Network Switches for Business: PoE, Managed and Unmanaged

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a managed and an unmanaged switch?

An unmanaged switch is plug and play: it connects devices with no setup. A managed switch adds control, including VLANs to separate voice, guest and office traffic, port monitoring and security settings. Smart-managed models sit in between, with the key features and a simpler interface. If you run VoIP phones, guest Wi-Fi or more than a handful of users, choose managed or smart-managed.

Do I need a PoE switch?

Yes, if you will power IP phones, security cameras or wireless access points through the network cable. PoE carries power and data on one cable, so there is no power adapter or outlet at each device. Check two numbers: the PoE standard your devices require and the switch's total PoE power budget, which matters as much as the number of PoE ports.

How many ports should I buy?

Count every device you will wire in today, add uplinks to your router and other switches, then leave room to grow: spare ports cost far less than replacing a switch early. Desktop models suit small offices and workbenches; 24 and 48 port rack-mount models suit server rooms and network closets. Check the uplink ports too, since faster SFP uplinks keep traffic moving between switches.

Are business switches worth it over consumer models?

For an office, yes. Business switches are built to run around the clock in a closet or rack, mount in standard racks, and add the management and security features consumer models often skip. That is what lets you segment traffic, power devices over PoE and see what is happening on your network. A consumer switch suits a home desk, not a shared office network.

How do I get a price on a switch, and can I deal with you in French?

Click Request a Quote on any switch, or send your full network list in one request. Our bilingual team works in English or French, and a Canadian account manager returns a competitive CAD quote, usually within hours. Listed prices are the public MSRP, refreshed nightly, so you can budget before you ask. Dataworld serves Canadian businesses and ships within Canada only.

Related

• Transceivers & SFP modules
• Wireless networking
• Network adapters
• Network cables
• Server racks & enclosures