Managed vs Unmanaged Switches: Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series

Introduction

In the world of computer networks, Cisco switches are like traffic directors that help data flow smoothly from one device to another. Cisco is a well-known networking company that offers a series of switches, but one of the most standout series of catalyst switches is known as the Cisco Catalyst 9200. These switches come in two types: managed and unmanaged. Managed switches give network administrators a lot of control over how data moves around, while unmanaged switches are simpler and easier to set up. The Cisco Catalyst 9200 series is popular because it's reliable and has lots of features to help businesses stay connected. Whether you need a switch for a small office or a huge company, there's likely a Cisco 9200 switch that fits your needs. Let's look at the differences between managed vs unmanaged switches in the Cisco Catalyst 9200 series to discover which one could be best for you.

What are the Cisco 9200 Series switches?

The Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series is a series of powerful switches designed to meet modern networking requirements. These switches function as traffic directors for your computer network, ensuring that data flows swiftly and securely. They are equipped with capabilities to help organizations of various kinds, from small offices to major enterprises. The Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series delivers lightning-fast connectivity, dependable performance, and enhanced security capabilities to protect your network from cyber threats. These switches can easily handle video streaming, file sharing, and video conferencing. Furthermore, they are simple to set up and administer, making them ideal for enterprises that require high-performance networking without the hassle. 

Managed Switches in Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series

Managed switches, as the name suggests, offer administrators full control over network traffic. They provide advanced features such as VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS), and security protocols like SNMP and SSH. These switches, such as the Cisco C9200-48P-E and Cisco C9200-24P-A, come equipped with features like VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS) settings, and advanced security protocols. With a managed switch, network administrators can customize and prioritize data flow, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth while maintaining security across the network. Additionally, managed switches support Layer 3 routing, allowing for more intelligent routing decisions within the network. These switches are suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small offices to large enterprises, seeking robust network management capabilities to optimize performance and security. With the Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series managed switches, businesses can confidently build a reliable and scalable network infrastructure that can adapt to their evolving needs.

Table 1. Lists the managed switches of the C9200 switches below:

Unmanaged Switches in Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series

On the other hand, unmanaged switches operate with plug-and-play simplicity, requiring minimal configuration. They are typically used in smaller networks where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized over advanced features. These switches are ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require basic networking capabilities without the need for complex configurations. One example is the Cisco 9200L-24T-4G-E, which features 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 SFP ports for flexible connectivity options. Another option is the Cisco 9200L-48T-4G-E, which provides 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 SFP ports, making it suitable for larger networks with more devices. These unmanaged switches offer plug-and-play functionality, allowing users to simply connect their devices and start networking without the need for extensive setup or configuration. With their affordable pricing and reliable performance, Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series unmanaged switches are an excellent choice for businesses looking for straightforward networking solutions.

Table 2. Lists the managed switches of the C9200 switches below:

Characteristics of Managed and Unmanaged Cisco 9200 Series Switches

Managed Switches

• Advanced Configuration: Managed Cisco switches like the C9200 and C9200L-24T-4G-E offer advanced configuration options, allowing network administrators to customize settings to suit their specific requirements, such as setting up VLANs for departmental segregation or configuring QoS for voice and video traffic prioritization.
• Remote Management: With managed switches, such as the C9200 and C9200L-24T-4G-E, network administrators can exercise their control from anywhere, offering a level of convenience and flexibility that empowers them to monitor and configure the network at their convenience.
• Traffic Control: Managed switches offer features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and VLAN support, allowing administrators to prioritize and control traffic flow for optimal network performance.
• Enhanced Security: Managed Cisco 9200 switches come with advanced security features such as access control lists (ACLs), which are a set of rules that control network traffic and can be used for security purposes, port security, and encryption. These features ensure network integrity and protect against unauthorized access.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Managed Cisco switches like the C9200-48P-E provide detailed monitoring and reporting capabilities, allowing administrators to track network usage, diagnose problems, and generate reports for analysis and troubleshooting.

Unmanaged Switches

• Plug-and-Play Setup: Unmanaged Cisco switches such as the C9200L-24T-4G-E are designed for easy installation and operation, requiring minimal configuration. Simply plug in the devices, and they start working immediately.
• Simplicity: Unmanaged Cisco switches, like the C9200L-24T-4G-E, are designed with a straightforward setup and operation, providing a reassuringly simple solution for small businesses or home networks that don't require advanced features.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Unmanaged Cisco switches, like the C9200L-24T-4G-E, are not just simple to use but also offer a budget-friendly option for basic networking needs, instilling confidence in their cost-effectiveness.
• No Remote Management: Unlike managed switches, unmanaged Cisco switches do not support remote management capabilities. Configuration changes must be made directly on the device.
• Limited Scalability: Unmanaged switches may have limited scalability compared to managed switches, making them suitable for smaller networks with fewer devices and more straightforward requirements.

When looking to buy or purchase Cisco switches like the C9200 series, businesses should consider these characteristics to determine which option best suits their networking needs

Comparison between Managed and Unmanaged Switches

When comparing managed vs unmanaged switches, several factors come into play. Managed switches offer better performance, security, and scalability compared to unmanaged switches. However, they are also more complex to configure and typically come at a higher price point. Some comparison tables are written below to differentiate between managed and unmanaged Cisco 9200 switches.

Different Specifications of Managed and Unmanaged Switches

Table 3 highlights the key specifications and differences between a managed switch (C9200-48P-E) and an unmanaged switch (C9200L-24T-4G-E) in the Cisco 9200 series.

PoE+ Power Supply Difference

Table 4 compares the PoE+ power with primary and secondary power supplies for managed and unmanaged network witches in the Cisco 9200 series:

Stacking Options

Table 5. highlights the differences in stacking options between managed vs unmanaged switches in the Cisco 9200 series switches. Managed switches offer advanced stacking capabilities, allowing for easier management, scalability, and redundancy. On the other hand, the unmanaged switches do not support stacking.

Performance Specifications

Performance specifications are crucial factors to consider when choosing between managed and unmanaged switches. Managed switches typically offer higher switching capacity, faster forwarding rates, and lower latency compared to unmanaged switches. Additionally, managed switches often support advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and Layer 3 routing, providing greater control and flexibility for network administrators.

Table 6. highlights the differences between the performance specifications of managed and unmanaged switches in terms of switching capacity, forwarding rate, latency, quality of service (QoS), layer 3 routing, VLAN support, security features, network management capabilities, scalability, reliability, and cost.

Physical Specifications

The physical specifications of C9200 series switches include compact dimensions, typically measuring around 1.73 inches in height and varying widths and depths depending on the model. 

Table 7. provides the differences between managed and unmanaged switches in the Cisco 9200 series in terms of size, weight, temperature range, humidity, and other relevant factors.

Configuration Differences

Configurations refer to the settings and options available on a network switch that determine its behavior and functionality. Managed switches offer extensive configuration capabilities, allowing administrators to fine-tune network performance, implement security measures, and manage traffic efficiently through features like VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS), and advanced routing protocols. In contrast, unmanaged switches typically have limited or no configuration options, making them simpler to set up but lacking the flexibility and control of managed switches.

Table 8. highlight the differences between managed and unmanaged switches in the Cisco 9200 series in terms of their capabilities for network management, security, and advanced features.