Managed Network Switch Functions

1. Network Segmentation & Traffic Control

• VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks): Segment networks logically to isolate traffic and enhance security.

• Layer 3 Routing: Inter-VLAN routing, static routing, and support for dynamic routing protocols (e.g., RIP, OSPF).

• QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritize critical traffic (e.g., VoIP, video) to reduce latency and jitter.

• Traffic Shaping/Rate Limiting: Control bandwidth allocation per port or application.

• Link Aggregation (LACP): Combine multiple ports into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy (e.g., 802.3ad).

2. Security Features

• ACLs (Access Control Lists): Filter traffic based on IP/MAC addresses, ports, or protocols.

• Port Security: Restrict access by limiting MAC addresses per port.

• 802.1X Authentication: Authenticate devices via RADIUS/TACACS+ for network access.

• DHCP Snooping: Block unauthorized DHCP servers.

• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI): Prevent ARP spoofing attacks.

• IP Source Guard: Validate IP-MAC bindings to prevent spoofing.

• MAC Address Filtering: Allow/block devices based on MAC addresses.

• SSH/HTTPS Encryption: Secure management access.

3. Monitoring & Diagnostics

• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): Monitor and manage network devices.

• Port Mirroring (SPAN): Copy traffic from one port to another for analysis.

• sFlow/NetFlow: Collect traffic statistics for monitoring and reporting.

• Loop Detection (STP/RSTP/MSTP): Prevent network loops with Spanning Tree Protocols.

• Cable Diagnostics: Detect cable faults (e.g., shorts, opens).

• Logging & Alerts: Generate logs and notifications for events (e.g., port status changes).

4. Redundancy & High Availability

• Stacking: Combine multiple switches into a single logical unit for simplified management.

• VRRP/HSRP: Router redundancy protocols for failover.

• UPS Integration: Support for uninterruptible power supply monitoring.

5. Multicast Management

• IGMP Snooping: Optimize multicast traffic forwarding.

• Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR): Stream multicast traffic across VLANs.

6. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Management

• PoE/PoE+ Support: Deliver power to devices (e.g., IP cameras, phones).

• Power Scheduling: Turn PoE ports on/off based on schedules.

• Power Monitoring: Track power usage per port.

7. Advanced Traffic Handling

• Jumbo Frames: Support for larger MTU sizes (e.g., 9K bytes) for high-throughput data.

• Storm Control: Suppress broadcast/multicast/unicast floods.

• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across aggregated links.

8. Management & Configuration

• CLI/Web Interface/SSH: Remote configuration options.

• Firmware Updates: In-field upgrades for features and security.

• Configuration Backups/Restore: Save/load switch settings.

• Automation APIs: Support for RESTful APIs or scripting (e.g., Python).

9. Environmental & Energy Efficiency

• Energy-Efficient Ethernet (802.3az): Reduce power consumption during low traffic.

• Temperature Monitoring: Track switch operating conditions.

10. Guest Access & Captive Portals

• Guest VLANs: Isolate guest traffic from the main network.

• Captive Portal Integration: Redirect users to login pages for network access.

11. Compliance & Reporting

• Audit Trails: Track configuration changes.

• Compliance Reporting: Generate reports for regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS).

12. Layer 4-7 Features (Advanced Switches)

• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Analyze application-layer traffic.

• Firewall Rules: Enforce stateful traffic policies.