NETGEAR FS526T Switch User Manual


 
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)