Westward Sales Blog

To operate effectively in today’s connected world, businesses require a robust network infrastructure. It’s not enough to have the right endpoint devices, such as edge computers and mobile hardware; businesses also need a stable and reliable network through which those endpoint devices can connect to the network, other devices, and the broader internet.

Unmanaged Ethernet switches are one key type of hardware in most businesses’ network infrastructure. They deliver a level of simplicity and “set it and forget it” performance that both technical and nontechnical professionals love.

Here’s everything you need to know about unmanaged Ethernet switches: what they are, what sets them apart from managed switches, common use-cases, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Unmanaged Ethernet switches are plug-and-play devices. They require no configuration and are easy to deploy.
• They are best suited for smaller networks, remote locations, or environments without dedicated IT oversight.
• Managed switches offer more control and security features but require ongoing administration.
• Industrial-grade unmanaged switches deliver enhanced durability, wider operating temperature ranges, surge protection, and reliable performance in harsh environments.
• Westward Sales provides industrial-grade switches designed for performance and reliability when uptime matters most.

What Is an Unmanaged Ethernet Switch?

An unmanaged Ethernet switch is a piece of networking hardware that connects devices within a local area network (LAN). “Unmanaged” means that the switch comes from the manufacturer preconfigured. Straight out of the box, an unmanaged switch is essentially a plug-and-play device. Users don’t need to configure an unmanaged Ethernet switch, nor do they need to actively manage it over time. Once a user connects devices to the switch, they can communicate with one another — no additional configuration required.

The Difference between Unmanaged and Managed Ethernet Switches

Managed Ethernet switches are the alternative to unmanaged Ethernet switches. The difference is precisely what the name implies: managed switches require active management, which means that someone at the business (or an outside IT partner) must configure the switch to perform the tasks the business needs.

Managed Ethernet switches are significantly more powerful and flexible, providing network administrators with greater control over how devices behave, interconnect, and communicate on the network. They offer various features, including quality of service (QoS), a command-line interface (CLI), VLANs, security protocols, port mirroring, traffic control, and numerous other Layer 2 protocols.

More power and flexibility sound like a good thing, and they are — when businesses need it. However, managed Ethernet switches come with a significant trade-off: someone must manage them.

To recap, these are the main differences between unmanaged and managed Ethernet switches:

• Unmanaged Ethernet switches are simpler to operate, as they require no configuration or active management. But they are also more limited in functionality and cannot be customized.
• Managed Ethernet switches are more complex to operate, requiring professional configuration, maintenance, and management. However, they are more powerful and flexible, offering functions and features that unmanaged switches cannot provide.

 When and Where Businesses Choose Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

The choice between managed and unmanaged often comes down to the size and complexity of a network, along with the security and availability needs.

Businesses often opt for unmanaged Ethernet switches in smaller settings where advanced security is less crucial. For example, remote locations without dedicated on-site IT support are great candidates for unmanaged switches. Ideal applications could include:

• Individual outlets of franchised stores and restaurants
• Remote job sites
• Small industrial facilities
• Small offices with few devices and low security needs
• Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) devices

To be clear, “low security” doesn’t mean that unmanaged Ethernet switches aren’t secure. It just means that they lack the more advanced security and troubleshooting features that some businesses and use cases require.

Larger networks with more complex or higher security needs tend to opt for managed Ethernet switches. The same is true for regulated industries, where specific auditable data security policies must be enforced. For example, each of these scenarios or organization types would almost certainly use managed switches:

• A large business’s main campus or primary facilities
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions (colleges and universities)
• Healthcare organizations
• Financial institutions

Ultimately, the decision between managed and unmanaged switches depends on the size, complexity, and security needs of a business. If you’re unsure, contact your network administrator or managed IT provider. Or contact us — we’re happy to guide customers to the network hardware that best fits their needs.

The Hidden Value of Industrial Grade

One common question we receive at Westward Sales is: What makes industrial-grade technology worth the cost? It’s true: if you want the cheapest possible unmanaged Ethernet switch, you won’t find it here. You can get a cheap, barebones device for a lot less.

So the question isn’t whether you can get something cheaper — you certainly can. The better question is whether that cheaper route will deliver what you need. For most industrial scenarios, it’s a clear “no.”

An industrial unmanaged switch has the same core function as inexpensive online options, but it falls into a different category of device. Every Ethernet switch we sell is industrial-grade, meaning it is:

• Made from high-quality, rigorously tested components
• Built to withstand extreme temperatures and, if rated, outdoor weather conditions
• Capable of attenuating power surges
• Certified by various safety agencies
• Designed to meet industrial electrical standards

Unflinching Performance When It Matters Most

The ultimate question to ask when considering which route to go is this: how important is it that your new Ethernet switch performs as you need it to — consistently, no exceptions, no matter the environment or the throughput?

If performance isn’t a top priority, then the added cost may not be worthwhile. But when performance matters most, then the industrial-grade difference is worth the investment.

Selected Unmanaged Ethernet Switch Models

The Antaira LNP-0500-T is a powerful yet affordable unmanaged Ethernet switch that offers 4 Power over Ethernet (PoE+) Fast Ethernet ports (providing up to 30W of power per port) plus one standard Fast Ethernet port. This rugged switch can withstand temperature extremes, dust, humidity, and power fluctuations, making it ideal for small industrial deployments.

For businesses that require higher speeds and additional connections, the Antaira LNP-1202G-SFP-T is a high-performance unmanaged Ethernet switch. With 12 Gigabit speed ports (8 of which are PoE+), 2 Gigabit RJ45 ports, and two fiber optic SFPs, this switch offers the connectivity and speed required to meet demanding network requirements. Redundant power input, high ESD and surge protection, and a broad operating temperature range ensure this switch continues to operate reliably even under adverse conditions.

Get the Right Ethernet Switches from Westward Sales

Businesses need unmanaged Ethernet switches for a wide range of deployments and use cases. While it might seem like any Ethernet switch will get the job done, there’s a difference between getting the job done and truly reliable high performance.

Finding the right device for the right scenario takes an expert guide. Westward Sales has decades of experience helping businesses outfit even the most unforgiving job sites and facilities with high-performance networking equipment. Contact our team today to discuss your specific needs. We’ll connect you with the right tech for your unique needs. Reach out today.

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