Comparing Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches vs. Normal Industrial Unmanaged Switches

In industrial networking, choosing the right type of switch is critical for ensuring a reliable and efficient communication network. Industrial unmanaged switches provide basic connectivity for various industrial applications, but not all unmanaged switches are created equal. Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches offer advanced features and industrial-grade durability, making them stand out from typical unmanaged switches. In this comparison, we will explore the key differences between Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches and normal industrial unmanaged switches.

1. Performance and Features

Normal Industrial Unmanaged Switches: Normal unmanaged industrial switches provide the essential functions of plug-and-play connectivity. They are designed for straightforward networking tasks where minimal configuration is needed. These switches typically come with basic features such as Auto-Negotiation for speed adjustment, but they often lack advanced performance optimization features like VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS), or traffic prioritization.

Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches: Volktek’s industrial unmanaged switches go beyond the basic capabilities found in normal switches. In addition to essential plug-and-play functionality, Volktek unmanaged switches provide advanced features such as VLAN passthrough, which allows for transparent packet forwarding without alteration. They also support basic QoS, which ensures that time-sensitive industrial data traffic, such as machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and Industrial IoT applications, is prioritized. These performance features make Volktek’s switches ideal for more dynamic industrial networking environments.

2. Durability and Industrial-Grade Design

Normal Industrial Unmanaged Switches: Many normal industrial unmanaged switches are built to handle basic environmental challenges, such as temperature fluctuations, vibration, and moisture. However, these switches are typically designed for general industrial use and may not be suited for highly demanding environments. They often lack robust enclosures or extended temperature range capabilities.

Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches: Volktek's premium unmanaged switches are engineered with industrial-grade durability in mind. These switches are housed in IP40-rated metal casings, providing high resistance to physical impact and environmental factors. With an operating temperature range from -40°C to 75°C, Volktek switches are built to withstand extreme conditions, making them a perfect fit for harsh industrial environments, including factory automation, surveillance systems, and outdoor installations.

3. Power Redundancy and Reliability

Normal Industrial Unmanaged Switches: While normal unmanaged switches offer basic power input functionality, they often lack redundant power options. In industrial applications where uptime is critical, a power failure can result in significant disruptions. Normal switches typically rely on a single power input, which may not be ideal for mission-critical applications.

Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches: Volktek’s premium unmanaged switches stand out with their redundant DC power inputs, which ensure continuous operation even in the event of a power supply failure. This power redundancy provides added reliability and reduces the risk of downtime in industrial environments where consistent connectivity is paramount.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Normal Industrial Unmanaged Switches: Normal unmanaged switches are often more affordable than their managed counterparts, making them an excellent choice for basic industrial applications. However, these switches may lack the reliability and performance features required in more complex industrial systems, limiting their scalability and flexibility in future network expansions.

Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches: While Volktek unmanaged switches may come at a slightly higher price point than standard models, they offer a better balance of affordability and industrial-grade features. Their robust build, added reliability, and advanced features such as VLAN passthrough and basic QoS make them an excellent value proposition for demanding environments. For industrial applications where performance and uptime are critical, Volktek switches provide a long-term, cost-effective solution.

5. Installation and Maintenance

Normal Industrial Unmanaged Switches: Normal unmanaged switches are incredibly simple to install, offering plug-and-play connectivity with no configuration required. They are a great choice for small-scale industrial networks where minimal maintenance and management are needed. However, they may fall short in applications requiring more advanced networking features or reliability.

Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches: Volktek’s premium unmanaged switches also provide plug-and-play installation, making them easy to deploy in various industrial applications. However, they come with additional features such as basic QoS and VLAN passthrough, which can help improve the network's performance and reliability without complex configuration. These features make Volktek switches suitable for more demanding industrial use cases, where both ease of use and advanced functionality are needed.

Conclusion: Which Unmanaged Switch Is Right for Your Industrial Network?

Normal Industrial Unmanaged Switches are ideal for basic networking tasks in environments where minimal configuration and low-cost solutions are needed. They work well for smaller applications or where the network is relatively simple and doesn't require advanced traffic management or security.

Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches, on the other hand, offer more robust features and reliability, making them a better choice for industrial environments that demand higher performance, power redundancy, and environmental durability. With advanced features like VLAN passthrough, basic QoS, and redundant power inputs, Volktek's switches provide the durability and functionality necessary for demanding industrial applications while still being cost-effective.

By understanding the differences in performance, durability, cost, and features, you can make an informed decision on which unmanaged switch suits your needs. For mission-critical industrial applications where reliability and ease of use are essential, Volktek Industrial Premium Unmanaged Switches provide a reliable, high-performance solution.