Grandstream GWN7711 8-Port Gigabit Layer 2 Lite Managed Switch

The Grandstream GWN7711 is an eight-port Gigabit Layer 2 Lite managed switch — the smallest managed switch in the GWN range, for the office that has outgrown an unmanaged box but does not need forty-eight ports to say so.

What you get for the step up from unmanaged is control and visibility: VLANs to separate a guest network from a staff one, per-port configuration, link aggregation, and statistics that tell you which port is saturated instead of leaving you to guess. It is managed through its own web interface, through GWN Manager on your own server, or through GDMS Networking in the cloud — all three free, with no licence to renew.

That last point matters more than the specification. A managed switch you cannot afford to keep licensed is a managed switch you will eventually stop managing. Grandstream's cloud and on-premise platforms are both free, which is why a small business can realistically run VLANs here rather than aspiring to.

Key features

• 8 × Gigabit Ethernet ports — auto-negotiating
• Layer 2 Lite management — VLANs, port control, link aggregation, statistics
• Web user interface — configure it directly, no controller required
• GDMS Networking — free cloud management alongside the rest of the estate
• GWN Manager — free on-premise software controller if the cloud is not an option
• No licence fees — the management platforms stay free
• Non-PoE — lower power draw and less heat than the PoE model

Works with

• Grandstream GWN7711P — the same switch with four PoE ports
• Grandstream GWN7721 — step up to 2.5G ports and 10G SFP+ uplinks
• Grandstream GWN7801 — eight Gigabit ports with two SFP uplinks, Layer 2+
• Grandstream GWN7001 — the router to do the inter-VLAN routing
• All Grandstream networking

Frequently asked questions

What does Layer 2 Lite actually give me?

VLANs, port configuration, link aggregation and statistics. What it does not give you is routing between VLANs — that stays with your router or a Layer 3 switch.

Does it supply PoE?

No. The GWN7711P is the PoE version, with four powered ports.

Does the management cost anything?

No. GDMS Networking in the cloud and GWN Manager on-premise are both free, and the switch's own web interface works without either.

Is eight ports enough?

Count what plugs in, then add the uplink and leave two spare. Eight ports fills faster than people expect once phones, printers and access points are counted.

Can I manage it alongside our access points?

Yes — GWN switches and access points appear in the same GDMS Networking or GWN Manager view, which is the main reason to keep a site on one brand.

Should I buy 2.5G instead?

Only if something on the network can use it. On Gigabit clients a 2.5G switch performs identically and costs more.

Not sure whether you need managed switching? Call 0333 242 1314 or email sales@clisecure.com and we will ask the three questions that decide it.