Connect

Introduction

In order to create even a moderately sized computer network, a network switch will be a required piece of equipment. For most people's needs, however, a switch is a fairly inexpensive piece of equipment.

Key Considerations

• How many users will the network have to support
• What speed does the switch need to support?
• Do you need the routing capabilities of a Layer 3 switch?
• Do you need require Power over Ethernet?
• Managed or Unmanaged?

Features & Benefits

Power over Ethernet - PoE support lets a switch directly power IP phones, wireless access points, Internet Protocol security and surveillance cameras, and other devices right over Ethernet wiring.

Unmanaged Switches - simply allows Ethernet devices to communicate with one another, such as a PC or network printer, and those are typically what we call plug and play.

Managed Switches - provide all the features of an Unmanaged Switch, but also provide the ability to configure, manage, and monitor your LAN. Furthermore, a Managed Switch gives you more control over your LAN traffic and offers advanced features to control that traffic.