Managed vs unmanaged switches: choose the right fit

As more users, cameras, and IoT devices join a network, traffic inevitably surges. This growth causes devices to compete for bandwidth and creates bottlenecks that slow communication and reduce overall performance. In business and industrial environments, these performance issues quickly escalate into costly downtime.

This is more than a simple inconvenience: over half of affected organizations report losses exceeding $100,000, while 16% face losses of over $1 million when outages occur. 

Switch smarter, not harder 

When building or expanding a network, one of the decisions you’ll face is what type of network switch to use. But not all switches are created equal, as some provide simple plug-and-play connectivity while others give administrators powerful tools to monitor, control, and optimize performance. Your choice depends on whether you need immediate, effortless connection or a high degree of oversight and customization for your network infrastructure. 

That’s where the question arises which one suits your network needs best – unmanaged or managed switch? 

Unmanaged switches: your simplest option 

An unmanaged Ethernet switch is a straightforward networking device because it requires no setup, configuration, or advanced tools to operate. You simply plug in your devices, and the hardware immediately starts directing traffic to the correct destinations without any user intervention.  

This ease of use makes unmanaged switches ideal for small offices, home networks, or smaller industrial deployments. They provide a reliable way to connect multiple devices in any environment where you do not need to worry about complex optimization or fine-tuning. 

Overcome space limitations with TSW304 

Engineered for space-constrained industrial scenarios, the TSW304 unmanaged Ethernet switch is the smallest in the Teltonika portfolio, measuring only 102 x 25 x 81.5 mm. This ultra-small device features 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbps, while integrated DIN rail mount allows for easy installation.  

Such a compact footprint combined with high-speed performance allows this Ethernet switch to provide reliable connectivity in locations where traditional hardware simply cannot fit. 

Deploy industrial cabinet applications with TSF000 & TSF010 flat switches 

Both the TSF000 PoE+ switch and TSF010 Ethernet switch are specifically designed for compact installations where depth is limited, featuring a flat, low-profile design.

With 5 x front access Ethernet ports and support for a wide 7-57 VDC power input, they’re suitable for use in diverse industrial and automation environments. 

The TSF000 is a PoE+ Ethernet switch, delivering power and data through 4 x PoE+ ports with a 120 W total power budget, making it ideal for powering IP cameras, IoT devices, and access points.

In contrast, the TSF010 is a 3-pin power input switch with a competitive price point, tailor-made for industrial use. 

Mobilise your connectivity with TSW101 automotive switch 

Automotive IoT solutions often involve many devices in a very limited space, including computers, cameras, sensors, and many others. More devices mean more cables, and since the power output of vehicles isn’t always compatible with every device, adapters also join the hardware pile. 

To ensure your in-vehicle connectivity solution avoids a messy bundle of cables and adapters, the TSW101 automotive switch acts as a centralized power hub. The device operates via a 2-pin DC socket with a 9-30 VDC range, allowing it to draw power directly from standard 12V and 24V vehicle outputs. Once powered, it distributes that energy through 4 x PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet ports to eliminate the need for individual power sources for your peripheral equipment. 

With the size of only 115 x 32 x 95 mm, this plug-and-play device is the ideal choice for even such critical, space-sensitive applications like an automotive-friendly communication system in fire trucks. 

Managed switches: control & flexibility for your network 

For businesses requiring comprehensive visibility and network oversight, managed switches provide the essential tools for complex infrastructure. This technology empowers administrators to monitor traffic in real-time, resolve connectivity issues quickly, and dictate exactly how devices share and prioritize resources.  

Such granular management ensures that data flow remains optimized, allowing mission-critical systems to maintain consistent performance even in high-demand environments. 

Streamline your deployments with enterprise-grade SWM28-series 

High-density networking meets industrial resilience in the SWM28-series, a lineup of managed L2 switches featuring L3 capabilities for advanced routing and VLAN segmentation. These 1U rack-mount powerhouses speak the language of modern automation, equipped with 24 x Gigabit Ethernet and 4 x SFP ports, while supporting critical protocols such as PROFINET, MRP, and EtherNet/IP to keep your operations synchronized.  

Mixed-use scenarios find their match in the SWM280, which balances 12 PoE+ ports with 12 standard Gigabit ports to accommodate diverse equipment in a single unit. The SWM281 excels in data-heavy environments, providing 24 ports of pure bandwidth for installations where power is managed independently. 

For massive deployments, SWM282 stands as the definitive choice, delivering a 300 W total power budget across 24 PoE+ ports to keep your entire network of cameras, sensors, and access points energized from a single point. 

Integration with TswOS for effortless configuration 

TswOS serves as the powerful and intuitive Teltonika OS designed specifically for managed switches to enable full network optimization. This platform allows each port to be tailored to specific requirements using features like port speed management, mirroring, and isolation.  

By combining these controls with PoE+ functionality, the system centralizes power distribution and eliminates the need for separate supplies. Additionally, the remote rebooting capability allows for instant recovery of malfunctioning devices, streamlining maintenance and reducing downtime. 

Compatibility with RMS for centralised network management 

All managed switches are fully compatible with Teltonika’s Remote Management System (RMS), allowing users managing endpoint devices completely remotely as well as benefiting from visual Network Map.

This functionality turns complex device relationships into clear, interactive visuals, giving you unmatched control over your infrastructure.  

With an intuitive map-based view, you can instantly see connections, pinpoint bottlenecks, and roll out changes across multiple devices in just a few clicks. 

Make the right switch! 

If you’re still uncertain, Teltonika’s portfolio includes a plethora of network switch options for different scenarios, from quick plug-and-play to advanced enterprise control.  

Interested in finding the best Ethernet switch for your infrastructure? Click the button below and contact us!