Why a 16-Port PoE Switch Is Ideal for Small Business

Having the proper network switch in place is crucial for maintaining reliable operations. Switches expand a network, allowing connected devices to share information over a local area network (LAN). The ideal network switch should be robust enough to manage all devices while maintaining an acceptable transmission speed. It should also offer some spare capacity to grow with the business. A 16-port PoE switch is a cost-effective solution for small businesses due to its affordability and efficiency. Discover the benefits of switches and learn how they can help.

Ports and speed are the primary functions of any switch. The number of ports depends on the number of devices that need to be connected. Switches can have as few as five and as many as 52 ports. Transmission speeds vary based on the network’s traffic at any moment. Switches support speeds ranging from the base speed of 10Mbps up to 10Gbps.

Beyond evaluating the ports and speed of various models, remember that switches require installation, management, security, and power. Choosing the best switch for a specific implementation can be challenging as businesses try to balance performance requirements, ease of use, and cost. Evaluating a network switch means looking at the following factors:

• Speed.
• Ports.
• Management.
• Power.

Let’s look at how to evaluate products based on these criteria.

How fast should a network be? Speed depends on how many people will be using the network simultaneously. An office of ten people won’t require the same speed as an office of 30.  However, a business with ten workers who spend their entire 8-hour day making sales calls via VoIP internet phone may require more bandwidth than a 30-person office performing less data-intensive work such as coding. 

Ethernet speeds have increased far beyond the standard speed of 10 Mbps. Today, fast Ethernet (IEEE 802.3u) supports speeds up to 100 Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet is now available at one or ten gigabits per second. Of course, increasing transmission speed results in higher power consumption and costs. 

The number of devices that need to connect to an Ethernet network determines the number of ports required. However, anticipating your company’s future needs can prevent you from having to purchase another switch in the near future. A 16-port switch is often the perfect size for a small business. Remember, one port on every switch is always reserved for Ethernet connectivity, meaning a 16-port switch would have 15 available ports. 

Switch pricing varies based on the number of ports. Small business owners often look at the cost of a 16-port switch versus the price of two 8-port switches and decide on the 8-port. The two-switch option delivers one less port than the 16-port. An 8-port switch has seven available ports. Two 8-ports have 14 ports because they each require a reserved Ethernet port.

Not only does the two-port option provide fewer ports, but it also requires additional time and labor to install and manage. Reducing the number of network devices decreases the resources needed to set up and maintain a network.

Computer networks require management. Adding new devices requires setup. Depending on resources, small business owners may want to use an unmanaged switch rather than a managed option.

Unmanaged switches come pre-configured, meaning the settings cannot be adjusted or changed. They have built-in quality of service (QoS) functions and basic security that may be all a small business requires. Unmanaged switches operate as plug-and-play devices, making them much easier to install. They are also less expensive than managed switches.

Managed switches allow the end user to configure, monitor, and control all aspects of the device. These products require setup by knowledgeable technicians who can set the more advanced security functions and adjust them as network configurations change. Managed switches increase in price based on the number of parts and the feature set.

Switches require power. Getting power to the switch can sometimes be challenging, depending on how the building was designed. Adding an outlet in older buildings can be costly if a new wire must be run. However, power over Ethernet (PoE) technology allows power and data to be sent over one Ethernet cable. Small business owners can save money and contribute to a more sustainable environment by choosing a PoE switch.

PoE technology sends power and data over a twisted-pair Ethernet cable. It can power connected devices while transmitting data, making it easier to deploy devices in locations where power is not readily available. With all the recent growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, more businesses are looking to install remote devices such as IP cameras and sensors.

Not only does PoE provide small business owners with more flexibility, it also provides:

• Cost savings.
• Easy installation.
• Reliable and secure connectivity.

Wired connections without internet access are more secure. Unmanaged switches are quick to install and easy to set up. Incorporating PoE technology into other areas can increase the benefits small businesses receive:

• Merging systems such as lighting and building security onto a single IP network makes them easier to control and manage.
• Installing PoE sensors or environmental controls can reduce energy costs while maintaining a comfortable work environment.
• Collecting data from PoE-powered devices can help small business owners forecast network requirements, explore future needs, and address costs. 

Planet Technology’s 16-port PoE switches are an excellent choice for small businesses. They come in multiple configurations to support wired and fiber (SFP) connectivity. They even include TP link capabilities that can improve the speed of network servers. 

The FGSD-1821P 16-Port 10/100TX 802.3at PoE + 2-Port 10/100/1000T + 1-Port Shared 1000X SFP Desktop Switch (185W) is an example of the network flexibility available when using a Planet Technology switch. In addition to 16 wired ports, the switch includes fiber connections that extend the cable reach. Extension modes increase the connectivity distance to a maximum of 820 feet. 

Self-checking features allow the switch to perform “alive checks” on powered devices. If no activity occurs between the switch and a device for a specified time, the switch resets the connection, improving operation reliability. Connecting an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to a network increases reliability. When power is unavailable, the network can switch to a UPS that continues to power the PoE switch and connected devices.