Management Access Overview - Planet LRP-822CS User Manual

3.2 Management Access Overview

The LRP Managed Switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage it using any or all of the following methods:
An administration console

Web browser interface

An external SNMP-based network management application

The administration console and Web browser interface support are embedded in the LRP Managed Switch software and are
available for immediate use. Each of these management methods has their own advantages. Table 3-1 compares the three
management methods.
Method
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
Web Browser
 Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
 Compatible with all popular browsers
 Can be accessed from any location
 Most visually appealing
SNMP Agent  Communicates with switch functions at
the MIB level
 Based on open standards
Advantages
Table 3-1 Comparison of Management Methods
36
User's Manual of LRP-822CS
Disadvantages
 Must be near the switch or use dial-up
connection
 Not convenient for remote users
 Modem connection may prove to be unreliable
or slow
 Security can be compromised (hackers need
only know the IP address and subnet mask)
 May encounter lag times on poor connections
 Requires SNMP manager software
 Least visually appealing of all three methods
 Some settings require calculations
 Security can be compromised (hackers only
need to know the community name)