This article is a basic introductory to hubs and unmanaged switches. This article describes why unmanaged switches do not have software or firmware updates.
Hubs are plug-and-play devices and the predecessors of switches. Hubs require no software installation and are compatible with any operating system. The limitation of hubs is that data that is received on one port is broadcast to all other ports, causing more collision traffic, and limiting the total data transfer rate. In the 1990's, switches started to replace hubs. A switch can receive data on one port and transmit it from another port, based on the MAC address of the computer or device that is connected to the switch.
An unmanaged switch just exchanges data. You connect Ethernet cables from the switch to a router, to computers, and to, for example, a printer, and you plug in the power supply or power cable to the switch. That's it. No other set-up is involved. It does not matter which port you use for each device.
Because you cannot change the switch settings, there is no need for a web interface to the switch. Therefore, there is no way to change the switch code, known as software or firmware.
For more information about NETGEAR unmanaged switches, see Unmanaged Gigabit Switches.
If you are interested in NETGEAR managed switches, which do have a web interface, and depending on the model, a command-line interface (CLI), visit one of the following sites:
- If you want to be able to configure and manage VLANs and QoS, see Easy Smart Managed Switches.
- For switches that support many more features and that can be cloud managed, see Smart Managed Switches and Smart Cloud Managed Switches.
- For fully managed switches for IT and ProAV installations, see Fully Managed Switches.