Unmanaged vs Managed Switches

Summary

In this video, Hayden Ireland and Terry Lawson discuss the critical differences between unmanaged and managed switches. Unmanaged switches, while seemingly sufficient, can lead to network issues like loops, lack diagnostics, and offer no security features. Managed switches, on the other hand, prevent loops with features like spanning tree, provide diagnostics for monitoring and troubleshooting, enhance security with port control, and enable VLAN segmentation for organized and efficient network management. The video emphasizes the importance of managed switches for robust and secure industrial networks.

Takeaways

• 🔁 Unmanaged switches can create loops when cables are accidentally connected to two ports on the same switch or multiple switches are looped together.
• 🌀 Loops in a network can cause a broadcast storm, leading to network crashes and unplanned downtime.
• 🛠️ Managed switches with spanning tree protocol can prevent loops by automatically blocking ports that are part of a loop.
• 📍 Managed switches provide diagnostics such as traffic monitoring and port statistics through their web interface, aiding in troubleshooting.
• 🔒 Managed switches offer enhanced security features, unlike unmanaged switches which provide no security.
• 🚫 Unmanaged switches do not support features like port enabling and disabling for physical security.
• 🏢 In large networks, managed switches allow for VLAN segmentation, which breaks up larger networks into smaller, more manageable ones.
• 🚧 VLANs help reduce overall network traffic and localize network issues, improving network management and troubleshooting.
• 🌐 Managed switches are essential for network segmentation, which is crucial for troubleshooting and adding devices in large networks.
• 🔑 For optimal network management, especially in manufacturing systems, managed switches provide the necessary tools and features to prevent issues and enhance security.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between unmanaged and managed switches?

Managed switches offer additional features such as the ability to monitor and control network traffic, prevent loops, and provide security measures, which unmanaged switches lack.

Why can unmanaged switches lead to network issues?

Unmanaged switches can cause network issues because they do not have the capability to detect and prevent loops, which can lead to broadcast storms and network crashes.

What happens when a loop is created in a network with unmanaged switches?

When a loop is created, the traffic volume in the loop grows until it overwhelms the switches' capacities, leading to a network crash and unplanned downtime.

How do managed switches prevent loops in a network?

Managed switches prevent loops by using protocols like Spanning Tree, which automatically blocks one of the ports if a loop is detected.

What diagnostic features do managed switches provide?

Managed switches offer diagnostics such as traffic monitoring, port statistics, and the ability to test cables directly from the switch's web interface.

How do managed switches enhance security in a network?

Managed switches enhance security by providing features like enabling and disabling ports for physical port security, which is not available in unmanaged switches.

What is the significance of VLAN segmentation in large networks?

VLAN segmentation allows for breaking up larger networks into smaller, more manageable networks, which decreases overall network traffic and helps localize network issues.

Can VLANs be set up on unmanaged switches?

No, unmanaged switches do not support VLAN configuration, which is a feature exclusive to managed switches.

Why is network segmentation important for troubleshooting?

Network segmentation is important for troubleshooting because it localizes issues to specific segments, making it easier to identify and resolve problems without affecting the entire network.

What is the main takeaway from the discussion on managed vs. unmanaged switches?

The main takeaway is that managed switches provide essential features like loop prevention, security, and diagnostics, which are critical for maintaining a stable and secure network, especially in manufacturing systems.

How can one get more information or assistance with networking decisions for their manufacturing systems?

For more information or assistance, one should contact their local ES&S account manager or an automation specialist.