Chapter 1: Switch Management Overview; Management Access Overview - NETGEAR FS526T User Manual

CHAPTER 1: SWITCH MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

This chapter gives an overview of switch management, including the methods you can use to manage your NETGEAR Model FS526T 26-Port
10/100 Mbps Smart Fast Ethernet Switch with Gigabit Ports. Topics include:

Management Access Overview

Management Access Overview
Your NETGEAR Model FS526T 26-Port 10/100 Mbps Smart Fast Ethernet Switch with Gigabit Ports contains software for viewing, changing, and
monitoring the way it works. This management software is not required for the switch to work. You can use the 10/100 Mbps ports and the built-in
Gigabit ports without using the management software. However, the management software allows you configure ports, VLAN and Trunking
features and also improve the efficiency of the switch and, as a result, improve the overall performance of your network. The Switch gives you the
flexibility to access and manage the switch using any of the following methods:
GearDiscovery Utility program
Web browser interface
After you power-up the switch for the first time, you can configure it using a utility program called GearDiscovery or a Web browser. Please refer to
the screenshots in following pages for GearDiscovery Utility and Web Management GUI. Each of these management methods has advantages.
Table 1-1 compares the three management methods.
Table 1-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods
Management Method
GearDiscovery Utility
program
Web browser
For a more detailed discussion of the GearDiscovery Utility Program, see chapter 4. For a more detailed discussion of the Web Browser Interface,
see chapter 5.
Advantages
No IP address or subnet needed
Show all switches on the network
User-friendly interface
Firmware upgradeable
Can be accessed from any location via the switch's
IP address
Password protected
Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
Compatible with Internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator Web browsers
Intuitive browser interface
More visually appealing
Extensive switch configuration allowed
Configuration backup for duplicating settings to other
switches
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