Choosing the best switch is a fundamental decision for improvement performance, efficiency and security of any enterprise network.

Switches are an essential element for direct data traffic in networks and in companies they provide additional functions to those we know from a simple local home network. For starters, they enable network segmentation through VLAN creation, isolating sensitive areas of the network to improve security and ease infrastructure management.

Switches also play an important role identification, isolation and resolution of network problems, thanks to built-in diagnostic tools that allow administrators to effectively address them and minimize downtime. In addition, modern switches offer the ability to centrally manage the network, simplifying remote management and configuration with real-time monitoring.

In summary, a suitable choice of the best switch for our company will have a direct impact on network speed and security wired or access to servers (including cloud services) and also on a Wi-Fi network, since in an enterprise environment the wireless network is deployed with WiFi access points connected to the switch infrastructure.

How to choose the best switch for business

As with choosing a router-modem, there are several parts to consider when implementing switches. While there may be specific use cases for some organizations, there are universal key factors such as:

• Number of ports: The number of devices you need to connect to your network will determine the number of ports needed on your switch. Make sure the switch you choose has enough ports for your current and future needs.
• Transmission speed: Transmission speed is essential to ensure optimal network performance. Modern switches offer speeds from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps and even 25 Gbps and 100 Gbps for high-demand enterprise networks. Evaluate your speed requirements before purchasing.
• Management and scalability: Managed switches allow for greater control and flexibility in network configuration. For growing businesses, it is essential to consider the scalability of the solution and ensure that it is able to adapt to future changes in the network infrastructure.
• Safety: Quality devices offer advanced security features such as intrusion detection and network segmentation to protect sensitive corporate data.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Effective bandwidth management is essential to keep critical applications running smoothly. A switch that offers QoS allows network traffic to be prioritized to maintain optimal performance.
• Energy saving: Energy efficiency is important both to reduce operating costs and to reduce the carbon footprint. Switches with energy saving functions contribute to these goals.

To help you choose the best switch, we’ve worked with D-Link (a trusted supplier of enterprise switches for versatility, performance, security and energy efficiency) to prepare guide that you can download completely free of chargewhere their experts will tell you everything you need to know to choose the ideal components and specifically:

• The keys to knowing which switch you should install in your business.
• How to determine if you need unmanaged, smart or managed switches.
• How to avoid bottlenecks in both cable and WiFi networks.
• What tools allow you to manage and improve the security of your network