If you have a lot of computers, laptops, and other devices that need to be connected to the network but don’t have enough ports in your router then you will need a gigabit switch. Want to play LAN games with your friends? Or maybe you are engaged in carrying out some small projects with your partners? A gigabit switch will help you out. These switches will give you more ports to connect the ethernet cable of your device to. As a result of this, you can easily handle everywhere from 4 to 50 and even more devices at one time in just one network.
To use a gigabit switch all you have to do is free up one port space on your modem or router where you can plug in an Ethernet cable. Insert one end of the cable in the gigabit switch while the other should be in the modem or router. This will connect the two devices and ensure that the switch acts as the extension of the router or modem.
Most Ethernet switches offer the standard speed of 100 Mbps but there are some which offer even more like 1 Gbps. These Ethernet switches are known as gigabit switches and are suited for fast speed needs. These switches are backward compatible easily with the 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps standard as well, so you won’t face any issues if you have to work with low-speed networks. Even though gigabit switches cost more when compared to fast ethernet switches, they are still easily affordable.
These gigabit switches are made by a variety of manufacturers. But the question is always to figure out which one is the best for you. To help you out, here’s a list of the very best gigabit switches for home network usage.
10
- Weight: 7.15 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.03 x 17.32 x 1.69 inches
- Ports: 50
9
- Weight: 18.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 12.5 x 3.5 inches
- Ports: 10
8
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 8.86 x 7.48 x 2.32 inches
- Ports: 8
Best Gigabit Switches for Home Network in 2023
Gigabit switches will give you more speeds and more ports. These devices are further also capable of sending and receiving at the same time, which adds to its advantages. But don’t just get blinded with all the benefits. To get these you will have to buy a switch that is authentic, effective, and efficient. This list contains all the very best gigabit switches. These are all well-rated and reviewed. They are:
1. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS108)
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.54 x 6.5 x 4.29 inches
- Ports: 8
This sturdy and reliable gigabit switch has been designed to ensure quiet operation. This switch ensures that there’s less fan noise so that you can work without anything disturbing you. If you are using the switch to operate a small business then this will especially come in handy. The device will help you save power as well. This energy-efficient switch works with the IEEE802.3az Ethernet mode, which helps it do so.
It’s very easy to use the device. All you have to do is plug in the ethernet cable and then see the machine work. There’s no need for any kind of extra worrisome configurations which makes it great for home use. But you can use the Smart-Managed Plus feature which will be perfect for small businesses. This is because then you will get the ability to monitor, secure, and also configure the network to your wishes beyond that of connectivity.
The switch comes with a Smart Cloud feature as well. This will let you get a fully integrated management feature since you will be able to control it from any other device from anywhere. This will give you more flexibility for sure.
The device is also very easy to mount. You will be able to mount it on your wall or your desktop. This will give you better accessibility and variety. This gigabit switch is covered by a lifetime’s limited-hardware warranty. Also if you don’t find the switch to be suitable for your use then you can replace it right the next day. Worried about setting up and other such technicalities? Don’t worry, you will be able to chat 24/7 with an expert to solve your problems.
Pros
- Low noise
- Smart cloud
- Flexibility
Cons
- Only 8 ports
2. TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.86 x 0.98 inches
- Ports: 5
This gigabit switch comes with 5 ports. Out of these, 4 auto-negotiation RJ45-ports help support the PoE or Power-over-ethernet function. These are the ports that can support 56W of power. Moreover, these can automatically detect and then supply the power to the IEEE 802.3af following devices.
The gigabit switch offers an intelligent power-management feature when the power consumption goes over 56W. When this happens the device will switch off the port with the lowest priority so that the port with the highest priority can keep on working with normal power supply. This will prevent the device from any power overloads.
It’s very easy to set up the switch. All you have to do is plug and then play it. There’s no need to set up any kind of configuration or software with it. Apart from just routers, you can use this switch with the IP cameras in warehouses and with IP telephones in an office network. This will give you more flexibility and if you want to operate a small business with more devices from your home then you can do so without buying anything more.
The device has a fanless design which ensures that you will be able to work silently and without any disturbance. You can have an amazing online experience with this because administrators will be able to use QoS and designate traffic priority. With this, you will be able to prioritize the IP phones or cameras and ensure that video apps and voice apps work without any lags.
Pros
- Supports PoE
- Intelligent power management
- Low noise
Cons
- Only 5 ports
3. TRENDnet 24-Port Unmanaged Gigabit GREENnet Desktop Metal Switch
- Weight: 5.45 pounds
- Dimensions: 3.46 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
- Ports: 24
This sturdy gigabit switch is perfect for home network use perfect for small businesses as well. After all, it has a whopping 24 ports which can be used to plug in various devices. What’s more, is that it uses the GREENnet technology to ensure that you save up on energy costs. It does so by reducing the power consumption of the switch by 70% during times of low-link usage. This keeps the functioning ports stable without any kind of power overload as well.
This gigabit switch offers you a high-speed network to devices as well as a 48 Gbps worth of switching capacity. This allows the data traffic to smoothly flow. As a result of this, there are reduced traffic bottlenecks. It will help you get your work done faster and without any hassle. If you are thinking of using this device for a future small business function then you will be able to do so with this speed and lack of network congestion.
The switch comes with a standby mode as well which delivers a lot less power to the ports when the devices are switched off. This will help you save up on power a lot. Also, it will keep the device in functioning order for more years to come. Since the switch comes with a fanless design so there’s less noise as well, which will let you work in peace.
It’s very easy to set up this switch. All you need to do is power the switch and then plug in whatever device you want to use in it. This gigabit switch comes with a feature that lets it detect the cable length. With this, it can deliver a lot less power to the cables with a shorter length. This helps save power since the shorter cables don’t need it as much when compared to the longer ones.
Pros
- GREENnet technology
- Reduced traffic bottlenecks
- Cable length detection
Cons
- 24 ports might not be needed by everyone
4. D-Link Ethernet Switch, 8 Port Gigabit Unmanaged
- Weight: n/a
- Dimensions: 6.38 x 4.02 x 1.1 inches
- Ports: 8
The switch is encased in a tough metal housing that ensures its durability. This will allow you to use it with ease without worrying about what will happen if you happen to accidentally drop it. D-Link 8 ports switch will allow you to set up a very reliable, fast, and efficient connection in your very own home. Even if you are operating a small business from home, this device will offer you a very economical way to benefit from all the enhanced bandwidth. With the 8 ports, you will be able to expand your network quickly.
This switch comes with a green technology feature that will help you save energy as well as reduce heat. Ultimately it will help extend the life of the product without affecting its functionality and performance. The switch comes with an automatic MDI/MDIX crossover that works for all kinds of ports. Along with this, it follows a secure store-and-then-forward switching up the scheme.
This gigabit switch also supports the IEEE 802.3az EEE or Energy-Efficient Ethernet. This helps in detecting if a computer or device which is connected to the switch is shut off. Along with this, it is also able to detect there’s zero ethernet traffic in a device connected to the switch. When it can detect these, it simply powers down that idling port and saves up a substantial portion of the power.
The switch comes with a very useful feature that lets it detect the length of the cable attached to it. This way it can save power by sending less power to the cables with lesser length than the ones with longer lengths. It will help you save money in the long run as well.
Pros
- Green technology
- Supports IEEE 802.3az EEE
- Cable length detection
Cons
- Only 8 ports
5. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch | Ethernet Splitter
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 10.24 x 2.76 x 7.09 inches
- Ports: 8
This switch will help you increase your network speed so that you can transfer bandwidth-intensive large files without any kind of interference. This gigabit switch is just perfect for the home networks where you might have multiple ethernet-supported devices. The switch also comes with a fanless design that ensures zero noise so that you can work without any disturbance.
This gigabit switch isn’t difficult to install at all. It uses the simple plug-and-play feature where you will just have to plug in the switch to the power sources and then connect the ethernet cable-supported device to it. This makes the entire process hassle-free since it doesn’t require any extra configuration or software installation.
The switch comes with auto MDI/MDIX which eliminates any need for the crossover cables. There’s also an auto-negotiation feature present on each of the ports which senses the current link speed of any network device. Once it detects this it can adjust it for optimal performance and compatibility.
This switch comes with energy-efficient features that will help you expand on the network capacity using lesser power. In the long run, this will ensure the longevity of the switch as well as savings. The switch has a non-blocking architecture which helps in improving the network response time. Along with this it also helps in boosting the traffic present between the subnets by filtering and forwarding the packets at the best wire speed. This helps in getting maximum throughput.
Pros
- Low noise
- Auto MDI/MDIX
- Non-blocking architecture
Cons
- 8 ports only
6. Linksys SE3005 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
- Weight: 2.36 x 7.4 x 2.36 inches
- Dimensions: n/a
- Port: 5
This 5 port switch is perfect for your home use. You can plug in your various devices and then be instantly connected to the network. Since it is a gigabit switch so you will be able to work with faster speeds and less traffic blockage. It’s also very easy to set it up. All you have to do is plug it into the power source and then connect the devices to it.
This switch supports IEEE802.3, 802.3x, 802.3u, and 802.3ab networks. So you will have a lot of variety and flexibility to work with. If you have any kind of trouble with it and need technical assistance then you can contact their support resources whenever you like. They are available 24/7 to help you out.
Also, know that it allows you to get full-duplex IEEE 802.3x control as well as half-duplex backpressure. This is along with very intelligent congestion detection which is port-based. Also, it helps in controlling the broadcast rate. The switch helps prioritize audio and video applications to get better streaming. This helps in reducing the power consumption and traffic load as well. What’s more, is that it comes with a power save function that detects the unused ports and then prevents power from going there. This will help you save energy as well as money in the long run.
The switch also supports auto MDI and MDIX cable detection. It also comes with non-blocking architecture which ensures that there’s improved network response time. As a result of this, there is boosted traffic, which is present between the subnets. It does this by forwarding and filtering those packets at the very best possible wire speed.
Pros
- Supports multiple networks
- Power save function
- Supports Auto MDI and MDIX function
Cons
- Only 5 ports
7. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 8.86 x 7.48 x 2.32 inches
- Ports: 8
This switch comes with 8 ports which will be perfect for home use. To help you in your work, this switch has been designed in such a way that it offers low noise. It can get this done since it is fanless.
This gigabit switch is very efficient when it comes to saving power and energy. It does this efficiently since it is compliant with the IEEE802.3az EEE or Energy Efficient Ethernet feature. As a result of this, the ports which aren’t in use won’t get power sent to them. In the long run, you will be able to save money as well due to this.
It’s very easy to set up this device as well. There’s no configuration needed at all. All you have to do is plug it in a power source and then connect the devices you want to it. There’s zero hassle related to configuration or any kind of software installation. But you can make use of the Smart Managed feature to get an upgrade and then manage your network according to your needs. There is also the Smart Cloud upgrade which will let you control the sketch from any device no matter where you are. This kind of integrated management coupled with remote access will give you more flexibility.
This switch comes with multiple mounting options. You can place it on your desktop as well as mount it on the wall as well. Such a feature gives you added flexibility of use. The switch also comes with a 3-year limited warranty, so you can use it without worrying.
Pros
- Low noise
- Energy efficient
- Multiple mounting options
Cons
- Only 8 ports might not be enough
8. NETGEAR 50-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch
- Weight: 7.15 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.03 x 17.32 x 1.69 inches
- Ports: 50
This gigabit switch comes with 50 ports which will cover all your network needs. Whether it is for home use or a small business, this switch will certainly be useful. It’s very easy to manage the software of this switch since it comes with an easy-to-access GUI interface. Although it might not be as easy as plug-and-play it is indeed very easy to operate and offers you basic options that will help you secure, configure, and monitor the network.
The switch comes with multiple mounting options. You will be able to carry out both desktop and rack mounting. This will give you more versatility and flexibility of use. What’s more, is that all the necessary hardware needed to mount the switch are all present in the box. So you don’t have to spend anything extra to buy it.
The switch comes with a fanless design which ensures that there’s zero noise, no matter where it is located. This will allow you to work more freely and without any disturbance. This gigabit switch has been constructed in such a manner that it optimizes the power usage while also lowering the operating cost. This is because it is compliant with the IEEE802.3az EEE or Energy Efficient Ethernet feature.
The switch also comes with a lifetime’s worth of limited hardware warranty. So you will be able to use the device with ease. What’s more, is that if you don’t like the switch, then you can replace it the next day. Need any technical assistance? That’s possible too with a 24/7 chat with an expert.
Pros
- Multiple mounting options
- Energy efficient
- Low noise
Cons
- 50 ports are too much for home use
9. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch
- Weight: 13.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.22 x 3.94 x 0.98 inches
- Ports: 8
This gigabit switch will help in improving the reliability of the devices connected to it. With this, you will be able to instantly transfer massive bandwidth-intensive stuff without any interference.
It comes with a sleek, durable, and high-quality casing which will help you save energy as well as shield the ports to prevent any kind of static interference. It’s very easy to install the switch. All you need to do is plug it to a power source and then insert the needed device into it. No further configuration or software installation is needed.
Using this administrators will be able to make use of QoS to properly designate the needed traffic priority. So if you need to prioritize the audio and video functions then you will be able to do that.
This switch supports auto MDI and MDIX. Due to this, you won’t have to worry about cable types at all. When it uses the full-duplex function, then the switch is capable of processing data at 2000Mbps. What’s more, is that the switch comes with energy-efficient technology which will let you save 72% energy.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Auto MDI and MDIX support
- Energy efficient
Cons
- 8 ports might be less for some
10. Legrand – On-Q DA1008 8-Port Gigabit Switch
- Weight: 1.05 pounds
- Dimensions: 7 x 6.4 x 3.3 inches
- Port: 8
Using this switch you will be able to effectively distribute the power and speed to a variety of switches. You will find that its double bay structure fits well into the structured wiring parts.
It’s easy to install since its double-bay design fits snugly into the On-Q enclosures which are designed for the plug-and-play setup.
With the help of this switch, you will be able to supply the needed bandwidth to various devices effectively. This will let you carry out your work faster and easier.
The switch also comes with low noise technology so that you aren’t disturbed while you are working. Also, this switch comes with an energy-efficient technology that will help you save energy and also cost in the long run.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Great design
- Effective power distribution
Cons
- No auto MDI and MDIX support
11. NETGEAR 10-Port Ultra60 PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch
- Weight: 18.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 12.5 x 3.5 inches
- Ports: 10
With so many different types of Gigabit smart switches available in the market, finding one that matches your home requirements can be a little difficult. However, the NETGEAR 10-Port Ultra60 PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch stands out with its quality.
This sturdy and high-quality smart switch comes with 8 Gigabit ports and two additional ones that are here to meet your needs when it comes to the connectivity of multiple network devices around the house.
Each Gigabit port supports 60W power output, which is more than enough to meet your daily requirements now and then. The device further comes with smart software compatibility and an easy UI that ensures a smoother setup and control while you are using it.
You also get to operate it using the Netgear Insight for smoother management of the integrated networks in the device. Besides the internal functions, the device also supports the standard desktop or rackmount placement and comes with separate mounting hardware for easier placement.
The entire setup is extremely powered efficient, so you wouldn’t have to worry about longer power bills by the end of the month every time.
Pros
- Durable and compact design
- Power-efficient
- Comes with mountain hardware in the box
Cons
- Quite expensive
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Buying Guide to choose the right Gigabit Switches for Home Network
A gigabit switch will let you connect multiple ethernet-supported devices to it and join them to your network simultaneously. It offers top speeds of a thousand Mbps so that there’s no lag or blocking. As such it just makes sense to get a gigabit switch.
Many manufacturers make gigabit switches. But the question is- how will you know which one is a good switch and which one isn’t. To help you out we have a list of features that you should inquire about and know about before buying any gigabit switch model. These features are:
1. Switch role
Before you go on to buy any gigabit switch, make sure to decide how many ports you are going to need. If you want a switch for home network use them one unmanaged gigabit switch with 5 to 12 ports will do the work for you.
If you want to operate a small business out of your house then it’s better to find a gigabit switch that is managed. For business purposes, 24 to 48 switches should be found. You can get a switch with more ports if business needs arise. But it’s important to decide this otherwise you will end up unnecessarily spending more money than needed on extra ports which you might not even use for a long time.
2. Noise
No one wants a switch which produces a noise when it works. After all, this will make it difficult for you to work without stress and tension. So get a switch which produces zero noise. Know that there are plenty of gigabit switches that advertise having low noise. But what’s low for them might be high for you. So decide carefully or just go for those which offer zero-noise at all.
3. Energy efficient
Know that the more ports you get the more energy you will be using. So to conserve energy and costs you should buy a switch which is energy efficient and doesn’t send power to those ports which aren’t currently in use. Make sure to get those switches which are IEEE802.3az EEE or Energy Efficient Ethernet compliant for best results.
4. Speed
Gigabit switches are some of the very best switches in the market, but even they can falter if there are too many devices connected to it. So get a switch that can prioritize the high-need functions like video and audio. This will make the switch send more power and speed to those devices and slow down other low-priority tasks.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gigabit Switches for Home Network
1. Is a Smart Managed switch feature better than an unmanaged switch?
Both Managed and Unmanaged are features. One is not better than the other. These are just options. A managed switch will give you more power over your network connectivity and let you decide which devices get speed and power. This will work well if you are operating a business and need to prioritize speed and power. But if you are using your gigabit switch for home use only then there’s not any use to get a managed switch. For such purposes, an unmanaged switch that is easy to install and configure will be fine.
2. Where to mount a gigabit switch?
You can mount your switch anywhere you like. Mostly it is mounted on the desktop, but you can mount it on your walls as well. Many switches come with rack-mounting options as well. If you want this mounting option, then get a package which comes with the necessary mounting hardware or you will have to buy those separately
3. Should you get a PoE supporting gigabit switch?
A Power over Ethernet or PoE switch will let you power up devices using the network cables. These switches give you the needed power to run other kinds of devices as well through the function of ethernet cabling. So if you do need such a function, then you can certainly opt for it.
4. What to do if you face problems setting up a gigabit switch?
Setting up an unmanaged switch shouldn’t be an issue simply because it uses the plug-and-play mode of installation. Here all you have to do is plug it in a power source and then attach the other devices to it. But anything above this can be complicated and will need the configuration of some sort. If you are finding that difficult then you can contact the technical support team of the manufacturer or simply search the internet for your specific problems.
5. Why should I go for an Ethernet switch instead of an Ethernet Hub?
There is basically very little difference between the ethernet switch and ethernet hub; both allow you to transfer data between many devices. Sharing a big size file is way too much more accessible with a gigabit ethernet switch than a hub. Choosing an ethernet switch for your internet can be safer as every individual device gets a specific MAC address from it, and it does not happen with the hub.
If you are one of the users with few devices in their workplace, then a hub can be a good choice. It can be the best central connection for all of your devices. When you want to expand your working system capacity, an ethernet switch can help you because there is less lag or instability in connection when you use an ethernet switch. A switch is more effective than a hub when it comes to higher performance.
If your home network provides internet to four or more computers or uses immense amounts of data transfer for heavy music files or gaming, then only a switch can help you out there instead of the hub. Ethernet hubs work by using a virtual circuit model; on the other hand, an Ethernet hub works by using the broadcast model.
The significant difference between hub and switch is that the hub can transfer all network traffic to all of your computer systems even if one of them does not require it. Still, a switch can pick the destination of every individual element of traffic, just like the ethernet frame.
If you have four computers in your workplace, using a hub will pass all the traffic to every one of the four computers, but a switch can decide the destination of your network traffic, and it can send it to the one computer that needs it most at that time. A switch will generate less network traffic and perform better on a large scale of devices.
6. How to Select the Best Gigabit Switch for Home Network?
To find the best gigabit switch for your home network, you must consider some factors. Firstly, check how many ports you are getting with your shortlisted gigabit switch, and if the number of ports is enough as per your need, it will be good. Gigabit switches come in many options for the number of ports. Some are 5 port switches, some are 8, and if you have a more extensive working setup with numerous multiple devices, there are 16, 24, or even 26 port gigabit switches in the market.
Choose your switch based on your number of devices. Select a future-proof switch so that its interfaces are enough to help you expand or upgrade in the future. For using a gigabit switch at home, we recommend a 5 port or 8 port gigabit switch, which are enough for your home setup.
Check the forwarding rate of your selected switch and whether it passes the performance test. Technically a gigabit switch supports a 15 to 130 Mpps forwarding rate, so choose a switch based on your required forwarding rate. Not every switch can reach the same forwarding rate as claimed by their company, but a performance test may help you out.
Check if your switch is PoE or non- PoE type; for example, for people who need a gigabit switch for surveillance cameras, a managed switch with a PoE function can be helpful for them.
Managed switches offer you advanced customizable features such as VLAN, SNMP, CLI, etc. You can effortlessly manage or monitor your network with these switches. They are higher in price than unmanaged switches, and you need a professional to configure or maintain these switches. But as you know, a home network does not require these fancy customizable features, and instead of these confusing features, we need a simple plug and play functionality in the home.
There are not many connections or even traffic for handling at home networks, and the budget is also limited; here comes the unmanaged switch, which is budget-friendly and does not require any professional to operate them. You can simply plug and start using your gigabit switch if it is unmanaged.
Choosing a silent switch is an ideal choice for every professional, and to make sure of that, you need to look if your selected gigabit switch is fanless or not. Many ethernet switch manufacturers claim that their switches are fanless, but in reality, they are not.
As a working professional, everyone needs peace to work on their business, and to do that; you need to buy a gigabit switch with a sound level of 0 dB, which is ideal for the business environment. Opt for a fanless switch if you don’t want noise while working.
7. Do I still need a router if I buy a Gigabit Ethernet switch?
Yes, even after buying a gigabit ethernet switch, you will still need a router. Ethernet switches and routers perform some similar functions but are still different. Generally, if we talk about the switches, they work on the data link layer. Still, the routers, on the other hand, work on the layer of the network itself.
The gigabit ethernet switch cannot connect to the internet on its own; these switches need a router for connecting to the internet. A gigabit switch mainly expands the network’s capacity while making it stable for all the connected devices.
Some options in the market can do both without needing a layer 3 switch. The main functionality of the layer 3 switches is a router, but it can work on both functions; data exchanging as well as routing. Still, the layer 3 switches cannot replace the routers as complex functions and protocols are implemented through its software while the switches are processing the data through its hardware.
So, it will be better to get a router to connect the internet for your ethernet switch because only a gigabit ethernet can provide you with the stability and lag-free internet experience needed in this digital era.
Conclusion
A gigabit switch will be really useful if you have to power a lot of devices at top speed. This switch will give you the freedom to carry out a variety of functions with ease and flexibility. Not to mention it is cost-effective and energy-efficient as well.
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