Agile Switches vs. Access Switches: Which Omada Switch Do You Need?

If you're upgrading your network, you may have seen our new Omada Agile Switches (Easy Managed Switches). They are a fantastic option for users moving up from unmanaged switches, but it's important to understand how they differ from our Omada Access Switches (SG2xxx).

Both switch lines are designed for high-value gigabit LAN networking and share the biggest benefit of Omada: they can be centrally managed by Omada Controller. However, they have significant differences in features and performance. They are built for very different scenarios.

A common question is: Are the new Agile switches a replacement for the Access switches?

The short answer is no.

We will clarify the positioning of each product line to help you make the right choice for your needs.

Agile Switch (ES2xxG): The Perfect Upgrade from Unmanaged Switches

For customers currently using unmanaged switches, the Agile series is a major step-up. You can think of it as an "unmanaged switch" upgrade that gives you basic L2 features and, most importantly, the power of centralized Omada management.

If your main goal is to bring your network into the Omada ecosystem for unified management and you only need basic features, an Agile switch is an excellent, cost-effective choice. They use entry-level chipsets, which means they have limited processor performance and memory capacity, and thus support fewer software features.

Recommended Use Cases for Agile Switches:

• Home Use

• Many home users still use unmanaged switches and do not require numerous advanced features.

• Surveillance Network

• Agile switches are purpose-built for surveillance networking. They feature PoE Auto Recovery to automatically reboot unresponsive PoE-powered cameras, Port Isolation for enhanced security, and Extended PoE Transmission up to 250m (at 10 Mbps).

• Small Retail Shop

• Single-location retail shops often need a basic network to connect devices like a POS system and security cameras. The management features of Agile switches make it easier for users to maintain a stable network.

When You Need an Access Switch (SG2xxx)

The Access switches (SG2xxx) are designed for more professional and demanding environments. The hardware and software limitations of the Agile series mean they cannot support many of the advanced features required for more complex networks.

If your network needs any of the following features, you should choose an Access switch.

Here are the key features you will only find in Access Switches (SG2xxx):

• High VLAN Count (4K VLANs):

• Access switches support 4K VLANs, while Agile switches are limited to only 32 VLANs. This makes Agile switches unsuitable for MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit) scenarios that use PPSK, which often requires a separate VLAN for each end-user.

• Advanced Voice Features (Voice VLAN, LLDP-MED):

• Access switches can automatically identify IP-Phones, place them in a separate Voice VLAN, and use DHCP Options to pull configuration files. Agile switches lack these features, making them a poor fit for office environments with IP phones.

• Advanced Security (ACL, 802.1X, AAA):
  • ACL (Access Control List): This is essential for fine-grained traffic control, allowing you to permit or deny traffic based on rules. Agile switches do not support ACLs.
  • 802.1X and AAA: These features are critical for authenticating users and devices before they are allowed to access the network. This is a standard requirement in hotels, schools, and corporate environments. Agile switches do not support them.
• Reliability & Troubleshooting (Dual Image, SSH):
  • Dual Image: Access switches store two copies of the firmware. If a firmware upgrade fails, the device can boot from the backup image, preventing it from "bricking". Agile switches lack this, offering less network availability assurance.
  • SSH (Secure Shell): This provides a secure, encrypted command-line login for advanced management and troubleshooting. Agile switches do not support SSH.
• Advanced Management (CLI):
  • CLI (Command Line Interface): For experienced IT staff, configuring via CLI is often more efficient than a web UI. Agile switches do not support CLI, making them unsuitable for medium-to-large networks and ISP networks.
• Other Key L2/L3 Features:

• Access switches also support many other critical features missing from the Agile series, such as LACP (for link aggregation), MSTP (advanced spanning tree), Static Routing, DHCP Server/Relay, and IP Interfaces.

Recommended Use Cases for Access Switches:

• MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit)
• Hotel
• Education
• Office
• Home Office which needs advanced features

Conclusion

The choice is simple once you know your requirements:

Choose an Agile Switch if:

• You are upgrading from an unmanaged switch.
• Your main requirement is central management via the Omada Controller.
• You have a simple network for home use, a small retail shop, or basic surveillance.
• You don’t need any advanced features mentioned in Access Switches.

Choose an Access Switch if:

• You are deploying in a hotel, school, MDU, or office environment.
• You need any of the advanced features discussed (like 4K VLANs, Voice VLAN, ACL, 802.1X, or CLI).
• You require a robust, feature-rich, and highly reliable network.

Feature Comparison Sheet: