FAQs

Routers manage network communication and internet access, switches optimize internal data transfer, and hubs simply distribute data without intelligence.

A Layer 3 switch combines the high-speed data forwarding of a switch with basic routing capabilities. Unlike traditional switches that operate at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer), a Layer 3 switch functions at the Network Layer (Layer 3), enabling it to perform inter-VLAN routing and make intelligent forwarding decisions based on IP addresses.

A PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch is a network switch that delivers both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters, making it ideal for powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IoT devices. Lanbras provides solar PoE switches, AI PoE switches, and outdoor PoE switch boxes for various applications.

Firstly, please check the English manual that is along with the product, or you can check for online manuals or get advices from our . And Contact us.

Yes! Lanaotek OFFERS our products for all kinds of clients, such as resellers, system integrators and end-users. So the quality is 100% guaranteed.

5G technology operates using high-frequency radio waves to deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and massive connectivity. It utilizes three spectrum bands—low, mid, and high (mmWave)—to balance coverage and performance.

Think about the level of network management capability required for your application. Unmanaged Ethernet switches are for simple plug-and-play connectivity. They help reduce overall traffic on a LAN, improve connection speeds and reduce errors.

Managed switches are for advanced control of your LAN and applications requiring network traffic monitoring or segmentation and a high bandwidth. They usually include software to configure your network and diagnostic ports to monitor LAN traffic. Faulty devices can spew zillions of “runts” (abnormally short Ethernet frames) into your network. Using switches instead of hubs will take care of those problems.

Effective and consistent transmission of data is just as critical as acquiring it. Based on the amount and type of data you will be transmitting, you need to know what speed will accommodate the project. Options include: 10/100Mbps, Gigabit or 10G, or a mix between 10/100Mbps and Gigabit.

In industrial applications, PoE is best where large data transfers and flexible distribution of power are needed. Some common applications include security, RFID/infrared, wireless access points, interconnectivity and accessibility, and power backups.

First, you need to choose between multi-mode or single-mode fiber types and then choose fiber connectors. Some common fiber connectors are SC, ST and LC.

When deciding how many Ethernet ports you need, it is important to consider the future of your project. Does it make sense to select a switch with a few additional ports for future expansion? Does it make sense to select a switch that supports Gigabit speeds for increasing future bandwidth requirements? 

Consider the future location of the equipment – what amount of space are you working with and will components need to be protected from industrial debris, vibrations and/or other hazards? Will you be machine-mounting components, placing equipment on the factory or plant floor, or using a cabinet? Machine-mount is expanding quickly because environments in which machine-mount devices can function are growing. But, realizing the full benefits of machine-mount components takes planning.

Ethernet switches for industrial situations do not get the same pampering that office equipment might. You must consider the range of temperatures your equipment will be up against on a daily basis.

Calculate the total power budget required to supply the Ethernet switch and any connected devices. What is the field power input voltage available for the switch?

As an example, and oil and gas application may require Class 1/ Division 2 certification; transportation may require NEMA TSx certifications.

Once you have selected an Ethernet switch for your project, there are a few more questions you should ask.

Do you have all the accessories needed to make all the connections? Patch cords, power supplies, cabinets, surge protection, optional mounting hardware and wiring are plausible accessories that may be needed. Lastly, consider if and when you need product samples for proof of concept and full production.

An unmanaged switch is a basic plug-and-play network device designed for simple connectivity without the need for remote configuration, management, or monitoring. These switches are typically used in small networks or to quickly add temporary workgroups to larger networks. They support desktop, wall-mounted, and rack-mounted installation options, making them versatile for use in various environments such as homes, offices, and small data centers.

Once connected, unmanaged switches immediately start forwarding traffic, with some models providing local monitoring through LED indicators. They rely on auto-negotiated ports to establish data rates and duplex modes. Unlike managed switches, unmanaged switches do not support advanced features such as virtual LANs (VLANs), port security, or traffic prioritization, which means all connected devices share the same broadcast domain. Unmanaged switches offer a cost-effective and straightforward solution for basic network connectivity needs.

An unmanaged switch operates as a data link layer device, forwarding data packets based on MAC addresses. It maintains an internal address table that records MAC addresses and corresponding ports. When a packet enters the switch, it reads the header, determines the destination MAC address, and sends the packet out through the appropriate port.

These switches have multiple ports for connecting devices like computers or printers via Ethernet cables. They forward traffic solely based on the destination MAC address without examining the frame's contents. Unmanaged switches are designed for simple, cost-effective connectivity without advanced management features or configurations.

Unmanaged switches are primarily used to connect edge devices on network spurs or in small stand-alone networks with a few components. They are ideal for businesses aiming to reduce network maintenance costs on a limited budget. Additionally, they are well-suited for home environments, small office/home office (SOHO) setups, and small businesses. These switches can also integrate temporary workgroups into larger networks.

Unmanaged switches are also useful for setting up Dante networks for long-distance audio transmission. However, avoid switches with Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology to prevent synchronization issues and dropouts. For added value, the Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality enhances their value proposition. It can automatically supply power with those IEEE 802.3af/at compliant Powered Devices (PD) such as AP, IP Cameras or IP Phones, etc. This feature simplifies wiring and boosts network layout flexibility, particularly beneficial for office networks without power line layout restrictions.

Unmanaged switches are the preferred choice for small businesses or home networks. They provide the necessary network connectivity without unnecessary complexities, making them an ideal solution for those with basic networking requirements.

Plug-and-Play Design: Unmanaged switch features a plug-and-play design, eliminating the need for configuration. This convenience makes it easy to set up and use.

Cost-Effectiveness: It is significantly cheaper than managed switches and smart managed switches, making them an affordable option for families and small businesses with limited budgets.

Easy Deployment and Maintenance: Unmanaged switches are straightforward to deploy and maintain, saving both time and effort. Additionally, their simplicity can help minimize potential repair costs.

Actually, unmanaged switches have no concept of virtual LANs (VLANs). Thus, all devices belong to the same broadcast domain. If all of the things plugged into an unmanaged switch are on the same VLAN then you can do that. However, if you have a mix of VLANs on a switch, it needs to be managed.

Unmanaged switches have basic security features such as a lockable port cover that ensures basic security and helps avoid any type of direct tampering on the device. That can satisfy your home or SMB network security requirements. But of course, a managed switch is safer because of its manageable features, that's why managed switches are more expensive.

An unmanaged switch typically doesn’t have any MAC addresses since it’s just a simple device that builds a MAC address table and forwards frames.

No, unmanaged switches do not support link aggregation. They don't have the ability to configure the ports to be part of an aggregated link. Only managed switches support link aggregation.

Unmanaged Switch is the L2 switch. L2 switches can be divided into managed and unmanaged. L2 is a data link layer that works with frames. The switches of this layer identify and transmit data through MAC addresses.

The primary purpose of an unmanaged switch is to expand the number of Ethernet ports, allowing more devices to access the network simultaneously. To set up, connect an uplink device (such as a router or another switch) to any port on the unmanaged switch, then connect end-client devices (like computers) to the remaining ports.

Managed switches let users adjust each port on the switch to any setting, enabling them to manage, configure and monitor the network in many ways. They also provide greater control over how data travels over the network and who can access that data.

Managed switches generally offer Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which enables users to monitor the statuses of the switch and individual switch ports and provides statistics like traffic throughput, network errors and port status. Network admins can track this data over time and use it for both troubleshooting and network capacity purposes.

Managed switch ports can be configured as trunks, a process that tags data frames with a VLAN ID and transports multiple VLAN frames across a single link. Trunk ports are typically used to connect two switches together or to connect a switch to a VM server that requires access to multiple VLANs. Admins can also virtually combine multiple ports to form port aggregated links that transport at two, four and eight times the speed of a single link.

Lastly, managed network switches usually have a remotely accessible console -- command-line or web interface -- to enable administrators to make configuration changes or adjustments from different physical locations.

Control and performance. A major difference between managed and unmanaged switches is control and performance. From this standpoint, the networking team is responsible for maintaining both managed and unmanaged switches. The difference, however, is teams can configure managed switches to handle network traffic differently. Other differences include the ability to remotely access configurations and the ability to monitor devices using monitoring protocols, such as SNMP, NetFlow and other network telemetry data.

Managed switches also require one or more administrators that understand network configuration and monitoring concepts and how to apply those concepts to a switch configuration. Unmanaged switches have more of a plug and play installment process.

Features. Managed switch features may vary among manufacturers and models but often include the following:

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support for switch and link redundancy without creating loops. Several STP iterations exist and are commonly configured, including traditional STP, per-VLAN STP, rapid STP and multiple STP;

the ability to implement quality of service;

VLAN support;

bandwidth rate limiting; and

port mirroring.

A unique feature of unmanaged switches is the aforementioned MAC address table. Maintaining a MAC address table helps reduce the overall number of broadcasts transmitted, limiting the number of potential collisions within the domain. This is also a key differentiator between an unmanaged switch and an Ethernet hub.

Cost. Looking at cost, unmanaged switches are considerably cheaper compared to their managed counterparts. That said, few unmanaged switch options are considered enterprise-grade. Instead, organizations interested in unmanaged switches can purchase them directly from the manufacturer online or through big-box stores.

Security. Security features can be configured on managed switches that unmanaged switches cannot use. These features include 802.1X authentication, port security and private VLANs. 

Locally managed switches require an administrator to be either directly connected to the corporate network or have remote access capabilities to access the switch management interface.

Cloud-managed switches, on the other hand, are controlled in public cloud environments and only require an administrator to have internet access. Thus, for geographically distributed networks, a cloud-managed switch architecture can simplify the remote management process.

As mentioned, managed switches are more expensive than unmanaged switches, as they require software patches, updates and -- often -- a skilled professional for implementation. That said, complex networks that consist of servers, wireless access points, PCs and IoT devices often necessitate the configuration options found on managed switches.

Small businesses with several dozen connected devices can likely get away with deploying an unmanaged switch. The capabilities found in managed switches likely won't be used, as a single flat network can easily handle the level of traffic a small network generates. Thus, a managed switch's extra cost will likely not add any additional value for the business.

An organization may require a managed switch if the business begins to approach hundreds of devices. In this case, the ability to break up the LAN into multiple broadcast domains using VLANs can ensure the network performs optimally. Additionally, larger businesses will likely have an IT network professional on staff who can configure advanced performance, security and monitoring features.

Industrial Switches are rugged, reliable, and high-performance networking devices tailored for industrial applications. Industrial switches are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions while delivering stable and secure network connectivity.

Industrial Switches are specifically designed to operate in challenging environments characterized by extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic interference. They feature robust construction and advanced features such as wide operating temperature ranges, redundant power inputs, and industrial-grade certifications.

Yes, Industrial Switches are ideal for industrial automation and control systems, providing seamless integration and reliable communication between various devices and equipment. They support protocols commonly used in industrial environments, ensuring compatibility and interoperability.

Yes, many Industrial Switches support PoE technology, enabling the transmission of power and data over a single Ethernet cable. This feature simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional power sources, making it ideal for powering IP cameras, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled devices in industrial settings.

Industrial Switches provide various network redundancy features, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS). These features ensure uninterrupted network operation and rapid fault recovery, minimizing downtime and enhancing reliability.

Yes, many Industrial Switches are fanless, eliminating the risk of fan failure and reducing noise levels. Fanless design enhances reliability and makes these switches suitable for noise-sensitive environments such as control rooms and industrial production floors.

Industrial Switches are certified to meet stringent industry standards, CE (Conformité Européenne), FCC (Federal Communications Commission), and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). These certifications validate the safety, quality, and compliance of our products.

Yes, Industrial Switches are designed to operate reliably in a wide range of temperatures, from -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F). This temperature resilience ensures consistent performance even in harsh environmental conditions commonly encountered in industrial settings.

When choosing an Industrial Switch, consider factors such as the number and type of ports required, PoE support, environmental conditions, network redundancy requirements, and specific industry certifications. Our technical support team is available to assist you in selecting the most suitable switch for your application needs.

Yes, Industrial Switches are designed for seamless integration into existing industrial networks. They support standard protocols and feature-rich management capabilities, ensuring compatibility and interoperability with a wide range of devices and systems.