Scott Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 Looking for some information on network switches. I currently have an unmanaged 8 port network switch that does the job but I'm wondering if managed would be better given my situation. Couple of quick questions... As I understand it the network speed is determined by the slowest network connection. Most of the kit I have is gigabit but I do have a couple of 10/100 devices. I believe that the unmanaged switch defaults to the lowest speed for ALL connections. Is the managed switch any different? The issue that I'm finding is that every now and again everything connected to the switch goes on a go slow. Doing a Speedtest I see approx 8mb/s which makes me think it's gone into 10mb mode rather than the normal 100. It's a PITA as I have to turn off the router and the switch and reboot it to clear the speed and get it back up to 100. Ironically, it's a gigabit switch but as 2 of the devices (Wii & Android box) use 10/100 connections I never see full speed. So... basically, what are the benefits of a managed/smart switch and would they help my situation any? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny g Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 not strictly true. I've got a 24 port unmanaged switch in the house and I've got a variety of devices plugged in, ranging from 100Mbit to 1Gbit. All devices connect at each devices maximum speed. Client A: 100Mbit. Client B: 1Gbit Client C: 1Gbit Client A will talk to Client B and 100Mbit. Same for Client A and Client C. Client B and Client C will talk at 1Gbit. A managed switch allows more network management and infrastructure controls like SMBP and traffic prioritisation (some allow packet shaping, etc), but not the unmanaged, they just allow packets to connect. On the front of you switch, you should see a Gbit light on the connection, and it'll light up when the device is connected via Gigabit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted November 26, 2015 Author Share Posted November 26, 2015 not strictly true. I've got a 24 port unmanaged switch in the house and I've got a variety of devices plugged in, ranging from 100Mbit to 1Gbit. All devices connect at each devices maximum speed. Client A: 100Mbit. Client B: 1Gbit Client C: 1Gbit Client A will talk to Client B and 100Mbit. Same for Client A and Client C. Client B and Client C will talk at 1Gbit. A managed switch allows more network management and infrastructure controls like SMBP and traffic prioritisation (some allow packet shaping, etc), but not the unmanaged, they just allow packets to connect. On the front of you switch, you should see a Gbit light on the connection, and it'll light up when the device is connected via Gigabit. It's an el-cheapo, it's barely got lights Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny g Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 It's an el-cheapo, it's barely got lights You sure it's not a hub? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted November 26, 2015 Author Share Posted November 26, 2015 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-Port-Network-RJ45-Fast-Gigabit-Ethernet-Switch-10-100-1000Mbps-1GB-LAN-Hub-UK-/191347625096?hash=item2c8d350c88:g:TP0AAOSwnDZUJOmH That look like it's worth a try? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted November 26, 2015 Author Share Posted November 26, 2015 You sure it's not a hub? Come on, give me some credit lol. It's this one.... http://www.ebuyer.com/632813-trendnet-8-port-gigabit-greennet-network-switch-with-metal-case-teg-s82g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny g Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 Says all the right things. I only use Cisco or Juniper though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 For budget equipment I now go with TP-Link, not had any issues and the pro kit comes with a lifetime warranty You can pick up second hand Cisco kit on ebay at pretty good prices, stay away from the Small Business range, they are shockingly bad both the switches and VPN boxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 As Johnny says you only really need managed switches if you want to do any traffic prioritization, VLAN's, etc. Managed switches actually tend to have lower backplane/switch fabric throughput than unmanaged switches due to the management overhead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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