NETGEAR NETGEAR user manual Comparing Switch Management Methods

User Manual for the NETGEAR 7300S Series Layer 3 Managed Switch Software

•Simple Network Protocol Management (SNMP)

Each management method enables the network administrator to configure, manage, and control the managed switch 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		• Out-of-band access via direct cable	• Must be near switch or use dial-up
console		connection means network bottlenecks,	connection
		crashes, and downtime do not slow or	• Not convenient for remote users
		prevent access	• Not graphical
		• No IP address or subnet needed
		• CLI based
		• HyperTerminal access to full functionality
		(HyperTerminal is built into Microsoft
		Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP operating
		systems)
		• Secure – make sure the switch is installed
		in a secure area.
Web browser		• Can be accessed from any location via the	• May encounter lag times on poor
or Telnet		switch’s IP address	connections
		• Ideal for configuring the switch remotely	• Displaying graphical objects over a
		• Compatible with Internet Explorer and	browser interface may slow navigation
		Netscape Navigator Web browsers
		• Familiar browser interface
		• Graphical data available
		• Most visually appealing
		• CLI interfaces available
		• Can be secured via SSL or SSH
SNMP Agent		• Communicates with switch functions at the	• Requires SNMP management
		Management Information Base (MIB) level	software
		• Based on open standards	• Least visually appealing of all three
		• Can be secured via SNMPv3	methods
			• Limited amount of information
			available
			• Some settings require calculations

2-2 Switch Management Overview

202-10088-01, March 2005