(Last Updated On: November 24, 2023)
Convenient internet setups have revolutionized our lives. Now, one can connect TVs, printers, scanners, game consoles, lights, microwaves, security cameras, echo or echo-like devices, and many more to the internet connection and enjoy endless benefits. We have compiled some of the best gigabit Ethernet switches for home networks in the article. We suggest you have a look at them.
Wired connections are not needed for much of the latest gadgets but some devices work best with a wired connection. With no limitation of remaining on the same spot for the internet, the wireless connections are very attractive to users because wired networks cause very annoying problems of wiring and cables in homes.
Furthermore, users ask for fast, reliable, and secure networks and that is accomplished by the latest and advanced wireless router technology. These fast network Wi-Fi routers may not be able to cover the large area of your house, leaving dead spots and for the devices which need a wired connection, your router possibly lacks enough ports.
Due to such problems, networks should be extended with ethernet switches. Ethernet switches expand network connections and provide ports to connect with more devices, without slowing down the data speed.
Ethernet switches connect a lot of devices and contribute greatly to the settlement of a network system for a speedy and secure network in large and small companies or houses. Managed, unmanaged, and smart or intelligent Ethernet switches are available in markets and they all have their benefits and drawbacks.
Unmanaged switches are simply “plug and play” devices while managed switches provide a range of advanced and worthwhile features. Smart or intelligent switches also provide a few valuable features but not as managed switches.
Network switches regulate data traffic by identifying the MAC addresses of attached devices and transfer outgoing and incoming data packets.
Home network systems can work efficiently with all ethernet switches as they do not have complex requirements but more features do not harm, do they? Advanced features can help parents to block adult content websites, control connection timing, restrain unauthorized devices to connect, data security, and much more.
Some features that one ethernet switch should contain for effective network setup in homes and small houses are explained down here.
1- Capacity:
Not every Ethernet switch is the same as they have a varied number of ports available for connection. 12, 24, and 48 port switches are more common. One should calculate the devices he wants to connect with the switch because varied port number switches also differ in price tags.
2- Speed:
Internet connections have different speeds but a wrong ethernet switch can greatly affect the speed of the internet. The other matter related to speed is how fast a switch can tackle connecting and disconnecting devices. Say if a switch supports Gigabit speed but can not handle multiple connections then it makes trouble.
3- Power over Ethernet (PoE):
This feature allows connected devices like wireless access points, surveillance cameras, IP phones, internet protocol security, and so on, to gain electrical power from the ethernet switch by ethernet wiring. This saves from the problem to establish a separate electric power connection for every device linked to the home network.
Best Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Home Networks (Comparison)
| Name | Dimensions | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link 48 Port | 14.17 x 17.32 x 1.73 inches | 5.06 Pounds | |
| MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN) | 9.45 x 4.72 x 1.97 inches | 1.1 Pounds | Check Price |
| NETGEAR 10-Port (GS110MX) | 4.02 x 1.06 x 9.29 inches | 1.63 Pounds | Check Price |
| NETGEAR 26-Port (GS324TP) | 8.1 x 13 x 1.7 inches | 5.93 Pounds | Check Price |
| Meraki Cisco | 8.7 x 3.2 x 14.9 inches | 3.49 Pounds | Check Price |
TP-Link 48 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
This amazing ethernet switch with 48 ports is manufactured by TP-Link. The ports support 10\100\1000 Mbps speed with Auto-Negotiation and Auto MDI and MDIX.
The Plug and Play technology make it user-friendly as no installation or configuration process is needed, just take it out of the box, connect and it is ready to rock and roll. The automatic identification of the connected device’s speed demand is followed by the compatibility adjustment and optimal performance.
The TP-Link Green Technology has utilized the latest energy-efficient system that automatically turns off the power supply to inactive ports and restrain the carbon footprint of the network with 80% packaging material recycle ability.
This network switch has devised a non-blocking wire-speed technology that ensures the 96 Gbps switching capacity for the highest throughput.
The reliable IEEE 802.3x flow control ability of this ethernet is simply great and the no-fan technology provides high-end performance with no noise that makes the home or an office environment harmonious.
The 8k MAC address table ensures the expandability for even the largest network systems. The brand offers a limited lifetime warranty with the package and also efficient 24\7 technical support for the users. The operating systems that are compatible to work at the highest speed are Microsoft windows.
No advanced features are involved as it is an unmanaged type of ethernet and it is very convenient to use with its 48 ports that can support a large and productive network system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No fan, no noise | Price |
| Plug and play technology for user convenience | Unmanaged switch |
| TP-Link Green technology for minimum power consumption |
Conclusion:
48 ports accessibility permits a large number of devices to connect and form a stable and fast data network. Plug and Play technology makes it simply manageable.
No fan construction avails the best performance with any noise. The latest Green Technology handles the power consumption of active and inactive ports and minimizes it effectively to reduce the electricity cost.
It allows the highest throughput with 96 Gbps switching speed and 8K MAC address table ability takes the performance of this item to another level. A lifetime warranty and the brand’s 24\7 technical helpline is another advantage of this ethernet switch that assures the users of its best quality.
MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch(CRS305-1G-4S+IN)
MikroTik enterprises manufactured the CRS305-1G-4S+IN Ethernet switch that has 4 SPF+ ports and 1 Gigabit Ethernet copper port for management access.
There are 2 DC jacks are devised in this switch for power redundancy. The 10GB speed of ports render it more useful for users and it also has no fan in it for a noise-free operation.
This metal-made device is very sleek and it is desktop mountable so that your connecting devices can reach the ports easily.
The Dual Boot system is its significant character that permits the user to choose between RouterOS and SwOS operating systems. If the user wants an easy-going operating system with only switch specific functions, he should choose SwOS operation.
The RouterOS provides 3-Layer Routing features to customers and the switch has preinstalled operating system so, it is ready to use.
The device also allows free updates for a lifetime or at least for 5 years starting from the purchase date. The selection of desired operating system can be done from RouterOS, SwOS, or the RouterBoot settings.
It is much suitable for home networking with its simple and undemanding technology and features. The Power over Ethernet (PoE) value for the input voltage is 12-57V with maximum power consumption with attachments is 18 Watts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual Boot system | Expensive for its features |
| Noise-free operation | |
| 10 Gbps ports |
Conclusion:
The product has 4 SPF+ ports along with 1 Gigabit ethernet switch and it has 2 DC jacks for power consumption and 1 PoE-IN. the desktop mounting makes this ethernet switch perfect for home data networks which provide a stable and speedy 10 GB network to connected devices.
Dual Boot system of two operating systems, RouterOS and SwOS, is installed in this device to provide a user-friendly service to its users. With low power consumption and silent operation features, this ethernet is a good choice.
NETGEAR 10-Port Gigabit/10G Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS110MX)
Netgear has devised this ethernet switch which is GS110MX that has 2 5-speed ports to provide fast ethernet, 1 Gigabit, 2.5 Gigabit, 5 Gigabit, or 10 Gigabit connectivity along with 1 SPF port for 1 or 10 Gigabit connectivity.
It automatically identifies that which speed is need by linked devices and then it provides exact speed data without any declivity.
There is no need to upgrade your existing Cat5E ethernet cables to Cat6 wiring as this ethernet switch can connect with it and this feature helps to avoid the wiring cost.
Furthermore, it is an unmanaged Ethernet switch that works on the Plug and Play principle. No need for IT experts for installation and configuration, unpack it and it is ready to use.
Desktop and rack-mountable adjusts in every environment and works effectively and silently. Extension of the network is very easy with this device, all you need to do is connect multiple devices, and it will give 100 Mb, 1, 2.5, 5, or 10 Gigabit connectivity spontaneously.
The brand provides a 24\7 helpline for users along with a lifetime warranty with the package. The ports are energy-efficient that take up the energy depending on the connection status and linking cable length. The switch supports the connection wire length up to 100 meters. The longer the cable length is, the weaker the connection will be.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports Category 5 to 6 cables with high speed | May stop responding to traffic but sometimes |
| Multi-Gigabit speed ports are installed | |
| 100% reliable |
Conclusion:
8 Gigabit ports and 2 Multi-Gigabit ports are installed in this device. Supports Cat5E cables as well as Cat6 cables. Automatic recognition of speed demand by linked devices is another plus point of this ethernet switch.
It is an unmanaged switch that works on the plug-and-play principle. No additional features are involved but highly recommended for small offices and home networks. Versatile mounting, silent operation, and a lifetime warranty along with other traits have furnished this network switch with prominence and excellence.
NETGEAR 26-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS324TP)
The GS324TP Ethernet switch is devised by Netgear and it offers 24 Gigabit, PoE+ ports combined with 2 SPF ports to provide connectivity with optical cables.
The total power budget is up to 190 Watts that is used up to support 24 PoE-connected devices. It is a smart or intelligent ethernet port that allows advanced configuration and control by management software with a convenient graphical user interface GUI.
Secure setup, access, and SNMP (NMS 300) can be controlled by this management software. Versatile mounting is proposed by presenting all mounting accessories in the package for wall or desktop placement.
Whisper-quiet technology is applied in this network switch to reduce the fan noise and preserve one’s home or office from noise pollution.
It has an industry-limited, 5-year limited hardware for the peace of mind of users. Energy-efficient ethernet mode is installed in this switch for optimizing the energy consumption depending on idle and working ports. This Netgear Ethernet switch is thoroughly tested for its reliability, quality, and high-end performance.
Switch management, security, traffic management, spanning tree, routing, and stacking features are also provided by this switch. Troubleshooting is another outstanding character of this switch and all these features can be enabled and disabled by the management software.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24 Gigabit, Power over Ethernet ports are present | Costly |
| 2 SPF ports are included | |
| Whistle-quiet technology |
Conclusion:
24 Gigabit, PoE ports, and 2 SPF ports are devised in this switch to aid office or home networks effectively. Smart features including switch and traffic management, security, routing, stacking, and many more can be utilized by directly enabling them from management software GUI.
Whisper-quiet technology and versatile mounting are some great features of the ethernet switch.
Power consumption is also regulated to reduce energy costs. 5-year limited hardware is devised in the switch for assurance of high quality and performance to the customers.
Meraki 8 Port PoE Switch
Meraki Go by Cisco System is designed in simple and stylish manner providing an excellent and reliable 2.4GHz performance. With just one-button installation, you can easily install this extender to enjoy its high-performance Wi-Fi all-around your house.
This reliable network extender has the capacity to work with any model of standard router. It has external antennas with which you will enjoy reliable and faster connection.
With the help of this WiFi network switch, you will be able to increase your switch network and get a stronger wireless performance with a better signal coverage.
It is fully packed with Intelligent LED Indicator so figure out which pace or the spot is best to locate the extender. In case the device blinks green, it means the device has strong connection. You can manage your entire Wi-Fi connection through the free switch App which you can get free for your Android or the iOS devices.
With the Meraki Go network switches, a user will have the port availability for connecting other technologies on which they can rely on.
Meraki Go has the power in which they can easily scale with any business. Plus, managing the Go Switch is also effortless and is convenient with the Meraki Go mobile app.
WiFi range can better be improved and expanded to almost 10,000 square feet. It even includes dual bands for 4K HD streaming and gaming. You can connect the wired device to your Wi-Fi by using the Gigabit Ethernet port.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Average performance of 5GHz |
| Easy in installation | |
| Looks stylish |
Conclusion:
Meraki Go by Cisco is thus an affordable option which quite easy in installation for the beginners to opt for. The only drawback of this network switch is the average performance, but still it is a high recommendation to invest in right now.
Final Verdict:
Reliable and fast internet connection is a must-have in all fields of our lives, whether we are in offices, malls, restaurants, homes, schools and so on, all the work and entertainment is connected to the internet. With the advancement of internet connections along with the latest gadgets and devices, the demand for stable network connections has increased significantly.
And without Ethernet switches, expansion of a network connection is not possible. Although, they can be a little tricky to use their benefits are endless.
Expand your network connection with ethernet switches and acknowledge your budget and requirements to choose the best option that can match your needs. For enough understanding, one should compare the given options and then decide.
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