Don't Lose Sight: What you need to know about your business network: Part III - Switches

Part 3: SWITCHES

In part 1 and 2 of our series about business-class networks, we covered routers and firewalls.  But you have to connect everything.  Here are some basics you need to know about your business network switches.

Getting all of your business devices connected to your LAN requires a network switch. A network switch is a physical device with multiple connection ports to make a physical link between your computers and your Internet gateway.

DUMB NETWORK SWITCHES

​Network switches made for the consumer market and commonly found for sale on the shelf of big box stores have very limited functionality. These are referred to as unmanaged or dumb network switches. They provide a flat network where all devices connected have the ability to access each other. This also means the network data from all connected devices is in competition to get to and from the Internet.

What is the difference between consumer-class and business-class network equipment?

​A flat network can easily experience congestion (slowness) when high traffic devices try to monopolize the Internet connection. Common offenders are video surveillance cameras and streaming services (like Spotify or YouTube). A flat network also presents a security challenge.

What is the difference between managed and unmanged network switches?

CLEAN PIPES?

​Does your business offer a guest WiFi? A guest, using your LAN, may be able to access your other business computers and their information if your network switches cannot be configured to isolate devices. 

​Plumbing is a good analogy to illustrate the benefit of network segmentation. While, physical, you could use the same pipes for fresh water and sewage, it is certainly NOT a safe nor best practice approach to plumbing.

How do I secure my guest WiFi?

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​A Managed Switch allows for multiple Virtual LANs (VLANs) to be configured to segment certain types of devices as needed by your business. In a business-class network switch implementation, it is best practice to isolate computers, servers, video cameras, phone systems, and guest networks.

SUPPORT

A Managed Switch also provides more monitoring capabilities. Therefore, if an issue arises with your LAN performance, a Managed Switch provides more insight into the potential cause of the issue and reduces the time and effort to resolve the issue.

What is the advantage of a managed switch for my business?
How do I monitor my managed switch?

​A proper business-class network switch will also have a better warranty and support subscription from the manufacturer. 

Most business-class equipment come with at least a 3 year warranty.  That big box store warranty is usually not longer than a year, or will cost you additional fees with sub-par service. The warrant entitles you to a replacement if the switch breaks at no additional cost. This allows you to avoid unplanned capital expenses to replace failed equipment.

The support subscription entitles you to software updates which are just as critical on switches as they are on Firewalls. These updates keep your network secure, efficient, and free of issues. ​

Why is it important for me to update my business software?

​In our final installment of this network overview series, we will talk about your business  Wireless Access Point (WAN).
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Please leave questions or comments below.  You can tell me what you want to learn about in the "Ask Me" section at the top right of this blog page.  

​Leeward Business Advisors provides secure solutions and business-class networking powered by Fortinet.  We can monitor your entire network, including your managed switch and proactively maintain and provide ​remediation.
Leeward Elite provides a complete network package at a set monthly rate with no additional surprise fees.