An intelligent switch combines the simplicity of an unmanaged switch with the intelligence of a managed switch. If an Ethernet switch is used in unmanaged mode, it will behave like an unmanaged switch. In other words, it uses no IP address and requires no configuration. But it still provides additional features to ensure network robustness, such as redundancy mechanisms and filter capabilities. In managed mode, various options for quickly and easily configuring the switch simplify startup and provide diagnostic capabilities for the network. Smart switches are ideal for applications that require generic management functions without flashy features. Includes traffic filtering, basic redundancy, easy configuration, and network counters.