Managing a business’s internal networks can be challenging. Especially for businesses that rely heavily on internet access, or those with multiple locations and lots of devices, it can seem like an uphill battle. Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of managed POE switches. These powerful devices make it easy to control and manage your network from one central location, allowing you to monitor performance and optimize efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes managed PoE switch such an invaluable asset to businesses of all sizes, as well as how they can help make IT easier.
What is a managed POE switch?
A managed PoE switch allows you to take control of your network and manage it more effectively. This type of switch gives you the ability to monitor and manage your network from a single console, making it much easier to keep track of what is going on. Additionally, a managed POE switch also allows you to set up Quality of Service (QoS) so that certain types of traffic are given priority over others. This can be extremely useful in ensuring that critical applications always have the bandwidth they need.
The benefits of using a managed POE switch
A managed POE switch can offer a number of benefits for IT professionals responsible for managing and troubleshooting network issues. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that a managed switch can provide granular control over POE ports, allowing you to enable/disable individual ports as needed and configure power output levels. This can be helpful in cases where you need to troubleshoot specific devices or isolate problems to a particular area of the network.
Another big benefit of using a managed POE switch is that it can help save on energy costs by automatically powering down unused ports or lowering power output levels when devices are inactive. This can be especially beneficial in large networks with hundreds or even thousands of devices connected. Finally, many managed switches come with advanced features like quality of service (QoS) and traffic monitoring that can be very helpful in optimizing network performance.
The top three managed POE switches on the market
If you’re looking for a managed POE switch to help take control of your network, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the top three managed POE switches on the market, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
- Cisco Meraki MS350-48LP Managed POE Switch: The Cisco Meraki MS350-48LP is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use managed POE switch. This particular model offers 48 ports of 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet, with two SFP+ uplink ports and a power budget of 740W. It’s also designed with ease of use in mind, with a comprehensive web-based interface that makes it simple to configure and manage your network.
- HPE Aruba 2930F 8G PoE+ 2SFP+ Managed Switch: The HPE Aruba 2930F 8G PoE+ 2SFP+ Managed Switch is another great option for those who are looking for a high-performance managed POE switch. This model offers eight 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet ports, two SFP+ uplink ports, and a power budget of 380W. It also features an easy-to-use web interface, making it simple to set up and manage your network.
- Fiberroad FR-5M3416P/FR-5M3424P is a new generation Power over Ethernet switch with 16/24-Port 10/100/1000Base-TX and 4 Gigabit uplink ports that provide stable and reliable Ethernet transmission. With high-quality design and reliability. It can supply power to PD terminal equipment such as wireless AP, webcam, VoIP, and visual intelligent building intercom through network cable and meet the network environment that needs a high-density PoE/PoE+/PoE++ power supply. It is suitable for hotels, campuses, factory dormitories and small and medium-sized enterprises.
How to install and use a managed POE switch
If you want to take control of your network and make it easier to manage, then managed POE switches are a great option. Here’s how to install and use one:
- Connect the switch to your computer using an Ethernet cable.
- Configure the switch using the management software that comes with it. This will usually involve setting up passwords and IP addresses.
- Once the switch is configured, you can connect devices to it using Ethernet cables. Make sure that each device is compatible with POE before connecting it.
- Use the management software to monitor and manage the devices connected to the switch. This includes configuring things like port forwarding and VLANs.
Conclusion
As we have seen, managed POE switches offer an easy way to take control of your network with their built-in features. By using these versatile devices, you can ensure that your data is secure and accessible while reducing the amount of time spent managing your network. With all of the benefits they offer, it’s no wonder why managed POE switches are becoming increasingly popular among professionals looking for a cost-effective and reliable networking solution.