When selecting Ethernet Switches, key features to consider include:
Port Speed and Count
Managed vs. Unmanaged
VLAN Support
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Switching Capacity
Security Features
Port speed and count define the switch's ability to handle network traffic efficiently. Fast Ethernet, Gigabit, and 10-Gigabit options should align with network performance requirements. Managed switches offer control and configuration options, enabling better performance tuning compared to unmanaged switches. VLAN support allows network segmentation, essential for optimizing performance and security. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is crucial for supplying power to devices like IP cameras and wireless access points without separate power sources, simplifying installations.
Switching capacity determines how much data the switch can process at once, which affects throughput and bottleneck risks. Security features, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and firewall abilities, are fundamental in preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity. Additionally, support for Quality of Service (QoS) is vital for prioritizing traffic, important for applications like VoIP. Future scalability is important if network requirements are expected to grow; selecting a switch that can accommodate future needs minimizes the need for frequent replacements.
Search for a product comparison in Ethernet Switches
System & Network Engineer at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
2017-07-13T12:54:41Z
Jul 13, 2017
I would say a mix between performance, stability, managebility, functionality, flexibility, compatibility and price.
I'm all into SDN, automation and integration.
We avoid proprietary protocols and try to achieve vendor independency.
Also: know the vendor's architecture & vision.
IT Security Engineer at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
2015-08-25T20:38:22Z
Aug 25, 2015
I really enjoy the Meraki's approach to switch administration and I think all future switches (managed locally on primes or via the cloud) should provide administrators more visibility and ease of administration.
Head of computer network and telecommunications division at a financial services firm
Real User
2015-05-12T11:25:08Z
May 12, 2015
There is no one uber criteria for all types of switches. It always depends..
Campus access switches require PoE and stack capabilities. DC access switches have to be superfast and reliable. Core/Disrribution/Spine and DCI role switches are to support extended L3 and MPLS functionalty and so on.
Nevertheless in a new era of SDN where automation and orchestration paradigms come to play all ongoing switches have to have some sort of open API. Besides that an interoperability is a key factor as well. So open standarts is my another main criteria.
Associate Director - University Technology Infrastructure (UTI) with 1,001-5,000 employees
Vendor
2015-03-30T09:15:18Z
Mar 30, 2015
My most important criteria in Ethernet Switches would be compatibility of needed functions (hardware and software used) and other products, throughput, reliability, and the accountability of the product to be functioning for 7-10 years (the next renovation/purchase cycle) with-holding the ability to comply with the emerging technologies. Also the company's support (manufacturer and supplier) will also be crucial...
Sr. Voice Engineer at a retailer with 501-1,000 employees
Vendor
2015-03-16T13:53:33Z
Mar 16, 2015
PoE capacity to port ratio comes first. And of course the uplink bandwidth capacity. I don't look at anything other than Cisco. They are #1 for a reason, and it is my personal experience that I can place a Cisco switch, configure it, and forget it. They just work.
I look for proven reliability i.e., Cisco. There's a reason they are the go-to industry standard for switching. As far as features, I look for Gigabit Ethernet ports all around, PoE, and Stack-wise capability in order to future-proof my purchases for as long as possible.
Depending on what your requirements are my opinion is throughput and functionality. Management is another consideration as it won't do you any good if you can't manage the switches purchased. As far as POE is concerned look at the wattage and make sure your devices are going to have the power needed. The rest of the lights, bells and whistles are up to you.
Ethernet Switches are essential networking tools that connect devices within a local area network. They manage the data flow, ensure seamless communication, and enhance network performance.Advancements in Ethernet Switch technology provide networking professionals with numerous benefits such as increased bandwidth capacity, improved management interfaces, and enhanced security features. Ethernet Switches can be found in data centers, enterprise networks, and even small businesses, offering...
When selecting Ethernet Switches, key features to consider include:
Port speed and count define the switch's ability to handle network traffic efficiently. Fast Ethernet, Gigabit, and 10-Gigabit options should align with network performance requirements. Managed switches offer control and configuration options, enabling better performance tuning compared to unmanaged switches. VLAN support allows network segmentation, essential for optimizing performance and security. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is crucial for supplying power to devices like IP cameras and wireless access points without separate power sources, simplifying installations.
Switching capacity determines how much data the switch can process at once, which affects throughput and bottleneck risks. Security features, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and firewall abilities, are fundamental in preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity. Additionally, support for Quality of Service (QoS) is vital for prioritizing traffic, important for applications like VoIP. Future scalability is important if network requirements are expected to grow; selecting a switch that can accommodate future needs minimizes the need for frequent replacements.
Stability, performance, price.
I would say a mix between performance, stability, managebility, functionality, flexibility, compatibility and price.
I'm all into SDN, automation and integration.
We avoid proprietary protocols and try to achieve vendor independency.
Also: know the vendor's architecture & vision.
ARCHITECTURE AND PERFORMANCE
I really enjoy the Meraki's approach to switch administration and I think all future switches (managed locally on primes or via the cloud) should provide administrators more visibility and ease of administration.
For me there are several: Is the switch L3, does it have CLI or some management, and I think I would prefer a CISCO with gigabit connectivity.
There are several variables to verify, but one of them is that the switch have to be manageability and VLAN compatible.
Relatively new to Distributed systems but it has to be rock solid, easy to use and maintain.
There is no one uber criteria for all types of switches. It always depends..
Campus access switches require PoE and stack capabilities. DC access switches have to be superfast and reliable. Core/Disrribution/Spine and DCI role switches are to support extended L3 and MPLS functionalty and so on.
Nevertheless in a new era of SDN where automation and orchestration paradigms come to play all ongoing switches have to have some sort of open API. Besides that an interoperability is a key factor as well. So open standarts is my another main criteria.
I don't think there is only one important criteria, it should be a balance of price, performance, features, manageability and support.
My most important criteria in Ethernet Switches would be compatibility of needed functions (hardware and software used) and other products, throughput, reliability, and the accountability of the product to be functioning for 7-10 years (the next renovation/purchase cycle) with-holding the ability to comply with the emerging technologies. Also the company's support (manufacturer and supplier) will also be crucial...
PoE capacity to port ratio comes first. And of course the uplink bandwidth capacity. I don't look at anything other than Cisco. They are #1 for a reason, and it is my personal experience that I can place a Cisco switch, configure it, and forget it. They just work.
Number of ports, PoE, processing, and look for a product with good reviews and customer service~
I look for proven reliability i.e., Cisco. There's a reason they are the go-to industry standard for switching. As far as features, I look for Gigabit Ethernet ports all around, PoE, and Stack-wise capability in order to future-proof my purchases for as long as possible.
Depending on what your requirements are my opinion is throughput and functionality. Management is another consideration as it won't do you any good if you can't manage the switches purchased. As far as POE is concerned look at the wattage and make sure your devices are going to have the power needed. The rest of the lights, bells and whistles are up to you.