Connect an Ethernet switch to an available LAN port on your router, then plug your wired devices into the switch. It adds connections for devices; it does not add internet bandwidth or increase the speed of your internet plan.
What you need
- An Ethernet switch with enough open ports for the devices you want to connect, plus a port for its connection to the router.
- An Ethernet cable to link the switch to a router LAN port. Use additional cables to connect wired devices.
- A power source if the switch requires one.
For ordinary home devices, an unmanaged switch is usually the straightforward choice: it expands the number of wired connections without requiring network configuration. Cisco describes the same basic approach in its Cisco 800 Series Hardware Installation Guide, which explains connecting an external switch to the router’s Ethernet switch.
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How to connect the switch
- Check the router for an available LAN port. Do not use the WAN or Internet port for the switch unless the router’s documentation explicitly says that port can be configured for LAN use.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from the router’s LAN port to the switch. If the switch labels a port as uplink, follow its manual. Some switches accept the router connection on any port; others specify an uplink port. For supported Nest Wifi and Google Wifi setups, Google instructs users to connect the switch’s WAN or uplink port to the router’s LAN port in its switch setup guidance.
- Power on the switch if it has an external power supply or power switch.
- Plug your computer, television, game console, printer, access point, or other wired device into an open switch port.
- Check the link lights on the switch and connected devices, then test that each device can access the network.
Choose the right switch
Count the devices you plan to connect and allow for the port used to link the switch to the router. Match the switch’s port speed to the router, connected devices, and the local-network performance you need. Check the exact model’s specifications: features vary between products, including within the same broad category.
| Your need | Switch type | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| More wired connections for everyday devices | Unmanaged Ethernet switch | Usable port count, port speed, power requirements, and where it will sit. |
| Wired power for compatible cameras or access points | PoE switch | Whether each device and switch support compatible PoE standards, per-port power, and an adequate total power budget. Cisco notes that some switch models have PoE ports; this is not a feature of every switch. |
| Control or separation of network traffic | Managed switch | Needed features such as VLANs, port security, authentication, or traffic prioritization, and whether you can configure them. Cisco documents these as managed-switch capabilities, but availability depends on the model. |
| Connect the router to the switch or a device to the switch | Ethernet cable | Required data rate, cable length, installation conditions, and the guidance for your equipment. |
Google recommends at least Cat5e cabling for the Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, and Google Wifi products covered by its support guidance. That product-specific recommendation should not be treated as a universal cable rule for every speed, distance, or installation.
#1 Best Overall
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 5 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
When managed switches need extra care
A managed switch can be useful when you need features such as VLANs or traffic controls, but it may require configuration. Check both the switch manual and the router’s documentation before changing settings. Google warns that some managed-switch STP/BPDU configurations can cause technical issues with Nest and Google Wifi; its guidance applies to those products, not to every router and switch combination.
Avoid creating a network loop by connecting multiple paths between switches or between a switch and router unless your equipment is specifically configured to support that topology. For product-specific connection and configuration instructions, consult the manuals for your router and switch.
Rank #2
- 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: 5× 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX.
- 𝗚𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆: Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁: IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation.
- 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed.
- 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping.
What adding ports does—and does not do
The switch gives you more physical Ethernet connections on the same network. It does not create additional internet bandwidth. Your actual internet service and network performance depend on the router, connected equipment, and other factors; the available information here does not establish a speed outcome for a particular setup.
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Best Value
- PLUG-AND-PLAY - Easy setup with no configuration or no software needed
- ETHERNET SPLITTER Connectivity to your router or modem router for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc.)
- 5 Port FAST ETHERNET - 5 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation RJ45 ports greatly expand network capacity
- COST EFFECTIVE - Fanless Quiet Design, Desktop design
- RELIABLE - IEEE 802.3x flow control provides reliable data transfer
Rank #4
- 【One Switch Made to Expand Network】Features 5 RJ45 ports with 10/100/1000Mbps speeds, supporting Auto-Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX for hassle-free setup. Ideal for expanding your network, with 1 uplink (input) port and 4 output ports to split your Ethernet connection to multiple devices.
- 【Gigabit that Saves Energy】Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money
- 【Reliable and Quiet】IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation
- 【Plug and Play】Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed
- 【Ethernet Splitter】Connect to your router or modem for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc)
Rank #3
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 8 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
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