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Smart Switch Series Software Manual
2-2 Switch Management Overview
July 2005
Table 2-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods
Management Method Advantages Disadvantages
SmartWizard
Discovery Utility
• No IP address or subnet needed Show all
switches on the network
• User-friendly interface
• Firmware upgradeable
• Not convenient for remote access
Web browser • Can be accessed from any location via the
switch’s IP address
• Password protected
• Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
• Compatible with Internet Explorer and
Netscape Navigator Web browsers
• Intuitive browser interface
• Most visually appealing
• Extensive switch configuration allowed
• Configuration backup for duplicating
settings to other switches
• Security can be compromised (hackers
can attack if they know IP address)
• May encounter lag times on poor
connections
• Displaying graphical objects over a
browser interface may slow navigation
SNMP Agent • Communicates with switch functions at the
Management Information Base (MIB) level
• Based on open standards
• Requires SNMP manager software
• Least visually appealing of all three
methods
• Limited amount of information
available
• Some settings require calculations
• Security can be compromised (hackers
need only know the community name)