Planet Technology FGSW-2620PVM, FGSW-2620VM 3.2 Management Access Overview

User’s Manual of FGSW-2620VM / FGSW-2620PVM

3.2 Management Access Overview

The Managed Switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage it using any or all of the following methods:

„Web browser interface

„An external SNMP-based network management application

„An administration console

The administration console and Web browser interface support are embedded in the Managed Switch software and are available for immediate use. Each of these management methods has their own advantages. Table 3-1 compares the three management methods.

Method		Advantages	Disadvantages
Web Browser	•	Ideal for configuring the switch remotely	• Security can be compromised (hackers need
	• Compatible with all popular browsers		only know the IP address and subnet mask)
	• Can be accessed from any location		• May encounter lag times on poor connections
	•	Most visually appealing
SNMP Agent	•	Communicates with switch functions at	• Requires SNMP manager software
		the MIB level	• Least visually appealing of all three methods
	• Based on open standards		• Some settings require calculations
			• Security can be compromised (hackers need
			only know the community name)
Console	•	No IP address or subnet needed	• Must be near switch or use dial-up connection
(FGSW-2620PVM)	•	Text-based	• Not convenient for remote users
	• Telnet functionality and HyperTerminal		• Modem connection may prove to be unreliable
		built into Windows	or slow
		95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP operating
		systems
	•	Secure

Table 3-1:Management Methods Comparison

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