Staying connected with the outside world through well-planned networks is essential for businesses of all types and sizes. Switches are crucial in creating these networks. They connect various devices, enabling seamless resource and file sharing. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to buy network switches but aren’t familiar with them, this brief guide will help you make an informed choice.
What is a network switch?
Some switches also operate at the Network Layer (Layer 3), where they handle routing. Switches are fundamental components in networks using technologies such as Ethernet, Fiber Channel, and InfiniBand.
How does a network switch work?
When you connect a device to a switch, the switch memorizes its Media Access Control (MAC) address—a unique code embedded in the device’s network interface card (NIC) connected to the Ethernet cable and the switch. The MAC address identifies the physical device rather than the network layer IP address. The switch uses this MAC address to track where packets come from and where to send them.
When a device sends a packet to another device, it first reaches the switch. The switch reads the packet’s header to determine the next steps. It then matches the destination address and redirects the packet through the appropriate port to reach its destination.
Switches generally come in three types: managed switches (for businesses), unmanaged switches (for home networks), and intelligent switches (for smaller networks).
To find the best network switches for your small business, consider the following factors:
How do I find the best network switches for my small business?
When searching online, you will notice that Fortinet switches and Cisco switches are the most popular switches among businesses. But to determine which of them is best for your small business, you need to keep in mind the following factors:
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The number of users you need to connect:
In this scenario, a user includes not only people or computers but also devices like printers, VoIP phones, CCTV cameras, and wireless access points. With a high number of users, you’ll need more ports and faster data transfer speeds.
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Power availability:
When placing Access Points (APs) in locations without traditional power outlets, look for alternatives. Some APs can be powered through Power over Ethernet (PoE). In these cases, choose a switch with Ethernet ports that support PoE.
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Network speed:
Although network switches don’t boost network speed, choosing the wrong one can significantly slow down your network. For high-speed data transfer, select switches with ports that can handle that speed. Look for 10/100/1000 GbE ports, which automatically adjust to the fastest speed supported by the source and destination devices. If you can work with lower speeds, 10/100 ports may be sufficient.
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Managed vs. Unmanaged:
If you need switches to connect devices within your organization, choose managed switches. Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play, so you cannot configure them to suit your needs. In contrast, managed switches allow you to configure, monitor, and manage network devices, enabling you to optimize performance and security. In some cases, Intelligent switches might also be a suitable choice.
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Your Budget:
Network switches are not cheap devices and when buying them, it is better to create a proper budget plan. Since network switches offered by Cisco and Fortinet vary in terms of prices, it is better to compare their prices and see which of them makes the most cost-effective choice for you.
Fortinet Switches vs. Cisco Switches: Which makes a better option?
Cisco and Fortinet, both are the leading brands that have a fair share of the market. Since you need to choose between them, here are some insights for you based on what their users feel.
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Installation and Deployment
Both Fortinet Switches and Cisco switches are ranked highly for ease of deployment and installation. However, you still need professionals to handle switches no matter if they are from Fortinet or Cisco.
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Key Features
Cisco Ethernet switches offer excellent security features and are extremely reliable. However, their users have claimed that they are not user-friendly and could use built-in routers. On the other hand, Fortinet switches are very user-friendly and are appreciated for their simplicity.
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Service and Support
While Cisco receives mixed reviews in terms of service and support, Fortinet switches’ users report being highly satisfied with the support they get from Fortinet.
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Price and ROI
When it comes to pricing and ROI, Fortinet switches win over Cisco switches as Fortinet switches are reasonably priced.
If you need Fortinet switches or Cisco switches, and require guidance to pick the right type and features that meet the demands of your business network,
Author: TechBlonHub
As a passionate blogger, I'm thrilled to share my expertise, insights, and enthusiasm with you. I believe that technical knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. That's why I take the time to craft detailed, well-researched content that's easy to follow, even for non-tech. I love hearing from you, answering your questions, and learning from your experiences. Your feedback helps me create content that's tailored to your needs and interests