Types of switch and what each is for
A switch multiplies the network ports of your router so you can connect more devices by cable. All ports share the same network, so what matters is the speed per port, whether you need to power devices over the cable and whether you want advanced features such as VLANs.
| Type | Real speed per port | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unmanaged Gigabit | ~115 MB/s | Home, TV, console and PC | Enough for fibre up to 1 Gb |
| 2.5 Gb (2.5GbE) | ~280 MB/s | NAS, editing PC, fibre above 1 Gb | Both ends need 2.5 Gb ports |
| PoE and PoE+ | Same as its base port | IP cameras and access points | Total PoE power budget |
| Managed or smart | Depends on the model | VLANs, QoS and homelabs | Needs configuration |
The slowest link sets the speed
A 2.5 Gb switch speeds nothing up if your computer, NAS or router only has 1 Gb ports: each link is negotiated at the speed of the slower end. Before paying more, check which ports your devices have, and use the transfer calculator to see how long moving your files would take at each speed.
Managed or unmanaged
An unmanaged switch is plug and play: there is nothing to configure and it is the right choice for most homes. They are cheap, silent and use very little power, usually between 2 and 5 W.
Managed or smart switches let you create VLANs to keep cameras, smart home devices and guests apart from the rest of the network, prioritise traffic with QoS, aggregate links and see statistics for each port. They are worth it if you run a homelab or want to isolate devices you do not trust, but you have to learn how to configure them.
PoE: power over the network cable
With PoE, the same network cable carries data and electricity, so a camera or access point only needs one cable. The 802.3af standard provides up to 15.4 W per port, 802.3at (PoE+) up to 30 W and 802.3bt up to 60 or 90 W.
Check the total PoE budget of the switch: an 8-port model with 65 W cannot give 30 W to every port at once. Add up what your devices draw, leave a 20% margin and make sure the standard matches; some cheap cameras use 24 V passive PoE, which is not compatible with standard PoE switches.
Cables and distances
For Gigabit and 2.5 Gb, Category 5e cable is enough up to 100 metres, although Cat 6 is the most common choice and barely costs more. For 10 Gb you need Cat 6a once the run is longer than about 55 metres. Flat and very thin cables can cause problems from 2.5 Gb upwards.
If a device only connects at 100 Mbps, the cause is almost always a damaged cable or a badly crimped connector: replace the cable before you replace the switch.
IPTV, loops and other common mistakes
Unmanaged switches do not detect loops: if you connect two ports of the same switch to each other, or join two switches with two cables, the whole network can go down. Managed switches usually include loop protection (STP).
If you watch your provider TV service over IPTV, look for a switch with IGMP snooping or plug the set-top box straight into the router; otherwise multicast traffic can flood the rest of your devices.
What to buy for your situation
Flat with a router, TV, console and PC: an unmanaged Gigabit switch with 5 or 8 ports and a metal case. Home with a NAS or fibre of 2 Gb or more: a 2.5 Gb switch with at least two to four fast ports. Camera installation: a PoE+ switch with enough power budget and, if possible, VLAN support to isolate the cameras.
Always buy a few more ports than you need today: it is common to end up connecting new devices, and an 8-port switch costs little more than a 5-port one.
Frequently asked questions
Does a switch slow down my internet?
No. A Gigabit switch adds microseconds of delay and does not limit your fibre unless your plan is faster than 1 Gb; in that case you need a 2.5 Gb switch or faster.
Can I connect one switch behind another?
Yes, you can chain several switches in a home without any problem. Just avoid creating loops by joining two unmanaged switches with more than one cable.
Switch or access point?
A switch only adds wired ports. If what you need is WiFi in another room, use an access point or a mesh system, which can be connected to the switch.
Is 10 Gb worth it at home?
Only if you have a NAS with SSDs or many drives and edit video over the network. For most people, 2.5 Gb offers the best balance between price and speed.