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Which Ethernet Switch Should You Choose for an Eero Network?

Most eero homes need only a five-port unmanaged gigabit switch. Learn when 2.5GbE or PoE makes sense and how to place a switch correctly in the network.
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For most eero homes, choose a five-port unmanaged gigabit Ethernet switch. It is a straightforward way to add wired connections when your internet plan and wired devices run at 1 Gbps or less. If you have an eero with multi-gigabit ports and multi-gigabit service or wired devices, consider a 2.5GbE switch instead. Connect the switch to the gateway eero—not directly to the modem.

Which switch makes sense for your eero network?

Eero recommends unmanaged switches for a simple setup. The models below are examples that match common home-network needs; their listed capabilities come from manufacturer specifications, not hands-on testing with eero.

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Use case Switch option What its specifications establish
Adding ordinary wired ports to a gigabit-or-slower network NETGEAR GS105 or TP-Link TL-SG105 Each is a five-port gigabit switch, according to its manufacturer. They are suitable candidates when gigabit links meet your needs. NETGEAR GS105 specifications; TP-Link TL-SG105 specifications.
Multi-gigabit wired connections TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 This unmanaged five-port switch supports auto-negotiation at 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 2.5 Gbps. TP-Link describes it as fanless and plug-and-play. Check the hardware revision and the exact listing for your region before buying. TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 specifications.
Routing plus powered Ethernet for a wired installation eero PoE Gateway This is a distinct routing and PoE product, not a simple port expander: it has eight PoE-capable 2.5GbE ports and two 10GbE ports, and no Wi-Fi radio. Choose it only if its integrated routing and PoE capacity fit your installation. eero PoE Gateway setup.

How many ports and what speed do you need?

Count usable ports

A five-port switch provides five physical ports, but one is used for its uplink to the eero. That leaves four ports for wired devices or additional eero nodes. Most eero devices have two Ethernet ports, though models differ; the gateway eero also needs a port connected to the modem or ONT. Check your eero model’s port layout and count the connections you plan to make.

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Match the slowest link in the path

A multi-gigabit switch cannot make an internet connection or device faster than its own Ethernet link allows. For multi-gigabit service, check the gateway eero’s port speed as well as the switch and client-device ports. Eero says all its eeros support gigabit Ethernet and describes gigabit as a safe choice if you are unsure. The eero 7 has two 2.5GbE ports; the eero Pro 7 has two 5GbE ports, according to eero’s product specifications. A 2.5GbE switch is a reasonable fit for an eero 7 setup only when the service or wired devices can use that added capacity.

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Where should the switch go?

Keep the gateway eero between the modem or ONT and your home network. Connect the switch to an available Ethernet port on the gateway eero, then connect wired devices or supported additional eero nodes to the switch. Eero’s switch guidance says most unmanaged switches work and gives the instruction to connect a switch to an eero Ethernet port.

  1. Connect the modem or ONT to the gateway eero’s internet-facing Ethernet connection.
  2. Connect one of the gateway eero’s remaining Ethernet ports to any port on the switch using an Ethernet cable.
  3. Connect wired clients or additional eero nodes to the switch’s remaining ports.

Do not connect the switch directly to the modem in place of the gateway eero. If wiring multiple eero nodes, follow eero’s Ethernet backhaul guidance: nodes may connect through a switch attached to the gateway, but do not wire all eeros to one switch in a way that bypasses the gateway. Eero warns this arrangement can cause a gateway conflict and network instability.

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Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Should you use a managed switch?

For most households adding ports, an unmanaged switch avoids configuration decisions and is eero’s recommended straightforward option, particularly for wired eero-to-eero connections. A managed switch may be appropriate when you specifically need its controls, but eero advises disabling STP/RSTP, IGMP, VLAN, and QoS features when using one with its system. Consult eero’s switch guidance and your switch’s documentation before changing settings.

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What cable should you use for wired eero backhaul?

For Ethernet backhaul between eeros, eero specifies Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cable. A Cat5e-or-better patch cable is also appropriate for connecting a switch to an eero; ensure the cable is long enough for the intended placement and in good condition. See eero’s Ethernet connection guidance.

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When is PoE worth considering?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) supplies power to compatible devices through their Ethernet connection. The eero PoE Gateway combines routing with PoE-capable switching, making it relevant for installations built around wired and PoE devices. It is not the default answer for someone who simply needs a few more ordinary LAN ports, and it has no Wi-Fi radio. Review eero’s PoE Gateway setup information to assess whether its capabilities suit your deployment.

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  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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