Network switches

Network switches in our range cover unmanaged, managed, PoE, 10G and multi-gig and industrial models for homes, offices, server rooms and factories. There are over 2,700 models from brands such as Cisco, TP-Link, Netgear and HPE. A small number of KVM switches, firewalls and routers sit alongside them.

How to choose a network switch

Managed or unmanaged. An unmanaged switch works as soon as the cables are plugged in, which suits a home office or a small shop with simple needs. A managed switch adds VLANs, port monitoring, link aggregation and remote configuration, which become useful when you need to separate guest Wi-Fi, VoIP phones and cameras from office traffic.

Port speed and count. Gigabit ports are standard for desktops and printers, while 10G and multi-gig models suit uplinks to servers, NAS devices and fast Wi-Fi access points. Look for SFP or SFP+ slots if you need fibre links between racks or buildings, and leave several ports free for growth.

PoE and power budget. A PoE switch powers IP cameras, access points and VoIP phones through the network cable, so no separate power adapters are needed. Compare the total PoE budget as well as the number of PoE ports, because a 24-port model may not deliver full power to every port at once. Check the PoE standard too, since higher-draw devices need PoE+ or PoE++.

Operating environment and format. Many office switches in our range list an operating temperature of 0 to 40 °C and humidity of 10 to 90%. Industrial switches are built for harsher places, and some list -40 to 75 °C, which matters for outdoor enclosures, warehouses and factory floors. Also decide between a rack-mount, desktop or DIN-rail design before you compare models.

Network switch brands we carry

• Cisco: known for its Catalyst enterprise switches and the cloud-managed Meraki line.
• TP-Link: offers the Omada range of cloud-managed switches and access points alongside simpler Gigabit models for small businesses.
• Netgear: known for its Smart Managed Pro switches, which are controlled through the Insight app, and for AV-over-IP switches.
• HPE and HP Enterprise: the networking portfolio includes Aruba switches for campus and branch networks, plus OfficeConnect models for smaller sites.
• Siemens: best known here for SCALANCE industrial Ethernet switches used in automation.
• Ubiquiti: makes UniFi switches that are managed from one central controller together with its access points and gateways.
• Zyxel: its Nebula platform lets you manage switches and access points from the cloud.
• D-Link: long established in unmanaged and smart managed switches for homes and small offices.
• PLANET: focuses on industrial Ethernet and PoE switches, including models for wide temperature ranges.

Shoppers can browse subcategories for PoE switches, managed switches, 10G and multi-gig switches, unmanaged switches and industrial switches. KVM and video switches, firewalls and routers are also listed, but in smaller numbers. Also in our range: LevelOne and TRENDnet.

Network switch FAQ

What is the difference between a managed and an unmanaged switch?

An unmanaged switch passes traffic between devices with no configuration, while a managed switch lets you control how that traffic is handled. Managed models support features such as VLANs, quality of service and port monitoring. Unmanaged switches are enough for simple networks.

Do I need a PoE switch?

You need a PoE switch if you want to power devices such as IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points or VoIP phones over the network cable. It removes the need for a power socket at each device. If you only connect computers, printers and a router, a standard switch is enough.

How many ports should a network switch have?

Count every wired device you plan to connect, then add a few spare ports for future devices. Common sizes are 5, 8, 16, 24 and 48 ports. Remember that an uplink to a router or another switch also uses a port.

Can a network switch replace a router?

No, a standard switch cannot replace a router, because it only connects devices within your local network. A router links that network to the internet and handles addressing and routing. Some advanced managed switches offer routing between VLANs, but they still need a router or firewall for internet access.