What is a network switch and do you need one?
A switch has multiple Ethernet ports. Plug it into your router and it lets you connect more wired devices (computers, consoles, NAS, smart TVs) on the same network. You need one if you have more wired devices than your router has LAN ports, which is usually three or four, or if you want wired connections in a room with a single network outlet. You don't need one if WiFi covers your needs and you only have a couple of wired devices.
Unmanaged vs managed switches
**Unmanaged**: plug and play with nothing to configure. The right choice for most homes. **Smart managed**: adds a web interface for VLANs, quality of service and port monitoring. Useful for putting smart home devices on their own network or prioritising a work computer, and entry-level models now cost only a little more than unmanaged switches. **Fully managed**: advanced features for businesses and larger home labs. Overkill for most homes.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches
PoE delivers power and data through a single cable, so devices need no separate power adapter. Great for cameras, WiFi access points and VoIP phones in hard-to-reach places. **PoE+ (802.3at, up to 30W per port)**: powers most cameras and access points. The standard for consumer PoE switches. **PoE++ (802.3bt, up to 60 to 90W per port)**: for power-hungry devices such as PTZ cameras. Mostly professional gear. Always check the switch's total PoE budget: it has to cover every powered device at once.
Gigabit vs 2.5G/10G switches
**Gigabit (1Gbps)**: fast enough for streaming, gaming and most NAS use. The standard for home switches. **2.5G**: useful when your internet plan is faster than 1Gbps or you move large files between a PC and NAS that both have 2.5G ports. Gigabit devices still work at 1Gbps. **10G**: now available on affordable unmanaged switches, but only helps with 10G network cards and a NAS that can sustain those speeds. Recommendation: a gigabit switch is fine for most homes. Upgrade to 2.5G if you have multi-gig internet or 2.5G devices.
Switch selection and setup
**Port count**: count your wired devices, add one for the uplink to the router, and leave a couple spare. 5 to 8 ports suit most homes; 16 to 24 ports suit offices and home labs. **Setup**: plug the switch into one of your router's LAN ports, then connect your devices to the switch. They join the same network as the router. **Cabling**: Cat 5e handles gigabit and 2.5G over typical home distances; use Cat 6 or 6a for 10G or future-proofing.