I have always used a simple Red Lion N-Tron un-managed switch for my PLC controls application (ie: 108TX). recently i have been trying to understand if there are any advantages in going with the more expensive managed switches. I understand that the managed switches give you more control over ports and subnet access. However, I have not had a problem with the un-managed switches so far. Could anyone give me recommendations or offer more specific examples of what could go wrong when using an un-managed switch from the industrial controls perspective? I have attached a picture of my simple controls topology for the purpose of discussion. Thanks.
