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If you could manage it, and configure it for port-security then it wouldn't be called an unmanaged switch anymore. Also port-security is a lot of work if you change things constantly. A home user isn't going to deal with that. I couldn't imaging my mom trying to figure out port security because she got a new computer for Christmas.

-Otanx

i see. Thanks for the info.  Thats what I was afraid of.
As far as smart/ managed switches then, can you tell me if they (some) have a sort of GUI or web base portal in which you make those changes?

So I am a college student and for a project, I am very interested in whether or not there is ANY way for me to apply port security settings to the ports of an unmanaged switch. I realized that unmanaged switches do not have any sort of interface in which to naturally do this, unlike managed switches. However, my wish is to try to find a way for those using unmanaged switches (home networks, small labs, small businesses) to avoid having to pay for more expensive gear or redo everything. Having those potentially open doors into someone's network just seems like too big of an issue to not address it.

I am familiar with Linux distros and am currently getting familiar with Python. Basically, my idea was to find a way to develop an application/ interface or script in which I could protect the ports on the cheaper switches, kind of like how you can with managed switches. Things like shutting down specific ports, applying restraints, or setting limitations.

I have a cheap Netgear switch in which I have been messing with. I don't know the inner workings of them or how managed or unmanaged switches physically differ, and if that's why unmanaged switches don't have any real forms of security

I have tried searching online for anything like this that already exists, and I don't think I found anything, which also kind of worries me.

I would appreciate any information or knowledge that anyone has to offer on this idea. If it isn't possible, please feel free to let me know. I will just have to come up with a new idea. If an application or script like this is possible, I would love any info or resources that you might be able to share.

Thank you for your time.