Most devices can be connected to the network through a terminal server and their management port. It provides management reports concerning the state of the network and helps in planning growth paths. SNMP is also great for alarming faults. How to choose an Access Switch All access switch products aren't equal. When selecting an access switch, you should recognize that you will sometimes use it in the heat of a network outage.
Ease of use is a paramount issue.
It's even better if the switch is self-documenting as are all DCB switches. Password security is necessary for all dial-in lines. Otherwise, there's re-wiring at each technician visit for local control. You may want additional input-lines to connect to terminal server ports or multiplexer ports. This trick allows you to use the access switch through an in-band path when the network is operating normally.