
don't have the time or luxury oftechnical expertise.
Unmanaged switches may be theway to go.
They will allow to connectdevices without worrying about
complex network settings.
Stuff like events andconferences, training sessions
(25:16):
and workshops, constructionsites, temporary offices, pop-up
retail or food stalls, like astreet fair, outdoor events,
music festivals, sporting events, emergency response and
disaster recovery, film andtelevision production.
They may need somethingtemporarily, temporarily
(25:37):
worksites and trade booths andexpositions.
Unmanaged switches are wellsuited for temporary networks
because of their ease of use,quick deployment and cost
effectiveness.
They provide basic networkconnectivity without the need
for complex configurations,making them ideal for short-term
(25:58):
networking needs.
However, it's essential toconsider the security
requirements of your temporarynetwork to take appropriate
measures to protect it, evenwhile using unmanaged switch.
In summary, unmanaged switchideal for situations with
simplicity and affordability areparamount.
They provide basic networkconnectivity but come with
(26:18):
limitations in terms of control,scalability and security
features.
If your network needs to becomemore complicated or require
advanced management, it may benecessary to consider upgrading
to a managed switch which offersmore control and customization,
and on our next podcast, wewill explore managed switches.
Speaker 1 (26:46):
And that's going to put a bow on it today.
Thank you for everybodylistening and we'll see you next
time.
If you want to contact me, youcan email me at professorjrod.
(27:17):
You can also follow me onInstagram at Professor Jrod.
This has been a little touch up.
Productions are by Jrod.
Until next time.
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