Dealing With Spotty Internet? A Network Switch Might Fix It

Your home internet connection can work very well without a network switch, so is it essential to have one? I spoke with a Netgear expert to discover the advantages of using one. Spoiler: it can improve your connection. If you are serious Optimization of your Internet connectionThe use of a network switch could go to the next level. However, there are details to consider before investing in a network switch.

A network switch is a device that you connect to your router. He opens more Ethernet ports, allowing your router to connect to several devices. If your household is frequently based on high speed connection at home flow Or gameThese activities can tip a lot of bandwidth. It is useful to have a network switch to speed up your connection. Sometimes an advanced network switch can also prioritize your traffic for specific devices, such as Smart televisions Or game consoles and reduce the congestion of the network.

There is more than one type of network switch, which we will cover a little. Everyone serves their own goal. However, the choice of the best type of network switch to you will depend on certain things.

John Henkel, Director of SMB product marketing at Netgear, told CNET that “a user should consider their own level of technological rescue, their appetite for personalization and control, and what are the needs of the network”, before considering investing in a network switch.

How does a network change anyway?

It can be easy to confuse a router and a network switch, as they offer similar features but have different objectives. According to Spiceworks, A router transfers information via data packets from one computer network to another. He can also direct traffic between these computer networks and carry it out towards their final destination, a specified internet protocol address. aka an IP address. On the other hand, a network switch is a device that connects your router to several devices. It works at layer 2 of the interconnection model of open systems. A network switch sends data via packages using the appropriate Ethernet ports that lead to the planned device. One of the main advantages of using a network switch is that it Allows you to connect your router to several devices such as computerWireless access points, printers and other servers.

Knowing the different types of switches available can help you better understand the operation of network switches. The names of these switches can differ depending on the industry, but overall, switches enter the categories of unprecedented to fully managed.

There is more than one type of network switch

Netgear categorizes switches in the following buckets:

• Unsarnted switches are the simplest type, involving a plug-and-play device which requires very little configuration or configuration. These can be the most useful for basic switching and connectivity for average cleaning. Most unmanaged switches are the cheaper option, with a price of less than $ 100.
• Intelligent managed switches Offer more complex features and advanced commands. They provide personalized checks to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as video calls or streaming. Similar to fully managed switches, intelligent managed devices can range from $ 100 to $ 2,000 or more.
• Fully managed switches are considered to be the quality of the quality of business quality. They generally have a professional audio, a video and other complex networking functions. In addition, they offer the most security and the most specific network and management management. These switches would benefit companies that require connectivity for a larger network. The only drawback is that they will probably be the most expensive option. Most fully managed switches can vary from $ 120 to $ 7,000 or more.

For the average cleaning, you will probably only use an unmanaged or intelligent switch. “Most households will benefit the most from a simple, inexpensive and not managed change,” said Henkel.

“They will not need the personalization and management options provided with a managed business switch.”

What are the advantages of using a network switch?

Now that we have covered the different types of switches available, how can a network switch help your internet connection at home? A network switch can be ideal because it helps accelerate your domestic internet connection. Most households use devices such as televisions, printers, computers, etc., which consume a lot of bandwidth. According to Open The last report, in the first quarter of 2025, downstream use increased by 12.1% compared to last year, while upstream increased by 13.7%. Different online activities are based on your two Use downstream (download) and upstream use (download).

This same report also pointed out that more than 115 million American households had smart television in 2024 and spent an average of more than 21 hours per week in streaming. Needless to say, more and more households consume a lot of bandwidth, which would make the investment in a precious network change.

According to Akamai, Here are some of the common advantages of using a network switch:

Bandwidth increase

A network switch can help produce faster speeds for connected devices. If you notice that your Real speeds differ from what your internet service provider announces, This can come from one of the several factors, such as Router placementthe arrangement of your house, Large walls and obstructions interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, and or even foreign speeds of your FAI. However, if you have tried different ways to optimize your home connection and you always encounter internet problems, it may be time to invest in a network switch.

Increased security

Switzers can create virtual LANs or VLANs, which isolate network traffic and separate sensitive data, restricting access to approved apparatus only.

Increase in network controls

You control and manage your network. The addition of a network switch can increase the number of devices connected to it.

Ethernet Power on Wi-Fi

Many network switches generally use Ethernet technology to connect to other devices. An ethernet cable can be more energy efficient, as these devices will not need a separate power. An Ethernet connection can also offer faster speeds than Wi-Fi.

Network switches are excellent, if you can exceed the high price

There are many advantages to have a network switch, as we have covered. However, the biggest drawback is that switches generally have a high price. Overall, the price will depend on the brand and the type of network switch that you buy. For the most part, the average network switch can range from $ 120 to $ 30,000. Keep in mind that fully managed switches will probably fall at the most expensive end of this beach. You can also find online that a few switches not managed with more basic features are less than $ 100.

So, do network switches are worth it?

“Although you don’t need a high -end switch, I always recommend looking for and investing in a quality product,” said Henkel.

He also recommended that a better quality network switch probably requires a larger initial investment, although it simply means that you will get better results for your money, as it will be more sustainable for years to come.

A network switch can change the situation to optimize your internet connection at home. It offers many ideal advantages for average cleaning, such as increased speed, safety and network control. An unmanaged network switch with basic checks will probably be enough for the average cleaning. Although if you want more personalized checks, which involve prioritizing traffic for specific devices, you can expect to pay more in advance.

FAQ of the network switch