【2026 Network switch Buying Guide】 How to Buy the best Power Bank | Key Considerations| Recommendations 2026-02-24 A network switch is a hardware device responsible for network bridging, ensuring accurate data delivery and forming the basis of network operation. Even though most electronic products now use wireless connections, many devices still rely on wired connections, such as computers, printers, cameras, lighting equipment, and servers used in enterprises; gaming consoles, connected TVs, and desktop computers for home use. Due to the limited number of ports on routers, network switches can be used to expand connectivity. This article will discuss the considerations before purchasing a network switch. Types of Network Switches Unmanaged Switches Also known as non-managed switches, these are commonly found in home network setups. They require no complex settings or installation procedures; users can simply connect computers and other network devices to the switch for immediate use. Unmanaged switches are only used to expand the Ethernet ports in a network to accommodate more devices. However, they offer limited functionality and network capacity, and do not support any configuration interfaces or options. Smart Switches Smart switches offer some management, QoS (Quality of Service), and security features. While their expandability is not as extensive as managed switches, they are more cost-effective and can replace some functionalities of managed switches in smaller networks or infrastructures with lower complexity needs. Smart switches can be managed through web interfaces, Telnet, SSH, and SNMP, and support more L2 features and better QoS compared to simple smart switches. Additionally, they support advanced features like ACL (Access Control List) and the Spanning Tree Protocol. Managed Switches Managed switches provide comprehensive switching features: precise network control and management capabilities, as well as a high degree of scalability. They include advanced functionalities such as dynamic ARP inspection, IPv4 DHCP snooping, and ND checking, helping to prevent both intentional and unintentional attacks on the network. These switches are commonly used in the core layers of medium-sized business networks to ensure optimal network experiences. The primary difference among these three types of switches lies in their scalability. For average network users, an unmanaged switch that is ready to use right out of the box is often sufficient. However, for large enterprises or commercial centers with high network demand and a focus on security, a managed switch is recommended for an enhanced network experience. Connecting a Network Switch First, disconnect power from the modem, wireless router, and network switch. Connect the broadband line to the modem, then use a LAN cable to connect the switch to the router's port marked WAN. Use another LAN cable to connect one of the LAN ports on the router to a port on the network switch, then connect devices to the power. Following this setup, your network will expand, allowing users to connect four or more devices on a single network. Considerations When Purchasing a Network Switch Number of Device Connections Most users consider purchasing a network switch due to a lack of wired network ports at home. Before buying a network switch, calculate the required number of ports and select one that has sufficient ports. Nowadays, network switches have port counts ranging from as few as 5 to as many as 48, catering to both home and office needs. Since changing or upgrading a switch can be a significant task, it's advisable to purchase a switch with slightly more ports than anticipated for future needs. Network Speed Requirements Currently, the fastest home broadband speed in Hong Kong is 10G, while typical home speeds range from 500 to 1000 Mbps. Choose based on your home internet service and transmission speed. However, network transmission speed can also be influenced by the specifications of the cables and router. To achieve the fastest transmission speeds, ensure that all devices and cables support the required specifications. Power Supply Method Network switches' power supply can be categorized into two types: One type has an integrated transformer within the switch itself, which is common for rack-mounted switches. They have a larger size but use standard computer power cords, making them easier to find and less intrusive on power outlets. However, internal heat dissipation may be less efficient. The other type combines the transformer in the power plug. These switches are lightweight and often cheaper. However, their plug might be larger, and replacement can be challenging if external wiring fails. Heat Dissipation Issues Network switches generate heat during operation, and some products incorporate fans for cooling. The outer casings are typically made of metal or plastic. Metal casings are more durable and dissipate heat quickly, whereas plastic is cheaper but less efficient at heat dissipation. For home use, since data handling is not extensive, a plastic casing usually doesn’t impact performance significantly. However, in non-home settings like schools or companies where more ports and more work are involved, a metal casing is more appropriate to handle excessive heat buildup. It's essential to verify the heat management mechanisms and installation location beforehand to ensure durability. Frequently Asked Questions When do I need to use a network switch? If your home has multiple devices capable of connecting to the network, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, printers, and desktop computers, a single router's ports may not suffice for multiple connections. In this case, a network switch can be beneficial for expansion, providing a smoother experience when gaming online or streaming videos. In office settings, if there are multiple computers in different departments with different access rights, a network switch can clarify the access permissions among computers, securing data privacy across departments. Compared to public Wi-Fi, a network switch that facilitates multiple connections ensures stable signal delivery, enhancing the overall office network environment. Can I manage an unmanaged switch via an app or web interface? Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play devices that require no setup. They do not have a management port or IP address, so they cannot be managed. Can I connect non-PoE devices to the PoE ports of a PoE switch? Yes, non-PoE devices can be connected to the PoE ports of a PoE switch for data transmission; however, non-PoE devices cannot be powered by the switch. When a device is connected to a PoE port, the switch will automatically check the connection. If it's a standard device (e.g., a computer), the PoE port will only transmit data. Recommendations Netgear GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Switch (w/PoE) #gs108PP-x00 Provides 8 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 PoE+ ports, supporting single-port power of 15.4W or 30W, with a total power output of up to 123W. Plug-and-play, no configuration required, easy installation. Fanless design for excellent heat dissipation with a durable metal case. HPE Aruba Instant On 1930 48-Port Gigabit Managed Switch Designed specifically for small and growing businesses requiring enhanced performance to support bandwidth-intensive applications. Seamlessly integrates with existing Instant On indoor/outdoor access points. Centrally managed via the Instant On mobile app, either on-site or remotely. Offers cloud-managed Layer 2+ Ethernet switches in 8, 24, and 48-port configurations with Class 4 PoE (PoE+) and non-PoE Gigabit Ethernet options. Equipped with 1G SFP slots (8-port model) and 1G/10G SFP+ slots (24/48-port models) for fiber connectivity. TP-Link TL-SG105PE 5-Port Smart Network Switch (PoE+) #1760500087 Professional 5-port Gigabit easy smart switch with 4 PoE+ ports. User-friendly, high-performance, and versatile PoE switch. Fully compatible with PoE devices like IP cameras, access points, and IP phones, as well as non-PoE wired devices such as PCs, printers, and IPTV. LinkSys LGS116 16-Port Gigabit Switch #LGS116-AP Super-fast Gigabit 10/100/1000 Mbps transmission. Metal casing for good heat dissipation and stable performance; fanless design. Quick and convenient plug-and-play setup. QoS smart optimization for device traffic speed.
