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CHAPTER 1: SWITCH MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
This chapter gives an overview of switch management, including the methods you can use to manage your
NETGEAR Smart Switch series. Topics include Management Access Overview
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:
•
Smartwizard Discovery Utility program
•
Web browser interface
After you power-up the switch for the first time, you can configure it using a utility program called
Smartwizard Discovery or a Web browser. Please refer to the screenshots in following pages for
Smartwizard Discovery Utility and Web Management GUI. Each of these management methods has
advantages. Table 1-1 compares the two management methods.
Table 1-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods
Management Method
Advantages
Smartwizard Discovery Utility
No IP address or subnet needed
Show all switches on the network
User-friendly interface
Firmware upgradeable
Web browser
Can be accessed from any location via the switch’s IP address
Password protected
Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
Compatible with Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator Web
browsers
Intuitive browser interface
Most visually appealing
Extensive switch configuration allowed
Configuration backup for duplicating settings to other switches
For a more detailed discussion of the Smartwizard Discovery Utility Program, see chapter 4. For a more
detailed discussion of the Web Browser Interface, see chapter 5.