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If you have a lot of devices that need a wired connection to your network, such as computers, printers, NAS devices, or security cameras, you might need a network switch to expand the number of ports on your router. A network switch can also improve the performance and reliability of your network by filtering and prioritizing traffic, reducing congestion and latency.
But how do you choose the best network switch for your needs and budget? There are many factors to consider, such as the number of ports, the speed, the features, the management, and the price. To help you out, we have reviewed some of the top-rated network switches for small businesses and home offices based on online research and customer feedback. Here are our recommendations:
Cisco CBS350-8MGP-2X
This is a managed switch that offers high-performance and scalability for enterprise networks. It has 8 ports that support 2.5Gbps PoE (Power over Ethernet), which can power devices such as IP phones, cameras, or access points without needing separate power adapters. It also has 2 ports that support 10Gbps copper or fiber connections for uplinking to other switches or servers. It has a fanless design that makes it silent and energy-efficient, and it can be configured and monitored via a web interface or a mobile app. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and technical support from Cisco.
Pros:
- High-speed and scalable
- PoE support
- Fanless and low power consumption
- Mobile app
- Lifetime warranty and support
Cons:
- High-priced
- Few 2.5Gbps and above ports
- Large case
NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524)
This is an unmanaged switch that offers simple and reliable connectivity for small businesses. It has 24 ports that support 1Gbps Ethernet, which can handle most network applications. It has a plug-and-play setup that does not require any configuration or software installation. It can be mounted as a rackmount or a desktop switch, and it has a silent operation that does not generate any noise or heat. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and protection from NETGEAR.
Pros:
- Plug-and-play setup
- Versatile mounting options
- Silent operation
- Lifetime warranty and protection
Cons:
- Pricey compared to some rivals
- No PoE support
- No advanced features or management
TP-Link 16-Port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (TL-SF1016D)
This is a low-cost and energy-efficient switch for basic connectivity. It has 16 ports that support 100Mbps Ethernet, which can meet the needs of most home or office devices. It has a green technology that saves up to 70% of power consumption by adjusting the power output according to the cable length and link status. It has a compact design that can fit in any space, and it has a plug-and-play setup that does not require any configuration or software installation.
Pros:
- Low-cost
- Energy-efficient
- Compact design
- Plug-and-play setup
Cons:
- Low-speed
- No PoE support
- No advanced features or management
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Switch 8-Port (US-8)
This is a smart and managed switch for high-performance networks. It has 8 ports that support 1Gbps Ethernet, with 4 ports supporting PoE (Power over Ethernet). It can be integrated with other Ubiquiti devices such as routers, access points, cameras, or phones using the UniFi Controller software, which allows centralized management and monitoring of the network. It also supports VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), QoS (Quality of Service), STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), and other advanced features that enhance the security and performance of the network.
Pros:
- PoE support
- UniFi Controller integration
- Advanced features and management
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires UniFi Controller software
- No 10Gbps ports.
Conclusion
A network switch can be a great addition to your small business or home office network, as it can provide more ports, speed, and features to your devices. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from different types of switches, such as managed or unmanaged, PoE or non-PoE, 1Gbps or 10Gbps, and so on. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best network switches for small businesses and home offices based on online research and customer feedback. We hope this article has helped you find the best network switch for your network.
