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Connect an Ethernet switch to a LAN port on your router, then connect your wired devices to the switch. For most straightforward home setups, an unmanaged switch is the simplest choice: it typically works without configuration.
What you need before you start
- An Ethernet switch with enough ports for your devices plus one port for the connection to the router.
- An Ethernet cable between the router and switch, and a cable for each device you want to connect.
- A nearby power outlet if your switch needs an external power adapter.
Check the link speeds supported by your router, switch, and devices. A gigabit switch is worth considering if the equipment you plan to connect supports gigabit Ethernet. Linksys describes one of its unmanaged switches as full-duplex 10/100/1000, but that is a product specification, not a guarantee about other hardware or your internet plan. Linksys setup guidance and D-Link switch guidance explain the relevant setup and product considerations.
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Connect the switch to your router
- Place the switch. Set it near the router or the devices you plan to wire, with access to power if required. Connect its power adapter to a working outlet if the model uses one.
- Link it to the router. Run an Ethernet cable from any available LAN port on the router to a port on the switch. Do not use the router’s WAN port for this connection. D-Link’s instructions describe connecting a switch to a router LAN port to expand the network. D-Link support
- Connect your devices. Use Ethernet cables to connect computers, televisions, consoles, printers, or other wired devices to the switch’s remaining ports. TP-Link says the router or other uplink device can connect to a switch port, with client devices using the others. TP-Link switch setup
- Check the connection. Look for a link light on the switch or check the device’s network status. If a device does not connect, confirm that both ends of its cable are seated, try another cable or switch port, and check the product manual for port labels or status indicators.
On a typical unmanaged switch, the router can connect to an ordinary switch port and no settings need to be changed. Follow your model’s manual if it identifies a special uplink, WAN, or priority port. Linksys describes auto-sensing ports on its cited switch; that feature should not be assumed for every model. Linksys setup guidance
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Count the devices you expect to wire, then include one additional switch port for the cable back to the router. For example, four wired devices require at least five switch ports. Choose more capacity if you expect to add devices later; there is no single port count that suits every home.
#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
Compare the switch’s total port count, supported speed, whether it is managed or unmanaged, power needs, and where it will sit. An unmanaged model is usually the practical choice when you simply want more wired connections. Managed switches offer configuration options, but may require settings that depend on your router or mesh system.
Buy enough Ethernet cables for the router-to-switch link and each device. The cited setup guidance does not establish one cable category or length as right for every installation, so choose cables suited to your equipment and the distances involved.
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.
Special case: managed switches and mesh systems
Do not assume that one managed-switch configuration applies to every router. Google’s instructions specifically cover Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, and Google Wifi. For those products, Google recommends an unmanaged switch or, for a managed switch, disabling Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and forwarding Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) when STP is disabled. These settings address technical issues involving routing and network loops; they are not universal instructions for other equipment. Check the guidance for your particular router or mesh system before changing managed-switch settings. Google Nest Wifi switch guidance
What a switch changes—and what it does not
A switch adds local Ethernet connections so more devices can join your wired home network. It does not, by itself, raise the speed of your internet plan or make the router-to-switch connection faster. The speed available to a device depends on the capabilities of the links in its path, including the device, switch, cable connection, and router. The setup guidance cited here does not establish a universal speed impact from adding a switch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One Switch Made to Expand Network-16× 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
Rank #4
- 8 GIGABIT PORTS: Features 8 RJ45 ports supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds, providing high-speed wired network connectivity for computers, printers, gaming consoles, and other Ethernet-enabled devices
- PLUG AND PLAY SETUP: No configuration required; simply connect the switch to your network devices and it is ready to use immediately, making network expansion quick and hassle-free
- FANLESS QUIET DESIGN: The fanless design ensures silent operation, making this switch suitable for noise-sensitive environments such as home offices, bedrooms, or conference rooms
- STURDY METAL CONSTRUCTION: Built with a durable metal housing and shielded ports that provide reliable performance, better heat dissipation, and protection against electromagnetic interference
- TRAFFIC OPTIMIZATION: Supports IEEE 802.3x flow control and advanced traffic optimization technology to reduce data bottlenecks and ensure smooth, efficient data transfer across your network
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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