[Gllug] Switches

[John Hearns]

On Tue, 2003-01-07 at 11:18, Peter Childs wrote:
> 
> 	I know this is a little off topic.
> 
> 	But what exactly is the difference between a Managed and an 
> Unmanaged switch. 

A managed switch will typically have a serial port, 
and also the ability to remotely log into it via telnet, and http.
You can gather statistics from thee ports - ie. 
And you can set port status - ie. auto-negotiation, half/full duplex.
This can be helpful if you have NICs or laptops which won't play ball
properly. You can switch ports off also.
You can do port mirroring - so that you can sniff traffic going to 
specific ports, useful for diagnosis.
Managed switches also implement SNMP - so if you are planning any SNMP
network control or monitoring software, the switches can become part of
it.

The switch manufacturers usually have some simple control software
running under Windows usually, which produces pretty pictures of the
switch front panels, including port status and blinking lights.
Useful if your switches are located in another building, or are at the
back of a closet. Though nothing beats going to visit them with a laptop
in hand and threaten them with a reboot...
Ditto for HTTP access - again graphics of the switch front panel.


If price is not much more, I'd go for a managed switch.
I assume these are on your private company network?
If they are anywhere near an Internet- accessible segment,
change those SNMP community strings (or switch off, the debate is open
to GLLUG) and change those default passwords.


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