How much is too much when selecting an Ethernet switch?

Networking equipment vendors usually divide their products lines into “Home/Small Office” and “Enterprise.” Home and small office switches are designed to be “plug and play” and do not have any user configuration, control, or remote status reporting. Such devices are called “unmanaged” and pass all traffic between the appropriate ports.

On the other hand, enterprise switches, designed for deployment in large networks, do have complex configuration, control, and remote status reporting. These switches are not “plug and play” and must be carefully configured to operate properly. They may not pass all traffic, but may filter certain types of packets by default.

Enterprise network managers need this level of control to create and manage large networks. Enterprise networks need managers who understand how to configure enterprise equipment. Many enterprise switches have instruction manuals hundreds of pages long that are written in “geek speak,” and are difficult to understand. Such manuals are written for networking professionals and are not “user-friendly.”

Sometimes customers have purchased enterprise-grade switches and been unhappy at the result. Most facilities do not have the trained personnel to properly configure and manage the equipment, and its capabilities will go unused in any case.  Generally, enterprise class switches are not necessary for entertainment networks.

2009 Addendum:

The issue of switch selection is becoming increasingly problematic.  Many unmanaged switches are now delivered with broadcast storm enabled, and it is this feature in particular that will cause lighting systems to seize up at during busy cues.

The unfortunate consequence is that we now must often recommend managed, or enterprise, switches.  The other problem is that switch product lines are frequently discontinued.  At this time, we have had success with the HP Procurve series of switches.