Do You Really Need Managed Switches for Smart Home Network?

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Smart homes are the new normal nowadays. Everyone wants to integrate multiple IoT devices in the smart home network. Devices like routers, IP cameras, light-fixtures, air-conditioners, etc., are a few devices interconnected in a single smart home network. However, not all the devices are required for use at a time. This is where Ethernet switches come into action. There are two types of Ethernet switches used in smart home networks, namely unmanaged and managed switches. However, managed switches are preferred by the experts. Well, why unmanaged switches are less preferred one? Do you really need managed network switches for smart home networks? This post answers these questions for you.  

Managed Switches for Smart Home Network

An Overview of Managed Switches

The managed switches are a type of Ethernet switches that allows the operator to monitor, control and configure the transmission via a network. These switches deliver comprehensive functions via features like ARP inspection, VLAN, QoS, IP routing, etc. Therefore, unlike unmanaged Ethernet switches, the managed switches can be used to control the direction of data transmission and traffic in a network. Owing to the advanced monitoring factors, users can assure that the data transmitted from the source is being delivered to only intended devices in the network. This helps in controlling which devices are active and which are not at a specific time.

Learn About the Importance of Managed Network Switches for Home Network

Now let us discuss how managed network switches help in smart home network operations. The following benefits add to the importance of managed switches into smart home networks.

  • The managed network switches can integrate several IoT devices in a smart home network without jeopardizing the performance of the network or the devices.
  • The managed switches allow the user to control device operations. For example, with advanced technologies like voice commands, the managed switches allow the user to control temperature, kitchen equipment, light fixtures, computers, etc., only when it is needed. This helps in enormous power-saving and improving utility functions of the IoT devices installed inside or outside the home.
  • Managed switches offer Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for effective distribution load on the network. During high traffic on the network, the LACP feature enables the addition of bandwidth by an aggregated physical link.
  • Smart home networks are under threat of external cyber-intrusions. The managed switches offer protection against cyber intruders via the ACL feature. ACL prohibits unauthorized access which secures data and activities from the smart home networks.
  • Managed switches also offer a VLAN feature which is helpful in distributing network traffic. Therefore, even if all the devices are active at a time traffic clogging or distribution is no trouble.
  • In extreme traffic conditions or technical glitches, the Ethernet network can abruptly fail. In such cases, the managed Ethernet switches offer a spanning tree protocol (STP) which reduces network downtime by offering path redundancy. In case of link failure or abrupt network malfunction, STP in managed switches offer an alternative path to direct the traffic to avoid delay in smart home network operations.

Owing to all these benefits offered by managed network switches to the smart home networks, you would need managed switches for your smart home network. Now would have understood that lack of monitoring controls and security makes unmanaged switches the least preferred choice in the smart home network, isn’t it!  While investing in managed network switches, you must pay attention to the quality of switches to take advantage of its features. Thus, buying from trusted manufacturers and suppliers like VERSITRON can assure you of the quality and performance of managed switches and eventually your smart home network.

Available Managed Switches


SKU Product Name Environment View Details
SF70460MP 4-Port 10/100/1000 Industrial Managed Switch Managed
SG70660M 6-Port Managed Switch | 5-Ports 10/100/1000, 1-1000 SFP Slot Managed
S70850M 8-Port 10/100Base Managed Switch | 7-10/100, 1-100FX SFP Slot Managed
SG72860M 24-Ports 10/100/1000 | 4-100/1G SFP, Managed Managed
SGX75270MA 52-Port Managed 10G Switch | 48-Ports 10/100/1000, 4-1G/10G SFP Slots Managed
SG71060MPB 10-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 8-Ports 10/100/1000, 2-100/1G SFP Slots Managed
SG72060MP 20-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 16-Ports 10/100/1000. 4-100/1G SFP Slots Managed
SGX72870MP 28-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 24-10/100/1000, 4-1G/10G SFP Slots Managed
SGX75270MP 52-Port Managed PoE/PoE+ Switch | 48-10/100/1000, 4-1G/10G SFP Slots Managed
SF70760MP 7-Port Managed Industrial PoE/PoE+ Switch | 6-10/100/1000, 1-100/1G SFP Slot Managed
SF71060MPA 10-Port Managed Industrial PoE/PoE+ Switch | 8-10/100/1000, 2-100/1G SFP Slots Managed
SF71860MP 18-Port Managed Industrial PoE/PoE+ Switch | 16-10/100/1000, 2-100/1G SFP Slots Managed
SF70460M 4-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 2-10/100/1000, 2-100/1G SFP Slots Managed
SF70760M 7-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 6-10/100/1000, 1-100/1G SFP Slot Managed
SF71053M2 10-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 8-10/100, 2-100FX MM ST Managed
SF71060MA 10-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 8-10/100/1000, 2-100/1G SFP Slots Managed
SF72860M 28-Port Managed Industrial Switch | 24-10/100/1000, 2-100/1G SFP, 2-RJ45/SFP Combo Ports Managed

Rich Tull

Rich Tull
R.W. Tull is the President of Versitron, a leading technology company specializing in data communication and networking solutions. With expertise in Guiding network switches and media converters, R.W. Tull has played a pivotal role in driving Versitron's success. His deep understanding of these technologies has enabled the company to provide innovative and reliable solutions to clients. As a visionary leader, He ensures that Versitron remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering cutting-edge networking solutions that enhance data communication efficiency.
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