But before you set things up, there’s a key decision to make: should you go with a managed or unmanaged network solution?
At first glance, it might sound like technical jargon, but don’t worry – we’re here to break it down in simple terms.
Whether you're a small business without a dedicated IT team, or a growing organisation looking for more control, understanding the difference can save you time, stress and even money.
What Are Managed & Unmanaged Networks?
Managed networks come with built-in monitoring, configuration, and support services.
This means a provider (like Yappl) keeps an eye on things for you – fixing issues, updating firmware, securing devices and ensuring everything’s running smoothly.
Unmanaged network solutions, on the other hand, are more hands-off. You buy the hardware (like switches and routers), plug it in, and configure it yourself. You’re responsible for maintenance, performance, and security.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Managed Network | Unmanaged Network |
|---|---|---|
| Setup & Configuration | Fully set up by provider | DIY – you’re on your own |
| Monitoring & Support | Ongoing monitoring & remote support | No remote monitoring or support |
| Security Updates | Handled by provider | Must be done manually |
| Cost | Monthly cost for service & support | One-off cost for hardware only |
| Best for | Businesses without in-house IT teams | Tech-savvy teams with IT experience |
When a Managed Solution Makes Sense
If you don’t have an IT team – or you do, but they’re flat-out with other projects – managed services are a no-brainer.
With a provider like Yappl, you get expert support and peace of mind that your network is always up to date and secure.
For example, our managed network services include:
- Access points, gateways, and switches tailored to your environment
- Cloud-based control, so we can spot and fix issues before you even notice
- Structured cabling, installed and optimised for performance
- Proactive security monitoring, to protect your business data
- A UK-based support team available seven days a week
This is ideal for smaller businesses, hybrid teams, or those who simply don’t want to mess with the technical stuff.
When an Unmanaged Solution Might Work
Unmanaged solutions are better suited to businesses with experienced IT staff or in-house network admins who prefer full control.
You’ll need the skills (and time) to configure devices, troubleshoot issues, and ensure updates are done regularly.
If your team is tech-savvy and prefers a one-off cost with minimal ongoing service fees, unmanaged could work – but you’re trading cost savings for time and responsibility.
What About Scalability?
Managed networks are designed to grow with you. Whether you add a new office, more devices, or adopt cloud apps, your managed service can scale without major changes. With Yappl, we’ll help you adapt as your needs evolve.
Unmanaged networks are static unless you manually upgrade or reconfigure them. This can become a hassle (and a hidden cost) as your business grows.
Security & Peace of Mind
Cybersecurity is a big deal – even for small businesses.
Managed networks typically include firewall configurations, secure remote access, and regular patching. Yappl also ensures your network complies with data protection standards, which is critical if you handle customer data.
With unmanaged networks, security is entirely in your hands. If updates aren’t applied, or a misconfiguration occurs, your network could be vulnerable – and the downtime or data loss could be costly.
How Yappl Can Help
At Yappl, we offer flexible managed network services designed to match your business size, structure, and growth plans.
Whether you need a single access point or a fully connected office, we’ll handle the setup, support and scalability so you can focus on what you do best.
Get in touch with us to upgrade your network.