Category Archives: Ethernet Switch

How to Use A KVM Switch (Keyboard, Video, Mouse Switch)

With the number of network equipment grows, data centers are facing the pressure of managing multiple computers and networking devices efficiently. If you need to control multiple computers, you need to buy sets of keyboard, monitor, and mouse. This is not the most effective management considering space-consuming and budget. Also keeping a row of large CRT monitors with keyboards and mouse may be problematic. Thus the KVM switch is invented to solve the problems by monitoring and controlling the devices locally and remotely. So what is a KVM switch? How to use a KVM switch? This article will explain it to you.

What Is A KVM Switch?

The KVM switch is a hardware device that allows users to manage multiple computers from a single keyboard, video display monitor and mouse. By pressing the button on the KVM switch, the administrator can monitoring all the devices locally and remotely. Using KVM switches in data centers not only saves administrators the cost of buying a dedicated keyboard, monitor and mouse for each computer but also saves space in the server room and limit cable clutter. It helps streamlines your work flow and increases your efficiency. Due to its versatile advantages, it is widely used in home offices, laboratories, small and medium-sized enterprises.

alt How to use a KVM Switch

How KVM Switch Works?

The KVM switch can control a number of computers and switch from one computer to another simply by pressing a button on the keyboard. Users can connect their computers to KVM switches via Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 patch cables or the specific KVM switch cable kits. Then, connect the keyboard, monitor, and mouse console to the KVM switch. If your switch is equipped with a console, you can skip this step. It mainly uses a keyboard consisting of a keyboard, mouse, and display to securely access computers, servers, and devices from local or remote users, and to control the network for local or remote users.

alt How to use a KVM Switch

How to Use A KVM Switch?

There are generally three types of switching modes of the KVM switch for us to operate — button switching, OSD menu switching, and shortcut key switching. The button switching is to use the physical button on the KVM, and the corresponding server can be selected by directly pressing the physical button. The OSD menu switching is the KVM internal software. You can use the mouse to select the corresponding server to switch according to the server name displayed on the menu. The shortcut key switching is generally combination keys, such as Ctrl and a data key, 1, 2, 3, 4 four servers, select Ctrl+1 to select the first server, simple and convenient.

alt How to use a KVM Switch

Which KVM Switch to Buy?

When purchasing a KVM switch, the choice usually depends on the number of PCs you need to control. KVM switch with only a few ports is usually more convenient to use without the need to install additional software. They can also be easily managed using hot keys or switch keys. In addition, some of the KVM switches with only a few ports do not even require an external power supply. Due to space needs, advanced KVM switches with multiple ports can be installed in a server rack using only 1U or 2U in space. These KVM switches can also use IP networks to manage power point outlets and control the startup or shutdown of PCs.

Conclusion

KVM switches have become a popular device in data centers with the advantages of space and cost savings, energy efficiency and economy. Thanks for having KVM switches, the server room can be accessed at any time without geographical restrictions. Now that you know how to use a KVM switch and KVM switch buying advice, you can choose a suitable one for your network. FS has high-quality products and professional technical team to provide the ideal solution for your work environment construction. You can have a visit to www.fs.com.

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FS.COM N8000-32Q vs Quanta 5032-LY6 40G Spine Switch

With the disaggregation of software and hardware, bare metal switches are attracting more and more attention. It is undeniable that bare metal switches bring a range of benefits to consumers. FS N-series bare metal switches combine with the latest R&D technology, giving consumers an excellent experience when they are introduced to the market. This article will introduce 40G spine switch and make a comparison to provide a reference for your choice.

Why Do You Need a 40G Spine Switch?

As virtualization goes popular, leaf-spine has become the mainstream of data center network deployment. With 40G spine switch, the limitations of traditional three-tier architectures can be overcome and a fast, scalable, predictable, and efficient communication architecture for data center switches can be created.

The Outline of 40G Leaf/Spine Switch

The leaf/spine switch consists of two layers: the leaf layer and the spine layer. The spine layer is made up of switches that perform routing. The leaf layer involves access switch that connects to the endpoints. In a leaf-spine architecture, each leaf switch is interconnected with each spine switch. The number of spine switches is limited to the number of uplink ports on the leaf. With the design, any server can communicate with any other server through one interconnection switch path between any two leaf switches. The architecture can be non-blocking by providing sufficient bandwidth from each leaf switch to spine switches.

altFS.COM N8000-32Q vs Quanta 5032-LY6 40G Spine Switch

The Outline of FS.COM 40G Spine Switch

FS.COM N8000-32Q 32 port switch is a TOR (Top-of-Rack) or Spine switch that delivers a rich choice of interface speed and density, which can be deployed in a wide range of open networking solutions including large-scale layer 2 and layer 3 cloud designs, overlay networks, virtualized or traditional enterprise data center networks. Combined with Cumulus Linux network operating system, FS.COM N8000-32Q switch allows customers to deploy fast, high-capacity fabrics, simplified network automation and consistent tools, and help reduce operational and capital expenditures. With support for advanced features such as MLAG, VxLAN, and SNMP, FS.COM N8000-32Q is ideal for traditional or fully virtualized data centers. FS.COM N8000-32Q supports current and future data center requirements, including an x86-based control plane for easier integration of automation tools and compatibility with SDN via OpenFlow 1.3.11. In addition, it also supports advanced hardware-based VXLAN feature to support over 16M virtual networks.

altFS.COM N8000-32Q vs Quanta 5032-LY6 40G Spine Switch

The Outline of Quanta 40G Spine Switch

Quanta 5032-LY6 is a network switch that supports 32 QSFP + (10/40GbE speed) ports in a compact 1U form factor. By leveraging the new generation commercial silicon chips, Quanta 5032-LY6 is a high-performance, high-density network switch for deploying data center infrastructure. With ONIE (Open Network Installation Environment) pre-loaded on Quanta 5032-LY6, it provides flexibility and allows choice of network operating system supported by the ONIE installer. The CPU board design allows Quanta 5032-LY6 to be installed with different CPU to meet the software requirement. This provides a flexible installation process and faster response to the changing business demands. Quanta 5032-LY6 can offer higher performance, higher availability, lower latency, and better maintainability.

altFS.COM N8000-32Q vs Quanta 5032-LY6 40G Spine Switch

FS vs Quanta 40G Spine Switch

In general, FS.COM N8000-32Q and Quanta 5032-LY6 40G spine switch both can satisfy the basic needs of consumers during operation. But they vary in the choice and configuration of different materials. What are the subtle differences between them? Let’s take a look at the chart below.

Names FS.COM N8000-32Q Quanta 5032-LY6
Ports 32 x 40GE QSFP+ 32 QSFP+ ports
Management Port 1 x Serial Console and

1 x MGMT

1 RJ-45 out-of-band management port (10/100/1000M)
Switching Capacity 2.56Tbps full-duplex 2560Gbps
Forwarding Performance 1.44 Bpps 1904Mpps
Operating System Cumulus® Linux® OS ONIE
Switch Chip Trident 2 BCM56850 Broadcom StrataXGS Trident2
CPU Intel Rangeley C2538 2.4Ghz 4-core Intel Atom Processors
Latency 480ns <600ns
Dimensions (WxDxH) 433.8 x 520 x 43.8 mm 44x435x483mm
Rack Space 1U 1U

How to Choose Between Them?

In addition to what we know about performance and brand reputation, we should also consider three other important factors. First, the price. Quanta 5032-LY6 is priced at $14,200, while FS.COM N8000-32Q offers a good price at $8,299. If the budget is limited, consider choosing a cost-effective one. Second, the product warranty. Quanta 5032-LY6 provides a one-year warranty to consumers. In contrast, FS.COM N8000-32Q is backed by a five-year warranty. If you prefer a full follow-up guarantee, FS may be a good choice for you. Third, the operating system. Quanta 5032-LY6 comes pre-installed with ONIE, while FS.COM N8000-32Q pre-loaded with Cumulus Linux. For those interested in Cumulus operating system, FS.COM N8000-32Q 40G spine switch is definitely the ideal choice.

Conclusion

FS.COM N8000-32Q 40G spine switch belongs to FS N-series switches that designed for data center networks and high-end campus networks, providing stable, reliable and secure Layer 2/Layer 3 switching services. It delivers the high performance and port density with a complete chassis and fabric management solution, enabling converged data centers to operate at any scale while reducing operational costs and infrastructure complexity. In the previous articles, we introduced 10gb switch and 25gb switch of FS N-series switches. If you’d like one to improve your network, don’t hesitate to visit FS.COM.

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FS N5850-48S6Q vs QuantaMesh BMS T3048-LY8 10Gb Bare Metal Switch

FS N8500-48B6C vs Edgecore AS7312-54XS 25G Bare Metal Switch

The bare metal switch is an open network switch that enables consumers to choose components like application, network operating system, hardware, and driver depending on their own needs. This flexible choice saves time and money for the project, meets different needs, and provides an affordable, easy-to-manage network environment, which is very beneficial to the business. In this article, we will focus on the 25G switch and make a comparison of FS N8500-48B6C 25G bare metal switch and Edgecore AS7312-54XS 25G bare metal switch.

Overview of FS 25G Bare Metal Switch

FS N8500-48B6C switch is a top-of-rack (TOR) or leaf 25G bare metal switch in a compact 1U form factor for high performance and programmable data center environments. It performs excellent low latency and power efficiency in a PHY less design while providing high-reliability features such as redundant and hot-swappable power supplies and fans in forward and reverse airflow configurations. The layer 3 switch supports advanced features such as MLAG, VxLAN, SFLOW, SNMP, and MPLS, making it ideal for a traditional or fully virtualized data center. FS N8500-48B6C supports current and future data center requirements, including an x86-based control plane for easier integration of automation tools, an ONIE installer for 3rd party network operating systems and compatibility with Software Defined Networks via OpenFlow 1.3.11. In addition, FS N8500-48B6C supports the advanced hardware-based VXLAN feature to support over 16M virtual networks.

altFS N8500-48B6C vs Edgecore AS7312-54XS 25G Bare Metal Switch

Overview of Edgecore 25G Bare Metal Switch

Edgecore AS7312-54XS switch is a top-of-rack (TOR) or spine 25G bare metal switch in a compact 1U form factor for high-performance data centers. Edgecore AS7312-54XS can be deployed as a TOR switch supporting 10/25 GbE to servers with 40/100 GbE uplinks, or as a spine switch supporting 40/100 GbE spine interconnects. This open network switch is loaded with the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE) which supports the installation of compatible Network Operating System software, including the open source options Open Network Linux and Open Switch, plus commercial NOS offerings.

altFS N8500-48B6C vs Edgecore AS7312-54XS 25G Bare Metal Switch

FS N8500-48B6C vs Edgecore AS7312-54XS

Though FS N8500-48B6C 25G bare metal switch and Edgecore AS7312-54XS 25G bare metal switch have a lot in common, they differ from each other with different features. Here we list the main characteristics of them.

Names FS N8500-48B6C Edgecore AS7312-54XS
Ports 48 48
Predominant Port Type 25GbE SFP28 25GbE SFP28
CPU Broadwell-DE 2.2Ghz 2-core Intel Atom® C2538 quad-core 2.4
Switching Chip Tomahawk+ BCM56967 Broadcom BCM56967 Tomahawk+
Jumbo Frames 9K Bytes 9216 Bytes
Switching Capacity 3.6Tbps full-duplex 3.6Tbps full-duplex
Forwarding Rate 4.7 Bpps 2.6 Bpps
Integrated Packet Buffer 16 MB 22 MB
MAC address 32K 8K / 136K
VLAN IDs 4 K 4 K
Compatible Software Option Cumulus Linux, Open Compute Project, PicOS™ from Pica8 Inc,  SnapRoute CN-NOS, and Broadcom- ICOS Cumulus Linux, Open Compute Project, PicOS™ from Pica8 Inc, and SnapRoute CN-NOS

Which One to Choose?

With all the features listed above, the FS 25G bare metal switch and Edgecore 25G bare metal switch both perform well during operation. In terms of price comparison, FS N8500-48B6C dominates the advantage. For all those features offered, FS N8500-48B6C has an MSRP of US$ 6,199, whereas Edgecore AS7312-54XS costs US$7,152. They both are ideal for high-performance data centers, if you want to buy a cost-effective with future requirements ensured, FS N8500-48B6C 25G bare metal switch will be your best choice.

Conclusion

Bare metal switch indeed makes our choice flexible and closer to our needs. FS N8500-48B6C 25G bare metal switch belongs to FS N-series switches designed for next-generation metro, data center and enterprise network applications. In addition, FS also offers S-series switches such as 1gbe switch, 10gbe switch, 40gbe switch, 100gbe switch. They are all designed to achieve flexibility, efficiency and cost effectiveness in data center networks. Just visit FS.COM, you’ll be surprised by all those cost-effective products.

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Overview and What Makes Cumulus Linux Stand Out?

The trend of virtualization and automation in the network along with the growing numbers of network users are leading dramatic changes in network infrastructure. The application of locking and proprietary legacy networks has changed. A trend of choosing applications, operating systems, and hardware prevails in modern data centers. Under such circumstances, an operating system called Cumulus Linux is designed to provide an open platform for a faster, easier and affordable network.

altOverview and What Makes Cumulus Linux Stand Out?

What Is Cumulus Linux?

Cumulus Network seized the opportunity from this trend and produced a powerful open network operating system named Cumulus Linux. Cumulus Linux based on Debian Jessie is the first native Linux network operating system for the networking industry, which runs on white-box switches, such as Gigabit Ethernet switch, 10gb switch etc.. It allows consumers to automate, customize and scale with web-scale principles such as the world’s largest data centers. This open approach enables choice with the best hardware, software, application, network architectures, and no vendor lock-in. Cumulus Linux is a solution that allows you to cost-effectively build and efficiently operate your network, just like the world’s largest data center operators, unlocking vertical network stacks.

What Makes Cumulus Linux Stand Out?

Build for automation, scalability, and flexibility, Cumulus Linux is gradually accepted by the public and offers a compelling set of benefits for network engineering and operations team.

Network Administration

Cumulus Linux leverages traditional Linux and networking tools. It can automatically discover network devices and provides advanced troubleshooting with tools such as Cumulus Linux’s prescriptive topology manager for topology consistency against a topology graph.

Network Operation

Cumulus Linux can fully automatic self-configuring, alerts and integration of maps and monitoring data via SNMP with real-time animated topology visualization.

Network Maintenance

Cumulus Linux can express complex logic for alert conditions incorporating dependencies and correlations between metrics. It can generate customizable performance and availability reports on Vlans, network switch ports, subnets, protocols and more.

Network Provisioning

Cumulus Linux allows zero-touch installation and provisioning to simplify operations. It uses embedded Python scripting engine and SQL like query syntax for deep data analysis and capacity forecasting.

Network Efficiency

Cumulus Linux allows consumers to choose compatible hardware and chain control depending on their needs and budgets. By adopting Linux principles for networking, consumers have achieved operational efficiency by 95% and reduced TCO by up to 60%. Therefore, with the help of Cumulus Linux, a simpler, scalable, and faster deployment network can be built.

How Do You Configure a Cumulus Device?

There are three simple ways to configure Cumulus Linux. One is to use a bash prompt which runs the Cumulus Linux. The other is to install Chef, Puppet or CF engine and then use your DevOps pipeline to configure the network devices. Or you can choose to use ONIE (Open Network Install Environment) with local HTTP discovery. But you have to be aware that If your host (laptop or server) is IPv6-enabled, make sure your host is running a web server. If the host is IPv4-enabled, make sure your host is running DHCP in addition to a web server.

What’s the Challenge Ahead?

The networking industry has long believed that the integration of network hardware and software is critical to network speed and reliability. But as technology evolved, it proves that hardware and software work better when they are developed independently. The advantages include faster product development and freedom from vendor lock-in. However, there is no final conclusion about the robustness of network support and the viability of switching suppliers. Cumulus Network says it will support its own software and the third-party hardware on which it runs, and will troubleshoot itself to provide valuable use cases for openness. But on the negative side, the product line offers limited hardware choices. The company requires customers to manage their network infrastructure with tools like Chef, Puppet and the Bash shell. For customers who are not familiar with these tools have to weigh these pros and cons when they are ready to transition to a separate network environment.

Conclusion

Cumulus Linux can run multiple network paths without the needs for multiple switches and offer traffic isolation and network segmentation for multiple devices. It’s the best choice for network flexibility and innovation. Although there are still some challenges on the road ahead, Cumulus Network will continue to find ways to solve the problems and create a better network environment.

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FS Powerful Enterprise PoE Switches

PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology brings a revolution in the wireless network by providing data and electricity over the same Ethernet cable. With the growing needs of the market, PoE switches with PoE technology are widely produced and applied in business, campus, hospitals and transportation. In this article we will take FS PoE switches for example and discuss what is PoE switch as well as types and usages of FS PoE switches.

What Is POE Switch?

PoE switch is a network switch with integrated power over Ethernet functionality. It contains multiple Ethernet ports to provide power and network communications. When connected with multiple network devices, PoE switch can simultaneously support both power and data transmission over one Ethernet cable, which significantly simplifies the cabling process and cuts down network cost. PoE switch can be divided into many types, such as managed and unmanagd switch, 8/12/24/48 port PoE switches.

FS PoE Switches Introduction

There are three kinds of FS PoE switches, 8-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch, 24-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch, 48-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch.

8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

S1150-8T2F managed PoE+ Ethernet switch comes with 8x 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1x console port, and 2x Gigabit SFP slots. It can supply power to network equipment such as weather-proof IP cameras with windshield wiper and heater, high-performance AP and IP telephone. This managed PoE+ switch is highly flexible, the transmission distance of the SFP fiber port can be up to 120km, and with high resistance to electromagnetic interference. It also features superior performance in stability and environmental adaptability.

alt FS PoE Switches 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

S1400-24T4F managed PoE+ Ethernet switch comes with 24x 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1x console port, and 4x Gigabit SFP slots. This L2+ managed PoE+ switch provides a reliable infrastructure for your business network. It delivers more intelligent features to improve the availability of critical business applications, protects the sensitive information, and optimizes the network bandwidth to deliver information and applications more effectively. It best fits for SMB or entry-level enterprise solution which demands industrial, surveillance, IP Phone, IP Camera or Wireless applications. All in all, the PoE switch provides security, performance, quality of services, centrally managed and other network control capabilities.

altFS PoE Switches 24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

48-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

S1600-48T4S managed PoE+ Ethernet switch comes with 48×10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1x console port, 4x 10G SFP+ slots. It offers enterprise-class features like high-performance of both hardware and software, stable and reliable RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol), free configuration, strong network security, convenient management and maintenance. The switch can automatically identify the connected devices whether compatible with IEEE 802.3af or IEEE 802.3at standards, and then supply power for them. The PoE switch makes it easier to deploy wireless access point (AP) and IP-based terminal network equipment with PoE technology.

altFS PoE Switches 48-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

How to Use FS POE Switch?

FS PoE switch is mainly used with IP cameras, VoIP phones and WAP (wireless access points).

IP camera

FS PoE switch offers power supply and data connection to PoE enabled IP camera system via network cables such as Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6. At present, regardless of industry or location, it is often necessary to use a PoE switch for IP security camera to ensure the safety of people and business.

altFS PoE Switches Used for IP Camera

VoIP Phone

VoIP phone is the most common and original PoE application with a single connection to a wall socket. It can be powered off remotely. With FS PoE switch, only data network cable is required. PoE switch has facilitated business communication and reduced deployment costs of VoIP.

altFS PoE Switches Used for VoIP Phone

Wireless AP

Wireless network is greatly promoted by the usage of PoE. When you use FS PoE switch, installation of controllers and access points is greatly simplified. It is considered to be the most widespread way to build enterprise wireless network.

altFS PoE Switches Used for Wireless AP

Benefits of Using FS POE Switch

Flexibility

FS PoE switch supplies power via an Ethernet cable and eliminates the demand for additional electrical wiring. Without it, the deployment will be more knotty. You have to either run a power cable to the area where you want to deploy a network device or deploy network devices based on where existing power outlets are available. Therefore, FS PoE switch gives freedom from fixed power outlets, provides more placement options and allows for deployment in complex environments.

Reliability

FS PoE switches offer high PoE power budget that is almost double which of the competitors, and they support the 802.3at standard to easily fulfill power hungry PD requirement. Additionally, FS PoE switches are made with high-quality components to ensure stability and durable connectivity essential to PoE applications such as IP surveillance and more.

Cost-efficient

Now that we have FS PoE switch, there is no need to purchase or install additional electrical wires and outlets. A single cable supports both data and power transmission. PoE solutions also require fewer power adapters. All these lead to dramatically savings on installation and maintenance costs.

Conclusion

From this article, you may better grasp of what is PoE switch and what is PoE switch used for. At present, PoE switch has become a better choice for connecting IP camera, VoIP phones and wireless APs. To get a high quality PoE switch with cheaper price, FS.COM is a good place to visit. In addition, FS.COM provides various gigabit switches for your network demands.

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Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch

Speaking of today’s market of network switches, there are three main fiber switches having to be mentioned: unmanaged switch, managed switch and web smart switch. In the previous articles, we compared managed switch with unmanaged switch for home network. In this article, we will continue to make a contrast. So web smart switch vs managed switch, which one should you choose, the decision depends on the size of your network and how much control you need over that network.

alt Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch

What Is Web Smart Switch?

A web smart switch, also named smart switch or smart managed switch, is a popular option for mid-sized networks that require management. It provides features like QoS (Quality of Service), RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), CLI (Command Line Interface), LACP, VLANs, redundancy capability, and so on. Web smart switch is managed via a web browser that provides intuitive guidance for users to manage their networks. It has limited selection of advanced management, poorer scope of configuration flexibility and little to no security features.

What Is Managed Switch?

Similar to web smart switch, a managed switch can be configured and managed correctly to provide a more tailored experience for users. It not only offers tools and means to monitor the network but also gives the network administrator greater control over managing and prioritizing LAN (local area network) traffic. Managed switch allows users in charge of setting everything up, but users have to take all the responsibility for the operation.

Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch: What’s the Difference?

The differences between web smart switch and managed switch have always been discussed. Here are some obvious differences between them.

Function

Web Smart Switch
  • It offers options like QoS, VLANs, and so on.
  • It’s ideal for VoIP phones, small VLANs, and working groups for places like labs.
  • It allows you to configure ports, basic settings and set up virtual networks.
  • It allows you to assign higher priority to critical traffic.
  • It can divide your network into multiple virtual networks for better traffic security and reliable connectivity.
  • It helps to allocate network bandwidth the way you work.
Managed Switch
  • It provides high-levels of network security, control and management.
  • It can limit access to specific devices, prioritize user traffic and partition a network.
  • It can use layer 3 routing capability to link smaller networks into much larger business-wide networks.
  • It can remotely monitor network performance, detect and repair network problems without having to physically check devices or requiring network services.
  • It can optimize a network’s speed and resource utilization.

Application

A web smart switch is an entry-level managed switch. It’s especially suitable for a business network hosting less than 100 active users. If there is no advanced applications required, web smart switch is the best solution for simple applications such as small and midsize enterprise networks.
An managed switch is ideal for businesses that need to remotely and securely manage and troubleshoot their network. It enables network managers to monitor and control traffic to achieve optimal network performance and reliability. It allows the network to be expanded with flexibility.

Price

Considering the features and functions provided by web smart switch and managed switch, there is no doubt that managed switch is more expensive than web smart switch. Since managed switch allows the network to grow in the future, it worth the price over time.

Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch: Which Is Best for You?

Web smart switch vs managed switch, the differences do exist. No matter which type to choose, you have to consider your demands first. If you have no limit of expenditure and want to have more control over the network, managed switch is the best choice. If you want to support one small company or colleague with a lower price, web smart switch is good enough. If you don’t know which one suits you best, FS.COM provides various switches to satisfy all your needs.

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Managed or Unmanaged Switch for Home Network

Managed or Unmanaged Switch for Home Network

A network switch is a computer networking device, which uses packet switching to connect devices together on a computer network in order to receive, process and forward data to the destination device. There are two common types of switch: managed switch and unmanaged switch, both of which play an important role in home network. So should I use managed or unmanaged switch for home network?

Managed or Unmanaged Switch for Home Network

What Is a Managed Switch?

A managed switch can be configured and managed correctly to provide a more tailored experience for users. It not only offers tools and means to monitor the network but also gives the network administrator greater control over managing and prioritizing LAN (local area network) traffic. Managed switch allows users in charge of setting everything up, but users have to take all the responsibility for the operation.

What Is an Unmanaged Switch?

An unmanaged switch, on the contrary, is a plug-and-play switch that already has all the required program settled, and does not require user intervention, setup or configuration. Here’s one thing to note: the unmanaged switch is manufactured with a standard configuration that cannot be changed, you should think twice before you buy it.

Managed or Unmanaged Switch for Home Network?

Managed switch is able to be configured for more advanced functions while unmanaged switch can’t. Knowing the differences between the two will do a favor in selecting managed or unmanaged switch for home network.

Differences and Similarities Between Managed and Unmanaged Switch

Similarities
  • They allow multiple devices to connected to the network to communicate with each other.
Differences
  • An unmanaged switch is a “plug and play” switch, simply allows Ethernet devices to communicate with one another, such as a desktop PC or router.
  • A managed switch not only provides all the features of an unmanaged switch but also gives you the tools and means to monitor your LAN traffic for a stable and ideal network.
  • A managed switch prioritizes through configuration changes whereas an unmanaged switch is shipped with a fixed configuration and does not allow any changes to this configuration.

Managed Switch for Home Network

A managed switch offers high-levels of network security. It incorporates STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) to provide path redundancy to keep your network safe. So if you need to handle some sensitive information at home, we recommend going with managed switch. It is able to implement VLANs, which allow network administrators to group devices together without running new cables or changing the network infrastructure, to prioritize user traffic for a better performance in a network. A managed switch allows you to configure port mirroring to forward copies of traffic to a single port on the same switch for analysis by a network analyser. The benefit of using managed switch at home is you can diagnose and fix problems without taking the network out of service. In short, a managed switch is ideal for operations that require monitoring and control capabilities. It costs the most, but worth the price over time.

Unmanaged Switch for Home Network

However, an unmanaged switch will work in the most basic form. It can’t be modified or managed. It allows your devices to connect with one another, handles everything automatically. If you’re using unmanaged switch in your home or a small network of fewer than 5-10 computers, it provides ample support. To sum it up, an unmanaged switch is ideal for primary learners with cheaper price.

Conclusion

Now that you know the advantages of managed and unmanaged switches, also the differences between them, you should be able to decide managed or unmanaged switch for home network. For home network, managed switch is for configuring, managing, and monitoring, while unmanaged switch is for simple operating, low in cost. If you are still unsure about the features mentioned above or are confused about the problem confronted, please do not hesitate in getting in touch with FS.COM, we will be more than happy to help with your networking needs.

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Top of Rack VS End of Row: Which to Choose for Data Center Network

The topic, top of rack vs end of row, has been under a hot debate when IT technicians talk about data center designs. With the ever-increasing demand for switch-to-server connections in the data center network, the network cabling is required to be more flexible and effective than ever. In that way, a large of installations for greater computing power can be satisfied. Thus, the two commonly deployed designs (top of rack vs end of row) have been put in the spotlight.

Top of Rack (ToR) Design

In a Data Center, there are several racks of servers or storage equipment. Each rack contains multiple computing devices. The top of rack architecture recommends network fiber switches should be placed in every rack to connect with all the computing devices in the rack. In turn, these network switches will be connected to aggregation switches via fiber optic cables.

Top-of-Rack Network Connectivity

Figure 1: Top-of-Rack Network Connectivity

Notably, the top-of-rack switch, like a gigabit Ethernet switch, can be put anywhere in the rack, not just limited at the top. However, when in applications, the engineers prefer to put on the top instead of the middle or bottom of the rack for their easier accessibility and cleaner cable management.

End of Row (EoR) Design

In the end of row design, each server in individual racks is required to connect with a common aggregation switch directly, without connecting to individual switches in each rack. Usually, aggregation switches are placed at either end of the “server row” for the purpose of providing network connectivity to the servers within that row. In light of that, the aggregation switch is also called the end of row switch. With such a design, each server cabinet will have a bundle of twisted pair copper cabling containing as many as 48 (or more) individual cables routed to the end of row switch.

End-of-Row Network Connectivity

Figure 2: End-of-Row Network Connectivity

Just like the top-of-rack switch, the end of row switch may not just be placed at the end of each actual row. Even just a handful of network racks collectively placed in a small row of their own, the end of row switch is still available to provide copper connectivity for more than one row of servers.

Top of Rack vs End of Row

Top of rack vs end of row data center designs are both popular options for data centers and other network arrangements calling for connections with a large number of servers. In fact, it’s hard to decisively say which type is best. Every type shares both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

The top of rack switching can relieve the complexity of cabling and increase the efficiency of on-site deployment. For the reason that all the servers in the same server cabinet are connected to the switch, like 10GBE switches in the same rack, only a few cables go outside the rack reaching to the aggregation switch. In thus doing, fewer cables are installed between the server and network racks, which contributes to a reduction of cable cost. Moreover, this design enables easily upgrade from 1GE/ 10GE network to 10GE/ 40GE network in the future with minimum costs and changes to cabling.
In the EoR design, the number of the device is decreased because not every rack needs to be equipped with switches. Undoubtedly, less rack space is required in the architecture. With fewer devices in the data center, requirements for the cooling system will be reduced which also can save the electric power.

Disadvantages

For the ToR, with cables reduced, the number of racks is still increased. The management for switches will be a little bit tricky. In addition, the ToR approach takes up more rack space for the installation of switches.
As for the EoR, with fewer switches used, more cables are needed between racks resulting in the higher possibility of cable mess and higher cost for higher performance cables. Besides, it’s difficult and more expensive to upgrade cabling infrastructure to support higher speed network. Lengthier cables need to be replaced individually while upgrading from 1GE to 10GE, for example.

Conclusion

Top of rack vs end of row data center designs are the common deployments for data center architecture. Considering that each type bears with benefits and limits, you can hardly tell which one is best. Just as the saying, the most suitable, the best.

fiber switches
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Managed Gigabit Switch Buying Guide

Nowadays, the managed Gigabit switch has been a hot cake in small and medium enterprise networks. In the context of that, it’s necessary for us to catch the trend and learn something about the managed Gigabit switch so that you can buy it more wisely.

What Is Managed Gigabit Switch?

Before we introduce the managed gigabit Ethernet switch, let’s overview the background information of it firstly. Gigabit Ethernet switch, also called network switch, refers to a box-like device connecting together a number of other devices, such as computers, printers, and servers on a Local Area Network (LAN) and utilize the packet switching to forward data to and from those connections.

While a managed switch is a kind of fiber switch offering a more tailored experience to users. It not only offers tools and the means to monitor the network, but also control over LAN traffic. Managed switches are very much like Virtual Private Servers where you’ll be in charge of setting everything up, managing the device and take responsibility for any configurations that cause downtime.

1GE PoE+ Series Managed Switches

Figure 1: 1GE PoE+ Series Managed Switches

How to Choose a Managed Gigabit Switch as Required?

According to different features and standards, such as the managed level and the number of ports, the managed Gigabit switch can be grouped into different types. And users can select the required managed switches based on these features.

Managed Level

Based on different managed levels, the managed Gigabit switch can be grouped into the partially managed (smart) switch and fully managed (enterprise) switch. Smart switches have a limited number of options for configuration. However, comparing with the fully managed switch, it can be a cheap managed gigabit switch for home and office use. While fully managed switches are targeted at servers and enterprises, offering a wide array of tools and features to manage the complicated network better.

Number of Ports

Classified by the number of ports, the managed Gigabit switch has been known in a different way. Typically, there are four types are commonly found in the market: 8-port managed gigabit switch, 16-port managed gigabit switch, 24-port managed gigabit switch, and 48-port managed gigabit switch. These ports may be a combination of SFP or SFP+ slots for fiber connectivity, but more commonly they are copper ports with RJ-45 connectors on the front, allowing for transmission distances up to 100 meters. With fiber SFP modules, the distances can be supported up to 40 kilometers.

8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch with 2 SFP

Figure 2: 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch with 2 SFP

Buyers Guide

After we have a basic idea of types of managed Gigabit switches. it’s time to remind you some factors should be taken into consideration when you buy a managed Gigabit switch. Firstly, you should clear about the location you want to install whether just for home, office or enterprise. It decides that whether you need to buy a partially managed switch or a fully managed switch.

Then you should review your network environment and think about the number of users your network supports. In a short, the larger your organization is, the more ports you’ll need. For example, if you are a home user, an 8 or 24 port switch is enough, but a 48 port switch, designed for medium or larger network environment, will be a waste of resource.

24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch with 4 SFP

Figure 3: 24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch with 4 SFP

Conclusion

Through this idea, we can have a basic mind about the background information of the managed Gigabit switch, such as meaning and types. Moreover, we also offer some tips for people who want to buy it. Hope this article can help you choose a right managed Gigabit switch.

What Is SNMP and How SNMP Works

IT System administrators are responsible for collecting work details of the servers and infrastructures, so as to provide a reference for subsequent network adjustment and improvement. But it’s a difficult task in large systems with hundreds or thousands of devices. SNMP protocol is born to solve this problem that lets the technicians monitor the network devices such as data switch, routers and other devices from a single management host. So what is SNMP, and how SNMP works?

What Is SNMP?

SNMP, also written as Simple Network Management Protocol, is an Internet standard protocol implemented on the application layer. The protocol was created in 1898 as a way of monitoring network performance, error rates and so on. The main purpose of SNMP is to define a unified interface and protocol for devices of different categories, versions and manufactures. Thus, assisted by SNMP, system administrators can remotely monitor and manage the numbers of systems and devices on a network, which can greatly simplify their work and improve efficiency of network administration.

How SNMP Works?

Knowing what is SNMP, here we focus on how SNMP works. In SNMP tutorial, to monitor network effectively, SNMP relies on an architecture consisting of the three parts.

SNMP managers: They can be any type of network machine including but not limited to PoE network switch, access servers, etc that has run SNMP to collect and process information of the devices on the network.

SNMP agents: They are the network-management software modules that run on the network node. They are responsible for gathering local system’s information and translating it to an SNMP-specific form.

Network management station: It’s the base that is shared between agents and managers. And it offers the memory and processing resources to the network.

SNMP works by sending message which is called protocol data units (PDUs) between SNMP managers and agents. Using SNMP queries, the manager can identify and locate the devices by receiving the responses sent by the agent. Then the monitoring tool will record and analyze the information of device performance. Thus, the administrators can manage the devices through SNMP control commands. The following picture shows how SNMP works.

what is SNMPFigure 1: Picture of How SNMP Works

Using SNMP to Monitor Network Device

To help IP administrators solve monitoring issue, FS.COM has released a series of switches including 10gbe switch, 40gbe and even 100gbe switch that are equipped with SNMP function.

The S5800-48F4S is a low latency L2/L3 switch with 48 1GbE SFP ports and 4 10GbE SFP+ ports. It supports MLAG, MPLS, SNMP etc, which is perfect for traditional and fully virtualized data center. As for the SNMP configuration, first you should enter the switch administrative interface. Then find the SNMP tab, and select Enable. And follow the commands to create your SNMP account. Thus, you already are enabled to use SNMP to monitor your network.

switch

Figure 2: S5800-48F4S Switch with SNMP Function

Conclusion

What is SNMP and how SNMP works, now I have explained to you. It is an efficient tool to simplify network monitoring works. So using network switch with SNMP function is a convenient way to collect devices’ data and help IT professionals manage the devices efficiently.

Related Article: SFlow vs NetFlow vs SNMP: What Are the Differences?