A Gigabit switch offers easy network connectivity for your home and business locations. These devices feature a few ports on the sides, and larger options can have many ports. It’s also known as an Ethernet switch for connecting multiple devices and building a wide network.
It can provide high speed and have stringent security features that address third party access to your private information. In essence, the best gigabit switches for home networks are necessary where you have few gigabit Ethernet ports for your wired gadgets.
Here, we explore the topic by looking at some of the top picks which we recommend for your selection.
Benefits of a Quality Gigabit Switch
Quite often a gigabit router has three to four Ethernet ports for connecting various devices. In a local network, most devices are Wi-Fi enabled, and hence you may not need to install a switch. However, a gigabit switch is enough if you need extra ports for your wired devices.
When it comes to speed, an Ethernet switch improves the performance of your home network. Hence you can transfer large files as well as play multiplayer games.
Another benefit of a high-quality Ethernet switch is that it uses less electricity and thus its energy efficient. You’ll enjoy low power bills and save some money.
Best Gigabit Switches
If you’re looking for the best gigabit switch for home network, you’ll discover that there are many options to consider. Luckily we’ve made the selection easy for you and here you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision.
1. TP-Link Gigabit Switch
Coming in at number one is TP-Link Gigabit Switch which has multiple applications. As a versatile device, it has wide use and will give you a good value for money. It can support PoE power of up to 64Watts for 4 POE plus ports.
The quality of this switch is outstanding since the brand has over two decades providing premium products. It’s been consistent, and there’s every reason to be confident when shopping for this device. Other than that, there are incredible features.
Firstly, we consider TP-Link as best gigabit switch for home network in that, it’s a plug & play switch suitable for use in surveillance applications where it’s compatible with several devices such as IP cameras. Hence, for security use, this device is your best bet.
Secondly, it does a good job of setting up conference calls since it supports IP telephones in installing a reliable telephone network in officers.
Thirdly, it is compatible with different access points to offer efficient Wi-Fi coverage for businesses, hotels, or restaurants. It’s also the best solution when it comes to Wi-Fi networks with OMADA EAPs.
TP-Link Gigabit Switch provides power overload protection when there’s excess energy consumption. Effectively this cuts your energy costs, and hence it’s a money saver.
When using certain applications such as IPTV, you’ll have an improved experience thanks to the IGMP Snooping technology that optimizes on delivery of multimedia traffic.
For the ultimate experience, network admins can assign traffic depending on QoS. Hence, the video or audio applications are crisp with no lags.
This small yet sturdy switch is easy to use, and you don’t need a qualified technician to set it up. It comes with a clear set of instructions, and all you need is to connect to a power source and connect your devices.
Pros
- Exceptionally high-quality device
- Versatile use
- Offers power overload protection
- Optimizes the delivery of multimedia traffic
- Clear audio and video applications
- Easy to use and set up
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Firmware lacks regular updates
2. Amcrest Ethernet Switch
Here, we have the Amcrest Ethernet Switch. Amcrest provides eight 10/100/1000 Mbps ports that support auto-MDI and MDIX functions. Therefore, there’s no need to use Uplink ports and crossover cables.
A bonus feature of Amcrest POE switch is that it’s a plug and play option. Hence, installation is simple and doesn’t require any prior configuration before use. On the same note, you can use the ports as uplink or general ports. You only need to plug it into a switch, hub, or server by use of any crossover or straight cable.
Another useful benefit of the Amcrest is that it does support several other functions such as backpressure when it comes to the half-duplex option. For a full-duplex, it’s compatible with IEEE802.3x-flow control.
With auto aging and learning, you’ll be glad to know that it offers stable support for MAC address. Furthermore, it is a flexible product that uses an external power supply.
When looking for a suitable ethernet switch for use at home or the office, you’ll need one with a good supply of ports. Quite often, you may need to add more devices in the future as you expand.
Not only does this POE switch allow for network growth, but it also is a money saver. It means that there’s no need to buy additional switches as your network expands. In a nutshell, it’s an economical, efficient device.
We love the sleekness of the Amcrest as it can fit in a small space without overcrowding.
Mounting is easy and doesn’t require special hardware to fix it. You’ll be impressed by the performance, and it adapts pretty well even in high temperatures. It’s so powerful to support different devices without a lag.
Pros
- Has an impressive supply of ports for use with multiple devices
- It’s plug and play
- Versatile
- Can be used in high temperatures
- Allows for network expansion
- Easy to mount
- Economical
Cons
- In attic regions, it requires a high power source such as 120VAC
3. D-Link Ethernet Switches
We recommend D-Link Ethernet Switches for businesses or individuals looking to upgrade the existing network at an affordable cost. Whether you want to enable the security system or manage an end-to-end Wi-Fi infrastructure, this switch offers a reliable network foundation for your home or business.
As a cost-effective option, it features green technology that ensures is energy efficiency by the cable length and link status. Also, it’s IEE 802-3az compliant, which means it’s an energy-efficient device. For enhanced and secure traffic on a network, it does support 802 1Q VLANs.
The speeds are impressive, especially when it comes to sensitive traffic that requires less time for execution. This plug and play Ethernet switch is a multi-port and contains 10, 100, and 1000 base T ports.
Therefore it’s a versatile gadget that works with many devices and offers support to Auto Surveillance as well as Auto Voice VLAN. On the same note, it’s compatible with 802.1Q VLAN.
The D-link comes with top-grade features: Bandwidth limiting, IGMP snooping, QoS, and Link aggregation. It’s a sleek device that doesn’t take too much space. Another major highlight is the intuitive management Graphic User Interface ( GUI), which allows users to interact with devices through visual elements.
It has a layer two switching capability which applies MCA addresses for transmitting data. If well utilized, this device can power POE via devices that require more power voltage. Overall, the D-Link Ethernet Switch which is ideal for setting up LAN or POE devices where you have no power outlet.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to set up
- High-quality Ethernet switch
- Provides impressive speeds
- Has advanced features that boost user experience
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Users must pay key attention to the voltage requirement
- Keeps on resetting to the default configuration
4. NETGEAR Gigabit Ethernet
This model from Netgear is an eight-port Gigabit switch that comes at an unbelievably low price yet rich in features that will enhance your experience. As a plug and play option, it comes with a set of easy to understand instructions for installation.
Indeed, you don’t need special software to configure the device. Additionally, this feature makes it possible for new users to adapt easily in the first instance.
Since it doesn’t require any special configuration, the Netgear model is suitable for individuals, including small to medium-sized enterprises.
Also, you don’t have to worry about where to mount it since you can set it on your desktop for easier placement or mount on the wall. Unlike some noisy switches that irritate, the Netgear has a fanless design that makes it super silent and unnoticeable with no disturbance to your comfort.
Another thing to note is that this switch has pro-safe-lifetime protection which gives you confidence that it’s a product you can trust.
Netgear scores great points when it comes to energy efficiency and this makes it the best gigabit network switch for home. It can optimize electricity consumption, and this means more savings and fewer costs. A deep look reveals the energy compliance symbol.
Are you worried about spending too much on a gigabit switch and getting a low bargain? Worry less! One good thing about Netgear is that it’s a durable product that will last many days. Here is why! It’s industry-tested for compliance and efficiency. For the price, you have a guarantee of value and performance.
Unlike the manual switches, Netgear switch is a smart option that enables businesses to have secure network connectivity without spending much. You can install the Netgear-Insight app for cloud connectivity.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Energy efficiency
- Affordable and great value
- Allows for smart and cloud connectivity
- Easy to install
- Durable
Cons
- Not easy to turn off the web-management feature
5. Linksys Gigabit Ethernet
Linksys Gigabit Ethernet is the best gigabit switch for home network that boosts the performance and efficiency of your LAN. You can benefit from super-impressive speeds on all the ports in addition to other unique features.
With speed reaching 1000 Mbps, Linksys is the best option for small businesses and individuals looking for a reliable internet connection.
In addition, you can expand your local network and be able to share big files between various connections such as printers, drivers, and servers. The advantage of having five ports is that it reduces the time taken to transfer files between different devices.
Hence, you can stream extremely high bandwidth files without worrying about exceeding the maximum capacity.
For your convenience, this switch is a plug and play which doesn’t require any special instructions to operate. It’s easy to use thanks to the automatic ports that help in optimizing the speed in every linked device. Also, it doesn’t require a manual configuration since the port’s auto connects the devices seamlessly.
Other than use at home, Linksys gigabit switch delivers a fast, quick, and reliable solution that lets you expand the network in your business premises.
Another benefit of this device is the power saving feature. It doesn’t consume a lot of electricity, and therefore it’s best to use in small businesses looking to cut down on energy costs. Besides, it’s fully compliant with the EE standard for energy efficiency, which boosts your confidence in using the device.
Lastly, the quality of transmission is top-notch, and Linksys delivers consistent communication on your local network. Therefore, there’s the optimization of traffic, and this helps businesses achieve efficiency and real-time experience.
Furthermore, you can prioritize some activities depending on your business operations. For instance, in the office, activities like video conferences have a higher priority than, let’s say, downloading games.
Pros
- Efficient and reliable
- Energy efficiency
- Easy to install
- Have auto-sensing ports
- Allows for large files sharing
- High-quality transmission
Cons
- Heavy and feels solid
What to Look for Before Buying an Ethernet Switch for Home Use?
Whether you’re an individual or have a small-medium-sized business, a reliable network configuration ensures you stay connected without any hitches.
Irrespective of your ISP speeds, you’ll need the best equipment that allows for the spreading of the network to various devices. A Gigabit switch is essentially a network switch that is vital in joining a network.
There are several things to keep in mind when buying best gigabit switch for home network. Keep reading as we explore.
Number of users
Before you install any system or device in your business or home, you need to know the number of users. In this case, users can be people or devices such as printers, surveillance cameras, VoIP phones, and more.
When it comes to choosing an Ethernet switch, a high number of users mean faster transfer speed, and more ports. Most of the users of Ethernet Switches are homeowners, business people, or games. These users will prefer a plug and play configuration since its less hassle to install.
Power outlets
Most often, network switches are placed where there is a power outlet to be able to function. Nowadays, most devices such as firewalls and VoIP stay connected as long as they have Ethernet cords. For this reason, it’s advisable to have a gigabit Ethernet port that can support all your POE requirements or Power over Ethernet.
Speed
Ethernet switches are not speed creators. However, a low-quality switch can affect the efficiency of your network through low transfer rates. If you have large files, the Ethernet switches should handle the speed requirements.
Gigabit Ethernet Switch may feature 10/100/1000 ports that use different speed levels to send and receive files between devices. In a large organization, a 1000 port is the best option, especially if the speed is more than 100 Mbps.
However, for small businesses and individuals, a 10/100 port is a good choice. In a nutshell, most network features available on the market support Gigabit Ethernet Ports.
Ease of Installation
In our review, we highly recommend plug and play switches as best gigabit network switch for home. They are convenient, and there’s no configuration during installation.
These are the ideal choice for small and medium-sized operations that have fewer devices and users. Another benefit is that you can add more connections for various users, such as in conference rooms.
However, for large organizations, it’s crucial to consider a managed option that lets you configure and monitor the devices depending on user preferences.
The configuration also lets you optimize and assess the performance of your network connection. You can keep sensitive information away from the unauthorized person by activating only the active ports.
Budget
How much you want to spend is an essential consideration since different switches come at different prices. If you’re buying an Ethernet switch for home use or for use in a small business, you may not want to spend a lot.
However, for large organizations, the cost can be high since there are many users and other factors. All in all, you’d want a switch that is reasonably priced depending on your budget options.
At the same time, the Ethernet switch should offer the best performance and give you value. Before you buy, look at the reviews online and pick a device that has positive ratings from past users. A good device is an excellent option that is worth the price.
Quality
The quality of an Ethernet Switch is yet another factor to keep in mind. It should be made of a durable material such as sturdy metal or steel to last many days. Plastic may feel cheap, and it’s not the best for Ethernet switches for large organizations.
Types of Gigabit Switches
- Ethernet Switches are either managed or unmanaged switches. For home use, an unmanaged switch is the most common because it’s plug & plays and doesn’t require any special configuration to work.
- Managed switches require configuration before use and are not suitable for home use. They are highly recommended for large organizations with many users. It allows the business to optimize network usage and prevent sensitive data from getting into the wrong hands.
- Another type is the PoE networking switch which enables electric power and allows for data transmission over several devices.
- A LAN switch connects different points on a local network. They minimize congestion in a network since every nodule provides a separate connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best gigabit switch for home network?
For home use, you can choose a 10/100 Mbps option. However, if you’d like to connect more devices, you can consider a 1000Mbs Ethernet switch since it gives the network more room to expand.
2. What is the difference between a managed and unmanaged gigabit switch?
A managed switch requires configuration before use. It’s suitable for large businesses with many users, and you can set your configuration depending on your preferences. On the other hand, an unmanaged switch doesn’t require any configuration and is the best for home use.
3. What do 10/100/1000 Mbps ports stand for in an Ethernet switch?
When choosing an Ethernet switch, you’ll find that the ports are rated depending on the amount of Mbps they can carry. The best type should have enough ports, either 10,100 or 1000 Mbps, and this should support the devices that you’d like to connect to your network.
4. Do Gigabit Switches support conference calls?
Yes, they do! However, that depends on the switch. When shopping, check whether the gigabit switch supports IP telephones.
5. Do gigabit switches consume a lot of energy?
The main advantage of having gigabit switches is that they are super savers when it comes to energy consumption. And the reason for this is that they provide overload protection where there is excess energy.
6. What does LAN mean in gigabit switches?
LAN is an acronym for Local area network. A LAN switch connects different points on a network. And a LAN switch conne gigabit switch has several ports where you can connect various devices.
7. Does an Ethernet Switch affect speed?
No! An Ethernet switch doesn’t affect speed, but it boosts the efficiency and reliability of your network. Also, it can minimize the interference from external factors that can lead to loss of WIFI.
8. How does a switch differ from an Ethernet hub?
Both devices are vital in connecting multiple devices within a network. However, they’re different since a switch can connect various elements like PCs, printers and gaming devices within a network. On the contrary, an Ethernet hub connects a couple of Ethernet devices into a single unit.
For home use, we highly recommend a switch since it has multiple ports of varying Mbps. Hence it’s the best option if you’re transferring large files between devices such as from the PC to the printer. Also, if you prefer playing high stake games such as online poker, a switch is a good pick.
Conclusion
Our review of the best gigabit switches for home use has finally come to an end. Hopefully, you can now pick the best product without a hassle. However, there are a few things to consider, such as several users, speed, type of switch, and ports.
With this in mind, you can get the optimal performance of your home network by having the best, reliable, and high-quality switch.