What is a switch?

Most networks today use switches to connect computers, printers, phones, cameras, lights, and servers in businesses and homes.

A switch serves as a controller, enabling networked devices to talk to each other efficiently. Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save money, increase productivity, enhance security and manage bandwidth.

Unmanaged Switches

An unmanaged switch works right out of the box. It’s not designed to be configured, so you don’t have to worry about installing or setting it up correctly. Unmanaged switches have fewer features and less network capacity than managed switches. You’ll usually find unmanaged switches in home networking equipment.

Managed Switches

A managed network switch is configurable, offering greater security, flexibility, and capacity than an unmanaged switch. You can monitor and adjust a managed switch locally or remotely, to give you greater network control.