Core and Distribution switches are always managed devices. Unmanaged switches are designed to just plug in and run, with no settings to configure. Those attributes make them more. A core switch is a high-capacity, high-performance Layer 3 switch positioned at the physical backbone of an enterprise network. The data routed and switched by the core switch is carried forward to the bottom layers of the. Generally, Managed switches provide comprehensive control over network traffic and offer advanced features such as VLAN configuration, Quality of Service (QoS), SNMP monitoring, port mirroring, redundancy protocols (like STP), and access control. Simply put, it's the kingpin that keeps your network humming. Their functions in routing, security, and high-availability are non-negotiable. Access switches should be smart or fully.