Published: September 17, 2025 by: Rungruang Huanraluek
If you are a business owner—whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or office—a stable internet network is the backbone of operations. From CCTV cameras and customer Wi-Fi to back-office management systems, everything relies on smooth connectivity. The key device that makes this possible is the Network Switching Hub, also known as a Network Switch.
This article will explain the four main types of Network Switches in simple terms, making it easy to understand even without technical knowledge.
What is a Network Switch?
A Network Switch is a device that acts as a central hub for connecting multiple devices or systems together, enabling them to send, receive, and distribute data in the form of IP packets. Examples include LAN ports for computer networks, wireless access points (APs) for internet access, or shared data systems within an organization. It is also commonly used in IP-based solutions such as IP cameras (CCTV), IP phones, and IPTV systems.
By using Ethernet cables (UTP) or fiber optic cables (OFC), a network switch ensures that all connected devices can communicate with each other in an organized and efficient way.
If you want an easy way to visualize it, think of different networks as “roads” for data traffic. A Network Switch works like a roundabout, organizing the traffic and making sure each data stream takes the correct path. This prevents collisions and ensures that information from each system flows smoothly to its destination.
Key Terms to Know Before Choosing
Managed: A switch that can be configured and managed via a web interface or application. Users can set up features such as VLAN (network segmentation), bandwidth control for each port or path, and also monitor and troubleshoot network issues.
Unmanaged: A switch that is plug-and-play and works immediately without configuration. Suitable for non-technical users but not designed for handling multiple network systems.
What Are the 4 Types of Network Switching Hubs?
1. Managed Network Switch with PoE
A **Managed Network Switch with PoE** is a network switching hub that can be configured and managed through a web interface or application, and can also provide power to devices that support Power over Ethernet (PoE). It is ideal for organizations or businesses with a large number of devices or multiple systems on the same network, where traffic management and orderly data flow are important. Typical use cases include hotels or offices with Wi-Fi systems, IP phones, and IP cameras powered over Ethernet without requiring additional power outlets. It allows administrators to control how much bandwidth each user can access, and to separate internal company networks from guest or customer networks for enhanced data security. Although a Managed Network Switch with PoE is generally more expensive than other types, it offers significant advantages: reducing the need for extra electrical wiring, central management and configuration of the network, and higher data security.
2. Managed Network Switch without PoE
A **Managed Network Switch without PoE** is a managed network switching hub that can be configured and managed via a web interface or application, just like the PoE model, but it cannot provide power over Ethernet to connected devices. It is suitable for systems where the endpoint devices already have their own power supply, such as office servers or desktop computers. Its advantage is that it is more affordable than a Managed Network Switch with PoE, while still offering full network management capabilities.
3. Unmanaged Network Switch with PoE
An **Unmanaged Network Switch with PoE** is a plug-and-play network switching hub that works immediately when connected to the internet and other devices, such as Wi-Fi access points or IP cameras, without any configuration or IT knowledge required. It also provides power to PoE-enabled devices over a single Ethernet cable, allowing data transmission and power delivery simultaneously. Typical use cases include small restaurants or cafés that need only a few IP cameras or Wi-Fi points. Its main advantages are easy installation, time-saving, and no need for additional electrical wiring for PoE-supported devices.
4. Unmanaged Network Switch without PoE
An **Unmanaged Network Switch without PoE** is a plug-and-play network switching hub similar to the PoE model, but it cannot provide power over Ethernet to connected devices. Each device must have its own power source, such as a wall outlet. It works immediately without configuration and is the most basic type, suitable for simple applications such as retail stores or residential homes where computers or smart TVs need to connect to the internet using their own power supply. Its advantages are low cost, easy installation, and no configuration required.
