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Why use a managed switch on an OT network?

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A managed network switch offers several advantages over an unmanaged switch, primarily in terms of control, performance, and security.

Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Enhanced Control and Customization:
  • VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks): Managed switches support VLANs, allowing network segmentation for improved performance and security.
  • Traffic Prioritization: Quality of Service (QoS) settings enable prioritization of certain types of traffic (e.g., VoIP, video conferencing) to ensure better performance for critical applications.
2. Improved Security:
  • Access Control Lists (ACLs): Managed switches can use ACLs to control which devices can connect to the network and what resources they can access.
  • Port Security: Ability to lock down specific ports to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting.
3. Network Monitoring and Diagnostics:
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): Allows for network monitoring, performance tracking, and event notification.
  • Port Mirroring: Enables monitoring of network traffic for troubleshooting and analysis.
4. Scalability and Flexibility:
  • Link Aggregation: Combining multiple ports to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.
  • Advanced Routing: Some managed switches include Layer 3 routing capabilities, enabling more complex network topologies and traffic management.
5. Redundancy and Reliability:
  • Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Prevents network loops and ensures a redundant network path in case of a failure.
  • Redundant Power Supplies: Some models offer dual power supplies for increased reliability.
6. Enhanced Performance:
  • Bandwidth Management: Ability to control and allocate bandwidth to prevent network congestion.
  • Traffic Shaping: Controls the flow of data to ensure optimal performance.
7. Centralized Management:
  • Configuration and Updates: Managed switches can be configured and updated remotely, allowing for easier management of large networks.
  • Centralized Management Tools: Often come with software that provides a centralized interface for managing multiple switches.
8. Advanced Features:
  • Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features: Managed switches offer advanced features like static routing, dynamic routing (OSPF, RIP), and multicast routing.
  • IPv6 Support: Future-proofing the network by supporting the latest internet protocols.
In summary, managed network switches provide greater control, security, and performance for complex network environments, making them ideal for businesses and organizations that require robust and scalable networking solutions.

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