Unmanaged switches take plug-and-play connectivity to another level, and these devices don’t need any complex settings to work. Some can perform several standard features and much more without hassle, but not every brand makes unmanaged switches.
An unmanaged switch can provide support for Ethernet devices like PCs or printers to link up and communicate easily. The switch allows these devices connect to a network and pass information seamlessly with zero backlog.
Unmanaged switches also feature the standard safety protocols required to manage such connections without unauthorized interference. The security feature adopted by these switches make so no lapses exist between systems, shutting out device tampering.
Getting the best experience from an unmanaged switch might be challenging without correct information. That’s why this guide provides information on everything you need to know about unmanaged switches.
Taking cues from this article makes it easy to get more from your unmanaged switches for unrivaled connectivity.
Does Ubiquiti Make UniFi Unmanaged Switches?
All current Ubiquiti switch releases are fully managed, hence, there’s no provision for plug-and-play connectivity right now. The closed nature of UniFi switches allows users get better performance and impressive linkups across networks.
Some of the most impressive UniFi managed switches include the US-24-250W and Switch 8. These managed switches feature reliable power over Ethernet (PoE) switching for straightforward linking and stronger security.
How to Use an Unmanaged Switch on Your UniFi Network
Step 1: Get a UniFi switch
Different UniFi switch models can support indirect handling of unmanaged switches. Purchasing any recent UniFi switch is the first step to support an unmanaged switch on your network.
Step 2: Create three (3) virtual networks
Next, create a VLAN network on your default router (the one to manage all your access points and switches). After that, create two extra VLAN connections (VLAN 2 & 3) on your home network.
Most routers have this setting on the path: Settings > Network > Network and Internet.
Step 3: Create a modem – WAN port on your Unifi switch
Use the built-in Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to link all VLAN connections to your UniFi switch. You can also add these networks to your switch with a modem/cable – WAN port linkup.
Step 4: Connect a UniFi switch to the LAN port of your UniFi Security Gateway (USG)
After establishing this connection, assign a network to their own switch ports. Connecting an unmanaged switch to any of VLAN 2 or 3 will automatically add it to your UniFi network.
Can You Use UniFi Unmanaged Switch with any Router?
Ubiquiti has no unmanaged switch model on sale right now. The managed UniFi switches available can operate with a Layer-2 infrastructure, making them VLAN-ready.
All UniFi switches can work with any router that offers strong wireless uplink and the capability to merge into different networks. Managed switches from UniFi with inter-VLAN and static routing can perform much better with any available router.
Can You Use an Unmanaged Switch with UniFi?
UniFi doesn’t produce unmanaged switches at the moment. However, it is possible to link an unmanaged switch from another maker to a fully-managed option from UniFi.
Linking an unmanaged switch with a managed UniFi switch provides greater linkup between devices with better access point entry.
Does Ubiquiti Unmanaged Switch Affect VLAN?
Many unmanaged switches are available from competitors, but UniFi offers only managed switches right now. Several managed switches can send VLAN headers smoothly or even better than unmanaged versions.
Any unmanaged switch that supports packet MTU sizes with VLAN bytes included could see significant connectivity improvement. But what these switches make up for in VLAN connectivity, they lack in closed linkup options between several devices.
Does UniFi Switch Have MAC Addresses?
UniFi switches must have one MAC address for its management port and others if required.
Several UniFi switches operate with Layer-2 architecture, making them incapable of performing actions routers can. The inability to perform like a router limits accumulation of MAC addresses on UniFi switches
But Layer-3 switches could possess one MAC footprint for every IP address. In some cases, Layer-3 switches can have one MAC address for each port in their system.
Does UniFi Unmanaged Switch Assign IP Addresses?
UniFi currently offers only managed switches, even if other brands currently produce unmanaged models. Most UniFi switches require a DHCP-ready network to retrieve IP addresses across a network of connected devices.
Best UniFi Unmanaged Switch Alternatives
TP-Link TL – SG108 (Unmanaged)
The SG108 is an 8-port, fan-less network switch designed for small groups of devices. It features a traffic-selection QoS system designed to make connections faster across a network.
Other great features from this set include automatic negotiating ports, plug-and-play linkup, and much more.
Zyxel XS1010-12H (Unmanaged)
The unmanaged switch features 10 ports (two 2.5 gigabit and eight 8 gigabit). Also, the system supports amber fast Ethernet through its ultraf-fast ports.
Most features from this system guarantee versatility and allow users make swift linkups between several devices.
