GE GE-DS-82 Switch User Manual


 
Chapter 3: Switch Management
GE-DS-82 and 82-PoE Ethernet Managed Switch User Manual 25
Table 1: Management Methods Comparison
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Web Browser Ideal for configuring the switch
remotely
Compatible with all popular
browsers
Can be accessed from any location
Most visually appealing
Security can be compromised
(hackers need only know the IP
address and subnet mask)
May encounter lag times on poor
connections
SNMP Agent Communicates with switch
functions at the MIB level
Based on open standards
Requires SNMP manager software
Least visually appealing of all three
methods
Some settings require calculations
Security can be compromised
(hackers need only know the
community name)
Console No IP address or subnet needed
Text-based
Telnet functionality and
HyperTerminal built into Windows
95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP operating
systems
Secure
Must be near switch or use dial-up
connection
Not convenient for remote users
Modem connection may prove to be
unreliable or slow
Web Browser Management
The Managed Switch offers management features that allow users to manage the
Managed Switch from anywhere on the network through a standard browser such as
Microsoft Internet Explorer. After you set up your IP address for the switch, you can
access the Managed Switch's Web interface applications directly in your Web
browser by entering the IP address of the Managed Switch.
You can then use your Web browser to list and manage the Managed Switch
configuration parameters from one central location, just as if you were directly
connected to the Managed Switch's console port. Web Management requires either
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Safari or Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later.