About this deal
It is much cheaper than managed switches and smart managed switches, suitable for families and small businesses with limited budgets. Your home router only comes with so many ethernet ports, so NETGEAR’s Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch stands in as an excellent option to expand that capacity. This small and compact switch can fit in neatly with your home’s other computer gear; unlike other options, this one doesn’t stand out as a bulky metal box. Additionally, it is easy to use thanks to its plug-and-play operation that doesn’t require the use of an external computer.
Managed vs. unmanaged switches - If you’re in the market looking for the best Ethernet switch, you have probably noticed there are managed and unmanaged devices. Which one is right for you pretty much depends on the type of network you’re creating. While managed switches cost more than unmanaged switches, the range of models available mean that there are different levels of complexity and cost for businesses of all sizes.
Actually, unmanaged switches have no concept of virtual LANs (VLANs). Thus, all devices belong to the same broadcast domain. If all of the things plugged into an unmanaged switch are on the same VLAN then you can do that. However, if you have a mix of VLANs on a switch, it needs to be managed.
If you’ve ever run out of Ethernet ports on your router, you know the feeling of frustration that comes with it. Or maybe you want wired connections for all the devices in your home entertainment center, but don’t want to string multiple cables from the living room to wherever you happen to have your router.Additionally, it's important to consider how your network switch will integrate with other essential components of your network. This includes finding compatibility with the best small business router, the best VPN router, and the best secure router to ensure not just a fast, but also a secure and well-rounded network setup. Simplicity: Unmanaged switches are incredibly straightforward to set up and use, making them ideal for beginners or small network deployments. This question cannot be so simply answered. A network manager or technician is usually the one best qualified to help you choose a network switch based on your needs. However, for smaller businesses that consist of a single office or freelance professional work, it is not likely that you’re going to need more than a smaller unmanaged switch. If there are thousands of users on the network at any one time, however, then managed switches are crucial. No, unmanaged switches do not support link aggregation. They don't have the ability to configure the ports to be part of an aggregated link. Only managed switches support link aggregation. The overall speed of each switch was also one of the most critical factors; every switch on our list features up to 100Mbps transfer speeds, with most selections able to attain even faster gigabit speeds — perfect for busy networks. Lastly, we provided options with power over ethernet (PoE) functionality so that you can easily supply power to supported devices on your network without the need for a power cable. Best Ethernet Switch Buyer’s Guide Features