switches & routers
SPECIAL FEATURE
The people managing the network with smart switches do not necessarily need to be advanced IT staff . They can have minimal knowledge of IT yet be able to use the interface to control and manage the network , and configure the automation for the switch ; by using the easy to use web interface and set up wizard . Not only does this support businesses that have limited IT resource in a given location but it also means that the time spent on routine network management is greatly reduced .
Efficiencies can also be gained thanks to the ability to use smart switches to easily upgrade an existing business network . Using a smart switch , the network becomes more intelligent without major investment . During an office move for example , or when more switch capacity is needed , choosing a smart switch is a cost effective option that adds a layer of automation and network management , with the required capacity .
Power over Ethernet
Power over Ethernet ( PoE ) is a way of offering both data connectivity , and power to a connected device . So a device only needs one cable to get it up and running .
This adds significant flexibility to the overall set up of an office space , new devices such as surveillance cameras , access points or IP phones can be installed , set up and running quickly without the need for an electrician to provide power , or the use of power adaptors and trailing extension leads .
Furthermore , smart switches have the ability to intelligently understand if a device is PoE or not , and enable or disable power on the port accordingly , either by schedule or on reduced idle mode . This is particularly useful for temporary installations or a user base that is not in a fixed location – for example , remote workers visiting the office or ‘ on the road ’ employees that visit different branch offices . The switch can simply be used without requiring manual configuration .
Choosing the right smart switch
Smart switches are often specified by the number of ports they offer , this is the number of different directly connected devices they can support at any given time . Typically , this is 8 , 10 , 20 , 24 , or 48 Gigabit ports .
Estimating the number of ports you require is straightforward and provides a useful first step to understanding which smart switch is best suited to your environment and application . You need to consider how many devices you have that need connectivity , and how many people connect to the network . On a typical desk , for example , you might have a phone , and a computer . Whether a phone is IP or not , it can still be operated through the switch . So this means each desk needs at least two ports . You then need to factor in ports for devices such as servers , desktop PCs , mobile devices , storage devices , video conferencing , IP surveillance , printers and point of sale systems .
You should also be asking yourself a few other questions . Do you need PoE , now , or for future plans ? Do people in your business work with large files that
if a device is PoE or not , and enable or your business work with large files that a smaller scale .
might need speeding to the file server via a 10 Gigabit connection ? Are you planning to add wireless access points or network cameras ? If so plan for more ports . Is the network critical to the business ? Then consider smart switches , which support physical stacking and cross connection , adding redundancy to the network should one switch fail , as traffic will be rerouted through the other working switches . Have you thought of avoiding a single point of failure ?
With investment in a smart switch being made for long term gain , both current plans and future growth in all areas connected to the network need to be considered as more connected devices entering the workplace is inevitable , increasing the demands on switching technology with increased usage on bandwidth .
Ideally if budget allows , it ’ s better to invest in the highest port count switch if at all possible , with a 10 Gigabit connection ; as this will save physical space and future proof the network for expansion . However , if this isn ’ t possible it ’ s essential to take current requirements for the immediate future into account . Smart switches strike a happy medium between managed switches ; offering complex network management functions that few businesses require , and unmanaged switches ; which offer no network management functions . Having a balance of capabilities , such as monitoring ports , configuring trunks and setting prioritisation , all via an intuitive web interface , make smart switches an ideal choice for small businesses looking to deploy enterprise level technology on a smaller scale .
Smart switches have the ability to intelligently understand if a device is PoE or not .
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