GE DS-82 - Manual (Page 29)

Chapter 3: Switch Management
GE-DS-82 and 82-PoE Ethernet Managed Switch User Manual 25
Table 1: Management Methods Comparison
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Web Browser • Ideal for configuring the switch
remotely
• Compatible with all popular
browsers
• Can be accessed from any location
• Most visually appealing
• Security can be compromised
(hackers need only know the IP
address and subnet mask)
• May encounter lag times on poor
connections
SNMP Agent • Communicates with switch
functions at the MIB level
• Based on open standards
• Requires SNMP manager software
• Least visually appealing of all three
methods
• Some settings require calculations
• Security can be compromised
(hackers need only know the
community name)
Console • No IP address or subnet needed
• Text-based
• Telnet functionality and
HyperTerminal built into Windows
95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP operating
systems
• Secure
• Must be near switch or use dial-up
connection
• Not convenient for remote users
• Modem connection may prove to be
unreliable or slow
Web Browser Management
The Managed Switch offers management features that allow users to manage the
Managed Switch from anywhere on the network through a standard browser such as
Microsoft Internet Explorer. After you set up your IP address for the switch, you can
access the Managed Switch's Web interface applications directly in your Web
browser by entering the IP address of the Managed Switch.
You can then use your Web browser to list and manage the Managed Switch
configuration parameters from one central location, just as if you were directly
connected to the Managed Switch's console port. Web Management requires either
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Safari or Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later.