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CHAPTER 1: SWITCH MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW 
This chapter gives an overview of switch management, including the methods you can use to manage your 
NETGEAR Smart Switch series. Topics include Management Access Overview  
Management Access Overview 
Your NETGEAR Smart Switch 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:  
•  Smartwizard Discovery Utility program  
•  Web browser interface  
After you power-up the switch for the first time, you can configure it using a utility program called  
Smartwizard Discovery or a Web browser.  Please refer to the screenshots in following pages for  
Smartwizard Discovery Utility and Web Management GUI.  Each of these management methods has 
advantages. Table 1-1 compares the two management methods. 
Table 1-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods 
Management Method  Advantages 
Smartwizard Discovery Utility  
  No IP address or subnet needed 
  Show all switches on the network 
  User-friendly interface 
  Firmware upgradeable 
Web browser 
  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 
  Most visually appealing 
  Extensive switch configuration allowed 
  Configuration backup for duplicating settings to other switches 
For a more detailed discussion of the Smartwizard Discovery Utility Program, see chapter 4.  For a more 
detailed discussion of the Web Browser Interface, see chapter 5.