5 Things to Think About When Purchasing a Network Switch

Posted by Rich Tull on March 24th, 2021

What Is the Purpose of a Network Switch?

Whether you run a small business or a large corporation, your network must keep many users connected reliably and securely 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You'll need the right equipment to spread the high-speed love, no matter how fast your ISP connects you. The network switch is a frequently ignored but critical component of the networking puzzle. How do you choose the best network switch for your needs? Let's go over some things to think about when it comes to your network requirements.

User count

The number of people you need to connect with is the first step. Remember that a user isn't just a person using a computer; it also includes printers (you'll probably have a couple), VoIP phones (your business will probably need to communicate with others verbally from time to time), surveillance cameras (just in case), firewalls (network security is a must), and wireless access points (those APs have to get their internet connections from somewhere). In general, a larger number of users necessitates more ports and faster data transfer speeds.

Power

Do you recall those access points? In many cases, you'll be installing your APs in places where conventional power outlets are difficult to access. Fortunately, many APs (as well as VoIP phones, firewalls, and other devices) can use Power over Ethernet, or PoE, to get their power. This means they can stay connected and get power with only an Ethernet cable. Look for a network switch with Ethernet ports that will support your network's PoE network switches requirements.

Speed

Although network switches do not generate speed, the wrong switch can significantly slow down your network. If you're transferring a lot of data, make sure you have ports that can keep up with your demands. Look for 10/100/1000 ports, also known as Gigabit Ethernet (GbE). The fastest speed shared by the sending and receiving devices will be automatically detected and used by these ports. A switch with 10/100 ports (speeds of 10 or 100 Mbps) may be sufficient for less demanding situations, but most modern switches support GbE ports.

Managed vs Unmanaged

This is a fairly straightforward decision. You'll want a managed switch if you're looking for a switch to connect the key components of your organization's network. What is the difference between managed and unmanaged switches? While the term "plug-and-play" may sound appealing, it refers to the lack of ability to configure an unmanaged network switch due to its lack of a "brain." A managed switch allows you to manually configure, monitor, and manage your network's devices.

Using a network switch, you can improve network performance and security by isolating sensitive data and only allowing active ports to reduce your attack surface. Our experts at Versitron.com will help you get that set up just right – and keep it that way – by actively managing your switch for you, regardless of the brand. Unmanaged switches are useful in lower-risk network configurations or as a supplement – for example, adding connections to a conference room.

Value

This is a no-brainer to consider when shopping for a switch, just like an unmanaged switch (or any significant purchase). VERSITRON will help you find the right value for your network, whether you need 12 or 48 ports. To find the network switch that best meets your needs, go to our Network Switch page and use the filters on the left-hand side of the page.