the_msp
Lifetime Supporting Member
At what point is a managed switch recommended over a non-managed? Consider the attached architecture, is a managed switch overkill for only a handful of devices?
the_msp said:At what point is a managed switch recommended over a non-managed? Consider the attached architecture, is a managed switch overkill for only a handful of devices?
Toine said:I use managed switches not for known features such as VLAN's and the like, but mostly for additional stuff like cable diagnostics, multicast/broadcast storm control, loop prevention...
radarman said:...Where is the tipping that you MUST consider a managed switch...
At what point is a managed switch recommended over a non-managed? Consider the attached architecture, is a managed switch overkill for only a handful of devices?
There are many very advanced reasons to use a managed switch. But, consider this very basic difference......
What is a broadcast message type? Who receives it?
What is a unicast message type? Who receives it?
Now for the most part, that is all an un-managed switch knows about. However, there is another message type that is quite common. It is called multicast. Multicast messages go to a group of subscribers. So not everyone receives it like a broadcast. But it does go to multiple targets, so not like a unicast either.
Unicast = 1 to 1
Multicast = 1 to many
Broadcast = 1 to everyone
An un-managed switch does not recognize the destination for these multicast messages. When a switch can't identify the destination for a frame, it broadcasts that frame out all ports (except the incoming port).
So with an un-managed switch, all multicast messages becomes broadcast messages potentially flooding your network with broadcasts. Then, every switch connected to that switch re-broadcasts the message.
Managed switches on the other hand can learn where the multicast message needs to go and direct it to that specify port. It does not have to broadcast it out to everyone. Now, not every managed switch does this either. It needs to support a protocol called Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and might require a feature called IGMP Snooping. Neither of which is found in an un-managed switch.
I overloaded a small network of five devices that were using multicast messages by using cheap un-managed switches.
OG
Interesting conversation- I've often wished for an easy way to make the call since Managed AB switches take about 2 minutes to boot up, cost way more and have an infuriatingly glitchy interface.
As unmanaged switches and other devices start standardizing on Gigabit Ethernet ports, I wonder if that will that move the tipping point up before needing a managed switch?