Smart switches refer to network switches or switches that offer the advanced feature of managing and monitoring networks more efficiently. They offer the ability to configure and monitor via a graphical user interface or command line and are therefore more advanced than unmanaged switches.
Smart switches allow administrators to control network traffic more efficiently, set up VLANs (Virtual Local Area Network), implement Quality of Service (QoS) and perform monitoring and diagnostic functions.
Smart switches are a flexible network management option, especially for small to medium-sized companies and home networks. They are an intermediate stage between simple, unmanaged switches and the more complex “managed” switches.