Specifications

Chapter 2: Switch Management Overview | 7
2. Switch Management Overview
2
This chapter gives an overview of switch management, including the methods you can use to
manage your NETGEAR Smart Switch. Topics include:
• Management Access Overview
• SNMP Access
• Protocols
Management Access Overview
Your NETGEAR Smart Switch contains software for viewing, changing, and monitoring the
way it works. This management software is not required for the switch to work. You can use
the 10/100 Mbps ports and the built-in Gigabit ports without using the management software.
However, the management software allows you configure ports, VLAN and Trunking features
and also improve the efficiency of the switch and, as a result, improve the overall
performance of your network. The Switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage the
switch using any of the following methods:
• SmartControlCenter Utility program
• Web browser interface
After you power-up the switch for the first time, you can configure it using a utility program
called SmartControlCenter or a Web browser. Please refer to the screenshots in following
pages for a description of the SmartControlCenter Utility and Web Management GUI. Each
of these management methods has advantages. The table below compares the two
management methods.
Table 2-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods
Management Method Advantages Disadvantages
SmartControlCenter
Utility
• No IP address or subnet needed Show
all switches on the network
• User-friendly interface
• Firmware upgradeable
• Not convenient for remote access