An Affordable Managed Switch to Learn Networking

Managed switches with enterprise features you can actually afford? Time to build out our HomeLab with help from FS.com, and learn a bit about networking along the way!
FS switches have features to rival the likes of Cisco, but not the price-tag; which makes them perfect for HomeLabs - allowing you to learn about enterprise features like VLANs, SNMP, 802.1X, and inter-VLAN routing in an affordable way. In this video we'll discuss the differences between managed, unmanaged, and smart managed switches; and how to get started with your learning.

Video sponsored by FS.com.

➡️ Check out the S3910-24TF switch featured in this video:

➡️ See the Ixia IXNetwork Report for performance statistics:

➡️ S3910 configuration guide:

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Video timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:11 - Managed, Unmanaged, and Smart Managed Switches
2:36 - You Need VLANs
3:51 - Managed Vs Smart Managed for a HomeLab
5:43 - Featured Switch: FS S3910-24TF
7:29 - Management Options and Getting Started
8:42 - Using the Web Interface
9:27 - Using the Command Line
13:36 - Pricing
15:01 - Monitoring Using SNMP

The Pro Tech Show provides tech, tips, and advice for IT Pros and decision-makers.

#FSSwitch #HomeLab #Networking

[marksterling]

I went down the route of older managed switch in the centre with a mix of smart managed and managed on the edge. Works a dream smart managed switch at the edge when I only need vlans or link aggregation. Also top tip a few of my edge switches got switches second hand with noise fans. Buy them low price then swap out the fans with noctua fans. Fixes the problem but also make a noisy fan near silent. Just watch the pin outs between most switches and noctua fans have +v and fan sense are reversed

[damonaniton]

I have deployed thousands of these in a place most people would be shocked to hear. I dont love them but they do get the job done.

[Deraco]

I'm not familiar with the FS switches though thinking of ordering one. I'm curious if it can decipher shorthand commands as it drastically makes changes go faster

config = Configure
show run = show running-config
int 5 OR int 0/5 = Interface Gigabitethernet 0/5

Nice video explaining for those getting started

Also as a side note for those that might not know, pressing TAB in the middle of a command name, it should autofill different results with every tab, its primitive for knowing arguments for commands!

[Mustash-Tony]

Great video! The first thing I learned is that networking is expensive.

[AvocadoCotijaCheeseConnoisseur]

I really appreciate the work you put into this video. Thank you.


I did intensive research many months ago regarding what network equipment I want to buy, but since I didn't have the finances to actually buy what I wanted, I put this purchase and research on hold for almost a year, and, well, I sort of forgot all the research I did.

Right now I am trying to figure out what vendor I want to go with, what Network Operating System (or Software Defined Networking platform) I want to go with (if able to change). I want to understand the pros and cons of each one. I also want to know if I can mix vendors and if I can monitor activity interchangeably so long as one of the switches is a L3 Managed Switch.

My current plan is to build my own router, run Proxmox on it, run one or more VMs, connect that to a L3 Managed Switch via a DAC, and then maybe a second switch (not sure if I want L2 or L3 and managed or unmanaged), and two or more APs.

[PizzlesTechTime]

I really need help with my managed switch it does not have a dedicated uplink port. I am getting DNS errors and slow internet speed. It is a mocha link switch and the settings are very detailed. I turned the port on to protected mode and set it up as an access port in the VLAN settings. Although I have my VLAN settings on default so I'm lost

[Jamesaepp]

So I don't have much experience with smart managed switches, but the one thing I prefer a "traditional" managed switch for is DEBUG. The traditional managed switches have a wealth of debug options. Want to see why something is or isn't working? Debug mode!

[puchi]

Exactly for the video I was looking for ❤❤

[KamilGuzdek]

i wondered in this video after i made some research of my own and actually bought a netgears smart switch. I started looking up how to setup RADIUS authentication, but all i was able to find, was information that you shouldn't plug your switch before router.

I think that actually applies to the unmanaged switches.

Did you plug yours directly to the ISP device? or did you put the switch behind the router ?

[Steve-Richter]

thanks. But this switch is not on Amazon.

[robdavy]

Just to be clear, is UniFi and TP-Link stuff examples of "smart managed"?

[ammo]

I have a Generell Question to this Switch.
Im not really a Network Guy but found myself in a Place where i have to build a new Machine Network at Work.
I've bought a Bunch of these Switches for a Number of Reasons. THE hot Swappable Power Supplys where definetly one of them. But i have also Read a Manual where it says "you dont have to Access every Switch individually, you can Configure them in a more Unified way"
I've been playing with These Switches for a few Days now but i havent found this Feature yet. Is there a Management Software for FS Switches in Existance or was this just a Marketing Gag?

[Felix-vehs]

5:54 you only spent 28s to waffle about features? Now I have to google the spec sheet ^^

[ryzenforce]

The FS switch are a copy cat of Cisco's Catalyst?

[lukavranes]

Keep and eye out for the like button, it likes to be pressed.... 😂

Also, I really enjoy these types of videos where you take an enterprise approach to a testing environment you can make at home. They are super informative and entertaining.
All the best

[TheCreat]

After seeing the thumbnail I was interested. Then lost interest after hearing all ports, including the SFP, are only 1g and none are 10g/sfp+. Not having at least some 2.5g just isn't good enough anymore these days. Then you got a trunk port with half a dozen VLans being limited to 1g total...
Edit: it seems they agree, and their current entry-level switch (literally cheapest option) is now basically the one you got, but with 4x 10g SFP+ instead of the 1g SFP ports. That's an actual option.
I really would've liked some information relevant for a homelab, like power usage with a few cables plugged in.

[bifferos]

Pity it's just too deep for my cabinet.

[hokuspokus]

no 10 Gbe ports. For that price I prefer Mikrotik

[juhaszb]

Chinese infiltrator product made by Huawei never let that into your home