10G and multi-gig switches are network switches with ports faster than Gigabit Ethernet, from 2.5G copper models to 10G switches with SFP+ cages and managed units for server rooms. They suit businesses upgrading uplinks, NAS and server connections, and home users with 2.5G or 10G equipment. Our range includes models from HPE, Cisco, NETGEAR and TP-Link.
How to choose a 10G or multi-gig switch
Port speed and type. 2.5G ports suit Wi-Fi access points and PCs on existing Cat5e or Cat6 cabling, while 10G suits servers, NAS units and links between switches. Our range includes switches with Gigabit, 2.5G and 10G RJ-45 ports, and some models have no RJ-45 ports at all and rely on SFP+ slots.
Copper or SFP+. RJ-45 ports work with ordinary network cable, but 10G over copper needs Cat6a for the full 100 metres (Cat6 manages about 55 metres). SFP+ slots take fibre modules or direct attach cables, which suit short runs inside a rack. Modules are often sold separately, so check what is included.
Managed or unmanaged. An unmanaged switch works as soon as it is plugged in. A managed or smart switch adds VLANs, link aggregation, traffic monitoring and remote configuration, which most business networks need. The MAC address table shows how many devices the switch can track: many models in our range list 16,000 entries, and larger units go up to 128,000.
Port count. Models in our range commonly have 5, 8 or 24 RJ-45 ports, and some larger units have 16. Count your current devices, then add spare ports for growth and for uplinks.
Location and operating limits. Most switches here are rated for roughly 0 to 40 °C or 0 to 50 °C, which is fine for offices and server rooms. A few are rated for much wider temperatures, down to -40 °C, for cabinets and unheated spaces. For a desk or living space, also consider fan noise and whether the switch is desktop or rack-mounted.
Brands we carry
- HPE (including HP Enterprise): sells switches for campus and data centre networks, and has the largest number of models in this category.
- Cisco: known for Catalyst and Nexus switches used in business and data centre networks.
- NETGEAR: offers smart and managed multi-gig switches aimed at small businesses and advanced home setups.
- TP-Link: makes switches that can be managed through its Omada system alongside its access points.
- MikroTik: known for affordable SFP+ switches that run RouterOS or SwOS and give detailed control.
- Ubiquiti: makes UniFi switches managed from the same controller as UniFi access points and gateways.
- Juniper: builds switches that run the Junos operating system, used mainly in larger networks.
- Zyxel: offers multi-gig switches for small and medium businesses, with cloud management through Nebula.
Also in our range: D-Link, LevelOne and TRENDnet.
10G and multi-gig switch FAQ
What is a multi-gig switch?
A multi-gig switch has ports that run at speeds between Gigabit and 10G, typically 2.5G, 5G and 10G, over standard RJ-45 cabling. This lets you raise speeds for Wi-Fi access points, NAS units and workstations without re-cabling the building. Ports usually negotiate down to slower speeds for older devices.
Do I need Cat6a cable for 10G?
Cat6a is the safe choice for 10G over copper, as it supports the full 100 metres. Cat6 usually handles 10G over shorter runs of around 55 metres. Cat5e is generally suited to 2.5G and below.
Should I buy a managed or unmanaged switch?
Buy a managed switch if you need VLANs, link aggregation, monitoring or remote access, which is common in offices and server rooms. An unmanaged switch is enough for simply connecting a few fast devices. Managed models also let you separate guest, camera and server traffic.
What is the difference between SFP+ and 10G RJ-45 ports?
SFP+ ports take removable modules or direct attach cables and suit fibre links and short rack connections, while 10G RJ-45 ports use ordinary twisted-pair cable. RJ-45 is simpler where cabling already exists. SFP+ is more flexible for distance and for connecting switches or servers in the same rack.
