User Manual for the NETGEAR 7200 Series Layer 2 Managed Switch Software

2-2 Switch Management Overview

202-10010-01

Simple Network Protocol Management (SNMP)Each management method enables the network administrator to configure, manage, and control the GSM7224 locally or remotely using in-band or out-of-band mechanisms. Management is standards-based, with configuration parameters and a private MIB providing control for functions not completely specified in the MIBs.

Table 2-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods

Management Method Advantages Disadvantages
Administration
console Out-of-band access via direct cable
connection means network bottlenecks,
crashes, and downtime do not slow or
prevent access
No IP address or subnet needed
Menu or CLI based
HyperTerminal access to full functionality
(HyperTerminal are built into Microsoft
Windows 95/98/NT/2000 operating
systems)
Secure – make sure the switch is installed
in a secure area.
Must be near switch or use dial-up
connection
Not convenient for remote users
Not graphical
Web browser
or Telnet Can be accessed from any location via the
switch’s IP address
Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
Compatible with Internet Explorer and
Netscape Navigator Web browsers
Familiar browser interface
Graphical data available
Most visually appealing
Menu or CLI interfaces available
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)