As your company grows, it may reach an “in-between” size. Solutions that once worked are no longer effective and most of the alternative upgrades are expensive and complicated to implement. This predicament is common among companies experiencing steady growth and finding a solution that fits can be challenging.

Unmanaged switches have become a cornerstone device for industrial applications, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. Aside from being price competitive, they are best suited for applications with limited networking resources because they are easy to deploy. This is due to the plug-and-play nature of the unmanaged switch. Additionally, unmanaged switches are an important part of Ethernet network expansion for southbound devices. They work by enabling Ethernet devices to communicate with one another using auto-negotiation to determine common transition parameters such as speed, duplex mode, and flow control. As unmanaged switches play such an important role in network expansion, selecting the right model is crucial to enable smooth operations and to prevent complications that may arise as the network grows.

Unmanaged vs. Managed Switches

The plug and play style of unmanaged switches makes them easy to implement and manage. With little configuration, these simple switches are very popular among smaller companies. However, as a network expands overtime, unmanaged switches become obsolete and companies look to upgrade to managed switches.

Managed switches are more capable than unmanaged switches. Managed switches enable you to take control of your network by controlling data speeds, providing redundant connections and allowing you to monitor your network using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Additionally, managed switches often support multiple protocols and come with VLAN capabilities, port mirroring, and fault relays.

However, managed switches are more expensive than unmanaged switches and often require a skilled engineer or administrator to get all the benefits.

Enter The Smart Switch...

Ethernet smart switches are perfect for small to medium-sized companies looking to answer the unmanaged vs. managed debate. These switches provide more functionality and features than an unmanaged switch without the price tag of a managed switch. Look to smart Ethernet switches for:

• Multiple protocols
  Implementation and configuration is easy with a switch that supports Profinet, Ethernet I/P, and Modbus. This also eliminates the need to change the PLC, HMI, and IPC.
  
  
• Redundancy and ruggedness
  Minimize or eliminate unplanned downtime with solutions that have redundant mission-critical components and functions.
  
  
• Scaleability
  Smart switches allow for easy adding and reconfiguring of both physical and virtual networks.
  
  
• Network traffic optimization
  Examine the volume and type of data moving through a network. This insight gives a company the ability to sort and segment the data for optimal network performance.
  
  

If you are a small to medium-sized business in the market for an Ethernet switch, we recommend the SDS-3008. This smart switch features all the above and:

• IGMP or Internet Group Management Protocol: Allows the sender to transmit data streams to a group of receivers.
  
  
• Port lock-out: Restricts un-authorized access from remote locations.
  
  
• Slim design: Optimizes the space used in control cabinets.
  
  
• Fast redundancy: Enables network recovery within a few seconds in the event of a connection failure.
  
  
• 1-click setup: Decreases deployment time and resources needed with simple and fast installation and configuration.
  
  
• Reasonable pricing and features: This switch provides the necessary tools without all the “extra” features that often go unused. This helps to keep the price down while serving your needs.
  
  

To learn more about the SDS-3008, download the datasheet or complete the form on the right for a quote.