How To Select A Switch: 7 Decision Factors

A network switch is a fundamental component for any SMB building their business network. It enables SMBs to communicate and share information over a local area network (LAN), connecting people and devices in a local geography such as an office, department or building, supporting collaboration and access to vital business information.

A network switch uses a combination of physical connection points — or ports — and software to transmit information as data packets carrying voice, video or data to many client devices, including user devices such as PCs, printers, IP cameras, IP phones and LAN devices such as servers, wireless access points, other switches and routers.

The switch inspects the packets as it receives them. It determines the source and destination of each packet, selecting the best network path to get the data to its destination. Speed and coordination are essential; otherwise the packets collide or get dropped. A network switch improves the utilisation of the network as data packets are only passed to the appropriate switch ports, or the right device.

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With so many switches available in the market, SMBs can be confused about which is the best one for their business? Below are the seven crucial factors that can help you make informed, accurate and beneficial decisions.

Number of Ports

The easiest way to know the number of switch ports you need for your business is to identify the devices you need to connect by counting the number of user devices that need to be physically connected by cables on your LAN, all your network devices and security devices such as firewalls. Add 15 percent to your current port count to accommodate unforeseen requirements and you will have the minimum number of switch ports you need today and for the foreseeable future.

Network Speed

Speed is sometimes referred to as bandwidth. Newer computers transfer data packets at close to 1000 megabits per second (Mbps) although many businesses still run on 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, which allows the physical connection between a switch and device to be up to 100 metres long when using twisted pair copper cable or up to two kilometres when using fibre-optic cable. A Gigabit Ethernet LAN switch actually supports all threes speeds —10/100/1000 Mbps — making it an ideal solution for computers of various ages and for running mission-critical applications such as video or voice or transmitting complex digital images including Web 2.0 applications.

Managed Switch

One key question an SMB should ask before choosing a network switch is whether to select a managed or an unmanaged switch. Your choice of a managed switch determines the level of control you can have over your network, including the degree of security that your business wants for its networked data and communications. A managed switch enables SMBs to take control of the network, while an unmanaged switch will simply allow devices to communicate.

A managed switch also requires more technical expertise and is used for business-critical applications such as CRM, sales force automation, video surveillance, etc. Using a managed switch, for example, you can allow only certain employees to access your financial applications, while blocking access to unauthorised users.

Many unmanaged switches today prioritise voice or video traffic over data traffic and can meet most business requirements, with the added bonus of quick and easy installation and the option for centralised remote management, which helps reduce the need for IT support.

Power over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet ports eliminate the need to install (‘run’) and operate separate electrical and network wiring for your devices. PoE offers you the flexibility of installing devices in remote and hard-to-reach areas such as high ceilings while helping you save on labour and materials costs. If you provided your switch with redundant power circuits connected to an uninterrupted power supply, your devices can continue operating even during power failures.

Voice-Ready Switching

By choosing a voice-ready switch, your business can run voice traffic over your LAN, enabling you to replace a traditional PBX or telecommunications service with an advanced IP telephony system and IP phones that interoperate with the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a contracted voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. Using a voice-ready switch, you can reduce toll call charges and conferencing service charges, unify voicemail and e-mail messaging, and install telephones in different locations using the same extension. It also helps you enhance user and IT staff productivity and improve customer service

Form Factor

Your choice of switch type depends on the layout of your work environment, your desire for quiet operation or physical security, and the number of switch ports you require. Desktop switches are smaller, silent and designed to sit atop a desk or table making them ideal for conference rooms and smaller offices. Rack-mount switches are designed to be placed in a wiring closet or other enclosed, physically secure room or data centre that typically houses other network devices, such as servers and telephony equipment

Business Requirements

It may be last on the list, but this decision factor is certainly the most important when choosing a switch or other network equipment. You are the one who knows your business priorities. As a growing enterprise, you would gain tremendous benefit if you consider the following factors:

• Easy to set up and use, whether wired or wireless
• Secured against external and internal vulnerabilities
• Affordable without reducing quality
• Simple to integrate into your business
• High performance, whether with data, voice or video applications
• Reliable and backed by strong warranties and service
• Flexible and based on open standards, so you can take advantage of valuable new business technologies

To most SMBs, investing in networking is an afterthought. But if you really want to differentiate your business by enhancing staff productivity and enabling better collaboration within the organisation and with your business partners, you have to seriously consider purchasing the network switch that best answers your needs today as you prepare yourself for future growth.

Hindmarch is regional product marketing manager, APAC, 3Com.