Network switch replacement: when, how and what to buy
Network switch replacement is not a luxury – an outdated switch slows everything down. Let's look at the signs, options and what to buy for a Slovenian SMB.
Network switch replacement is one of those projects that companies put off until the Wi-Fi starts dropping, Teams calls are fuzzy and files from the server take forever. This article explains when it is time to replace, how to choose a managed switch and which models we recommend for Slovenian small and medium-sized enterprises.
5 signs that your switch has outlived its lifespan
- Devices occasionally disconnect from the network or disappear for no reason.
- Video calls in Teams/Zoom are stuttering, even though the internet connection is good.
- You have no insight into what is happening in the network (unmanaged switch).
- You use multiple wall power adapters for IP cameras and access points (instead of PoE).
- The switch is more than 7 years old or the manufacturer no longer issues firmware for it.
What is a managed switch and why you need it
A simple (unmanaged) switch is "dumb" – it forwards packets without logic. A managed switch has an administration interface and supports VLAN segmentation, QoS for voice priority, monitoring, port mirroring, spanning tree and access policies. For a business environment with more than 10 employees, a managed switch is a basic hygiene standard.
PoE switch: fewer cables, more order
A PoE switch (Power over Ethernet) also powers devices over the same UTP cable: IP phones, wireless access points, IP cameras, thin clients. Benefits:
- No need for power outlets on the ceiling for APs and cameras.
- Centralized power management: you can "turn off" a device remotely via the switch.
- PoE+ (30 W) is sufficient for most APs and cameras; PoE++ (60–90 W) for more demanding devices.
What to buy: a comparison of popular solutions
| Solution | Target Audience | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubiquiti UniFi | SMBs with 10–200 employees | Excellent price/performance ratio, central Controller | Support limited to the community |
| MikroTik CRS/CSS | Technically savvy team | Very cheap, extremely flexible | Steep learning curve |
| Cisco Business (CBS) | Companies with a Cisco environment | Maturity, official support | More expensive than UniFi |
| Aruba Instant On | Simple cloud management | Easy installation | Less advanced than UniFi |
Replacement process without business interruption
- Inventory of current state: what is connected where, which VLAN, what speeds.
- VLAN segmentation plan: users, servers, guests, IoT, cameras.
- Procurement and pre-configuration: we prepare the new switch entirely before the swap.
- Replacement outside of working hours (usually 1–3 hours).
- Verification: connectivity, speeds, VoIP quality, monitoring.
- Do I need a 1 Gbit or 10 Gbit switch?
- For workstations, 1 Gbit is sufficient. 10 Gbit is recommended for connections to the server, NAS or as an uplink between switches in larger offices.
- Is Ubiquiti UniFi suitable for a serious business environment?
- Yes. UniFi is used by thousands of SMBs worldwide. For Slovenian companies up to 200 employees, the price/performance ratio is unbeatable. For banks or critical infrastructure, rather choose Cisco or Aruba with official support.
- Do we have to replace the firewall at the same time?
- Not necessarily, but the switch and firewall are part of the same network strategy. If the firewall is more than 5 years old, it is worth updating both at the same time during a renovation.
- How much does replacement cost for an office with 30 employees?
- Depends on the selected equipment. Approximate: 24-port PoE managed switch UniFi ~500–800 EUR, plus labor and configuration. For a specific quote, we can arrange a site visit.