Why you need a managed switch

The principle of computer networks is to connect different devices (personal computers, peripherals ) into a single system using only two components of equipment: routers and switches. Thanks to such devices, all elements of the network can interact with each other, as well as with other networks. Externally, switches and routers look similar, but they perform different functions. In this article we will focus on the first devices, namely, in such a separate form as the managed switch. So, what are these devices?

Purpose and types of switches

These devices are used to create networks within a single building or specific territory. The switches connect personal computers, servers, printers, scanners, thereby creating a network of a shared resource. Such devices can function as controllers, that is, allow different elements to provide access to information, as well as interact with other participants. By providing such access to data and allocating all resources, switches improve the performance of the entire network.

There are two types of such devices: managed and unmanaged. The latter work according to the standard scheme. The user can not make changes to it. In home networks it is customary to use this type. A managed switch provides access for programming. Due to this quality, high flexibility of the system is ensured. This is due to the fact that the managed switch can be configured and monitored remotely or locally to manage traffic and access to the network. Let us consider in more detail this type of device.

Commutator controlled: technical features

Such devices are capable of supporting many different functions for making changes to the instrument settings. The operator can connect one console cord to the machine and use the CLI function to configure the device operation. In addition, the instrument can be controlled via SNMP, Telnet, SSL and SSH. A managed switch can support advanced functions (RSTP, MSTP, STP) if there are two or more routes on the network (between devices and computers). If the user needs to increase the level of network security, then you can configure a special function 802.1 X, ACL. A managed type switch, depending on the task, can support multiple VLANs. Such devices can provide high reliability and stability of computer networks.

Conclusion

The development of network equipment does not stand still. In this industry, new devices are constantly appearing. Some of them are designed to create computer networks using copper cables, and others - for networks based on fiber-optic technology. In the same way, the devices considered by us are developing very rapidly. For example, you can see the computer networks that are controlled by a managed switch of level 2 or even 3 levels. The popularity of such equipment is due to ubiquitous computerization, as telephony, television, the Internet, and even banking networks are now integrated into a single system.