Best Gigabit Switches for Home Network

Who relies on cables and wires when you can manage wireless connectivity? Well, gigabit switches come in handy when you must connect multiple devices and build networks and want an impressively fast connection. Also known as Ethernet switches, these home network systems offer seamless connectivity and are much more dependable than the standard switches.

If you require a foolproof way of setting up a fast ethernet system for your office or even gaming needs, then this article is a must-read for you. We have collected the most trusted and searched-for gigabit switches fit for your home network system.

Reviewing the Top Selling Gigabit Switches

#1 NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS108) – Desktop, and ProSAFE Limited Lifetime Protection

Available in 5, 8, 16, and 24 ports option, this gigabit switch is perfect for home networks. The 8 port is a simple set that needs no complex setup of configurations or software installation. All you need to do is Plug in and play. The device can be placed anywhere according to the user’s liking. Be it mounting on the wall or simply desktop placement.

There have been no complaints about it making any noise. The silent operation is aided by the fan-less design, making it perfect for placing in noise-sensitive areas. The NETGEAR provides efficient connectivity for networking at home, businesses, or any enterprise. This system is backed by a robust metal case and has energy efficient workability. This optimizes power usage and costs less to operate. The ethernet system is compliant with IEEE802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet mode.

The durability of this set is outstanding. Every NETGEAR network switch goes under strict testing to ensure reliability, quality, and high performance. However, there are certain things to take care of. You will not be able to make any warranty claims. Moreover, you need to know the password to change the switch’s configuration, and there is always a risk of people meddling with the management settings of the network system.

Buy Here: Amazon

#2 TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch – Ethernet Splitter – Unmanaged

Next in line is the TP-Links phenomenal network system carried in a stylish compact blue metal housing. This unmanaged system needs no lagging software installation. The device simply needs to be plugged in to establish a network. You won’t have to deal with cumbersome configuration settings or software uploads.

It also comes with an Ethernet Splitter. This allows you to connect your router with any wired connections. They can be laptops, gaming consoles, or even a printer. To support these many wired devices, TP-Link provides 5 ports for you to play with. These come with auto-negotiation RJ45 ports that greatly expand network capacity.

The base of the device is quite sturdy. In addition, it has a Fan-less case for silent operations. The maximum heat it will dissipate is 8.3 BTU/h. You can place it anywhere, be it the wall or your desktop, the TP-Link will cater to any area seamlessly. As it is docked up with trusted and reliable IEEE 802.3 x Flow. This allows problem-free data transfers and clever traffic optimization. Furthermore, the DSCP QoS allows seamless latency-sensitive traffic like voice or video.

Save power up to 84%, which automatically adjusts when the link status and cable length are altered. However, when you allow HTTPs management, its performance will be slightly affected. That is still a very minor complaint considering this unit’s value for the price.

Buy Here: Amazon

#3 Linksys SE3008 8- Port Metallic Gigabit Switch.

Another stunner from Linksys carries a full-duplex IEEE 802.3 x flow control along with half-duplex backpressure with intelligent port-based congestion. Not to forget it has broadcast rate control – which is rare if you ask us. All 8-Ports of Linksys support auto MDI/ MDI-X cable detection. Additionally, this device is fashioned with non-head-of-line blocking architecture. This way, you will end up having more control over the management of your ethernet systems.

When ports are not in use, there is no need to worry about power wastage, as it comes with Power Save. Through this, the device detects any unused ports and makes sure they aren’t draining any ounce of energy. Furthermore, Linksys has QoS that prioritizes video and audio. This means you will stream better and faster through the IEEE 802.1p.

The package comes with included hardware to help mount the device on a wall or set it aside on your tabletop. You will have to face no such configuration hassles when setting up the Linksys network system. Another upside to this efficient network system is a simple yet unique front design. This provides you with essential connection information, rather than shuffling through wires aimlessly.

However, there have been instances of the essential hardware being missing from the product packages that you need to be careful of.

Buy Here: Amazon

#4 D-Link Ethernet Switch, 8-Port Gigabit (DGS- 1008G)

This stunning black beauty does not only wow us in style, but it excels many others in performance and reliability as well. The D-Link comes with 8-Gigabit high-speed ports made from premium D link Green technology.

It also has bonus QoS Support that enables the users to have clear and cluster free VoIP calls and experience smooth and lag-free gaming. The exquisite D-Link Green technology manages to save quite an amount of energy. Therefore you don’t have to worry about any extra-increase in your electricity bills.

The construction of the unit is smooth and compact. It has a different style than the other ethernet systems. The top has a curved glass finish that makes it more than just a home network system. To favor from its many qualities, all you need to do is plug in and enjoy the hassle-free networking.  This machine is quite the masterpiece Gigabit Ethernet system when it comes to storage and enjoys endless hours of gaming.

Apart from its exceptional performance and functionality of being able to support Jumbo frames up to 9KB, we have one minor complaint. This system does not provide with as promising a lifespan as we have come to expect from D-link. There have also been some instances of ports failing to run at Gigabit speed when certain hardware is installed.

Buy Here: Amazon

#5 TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (TL- SG1016)

This one is a true shocker carrying 16 ports to withstand any ethernet system network pressures. The many ports can provide large file transfers in a single instant. That’s not all, the switching capacity of this metal hunk is 32 Gbps. So, if your someone who has an extensive business network to take care of, or a busy gaming session, this might just be the one for you.

It also comes packed with Non-Blocking Switching architecture that manages to forward and filter packets at full wire-speed for full-fledged throughput. The case also has green technology that aids the user ingreat amounts of energy. You can adjust the link status associated power to lessen the waste of energy.

There are also added Diagnostic LED indicators to monitor the workability of the network. To be able to use this 16-port beast, you don’t need to configure or install hardware. Just plug in and play, after placing the device in a suitable position.

However, the brand is met with unsatisfying customer support, which is quite essential when dealing with such ethernet systems. Moreover, you must be aware of when ordering this specific product. As the rack-mount hardware may not be included. So, if you wish to mount it on a wall nearby, you may have to shell out some extra bucks.

Buy Here: Amazon

Buyers Guide To Choose the Best Gigabit Switch for Home Network

It may just seem a metallic box with many ports from afar, but an ethernet Gigabit network system may make or break your workflow. To choose the right and trustworthy device, keep the following factors in mind.

Warranty Information

When purchasing a network system, make sure the supplier you are getting it from gives your warranty. So that you can get your hard-earned money back or even change the device in case of an inconvenience. A model ethernet system will have exceptional customer care support and a month specified warranty if not for a lifetime.

Do check if they provide you with the total hardware required to mount the network system. A promised warranty product will automatically have good build and quality, most of the time.

What will it be used for?

Before making your mind up, make sure you know your priorities. There are two vital aspects a user needs to investigate this section.

Firstly, the number of ports. More is undoubtedly merrier, as you never know how and when you may require one more device that needs to be added into the system. However, so many ports only either add to the price or increase hassle. The need to know your requirements comes into play when you miscalculate and end up with a smaller number of ports.

Hence, make sure you have an estimated number in your head before you move forward and seal in the decision.

Next comes setup. Be it for your home or the office, setting the ethernet network system in a strategic space is essential. Hence, check the mount ability and port division for reassurance. It also must provide easy and quick file transfers, along with lag-free video and audio streaming.

Brand and Built

You might be wondering, what’s the use to check for the built when you are just buying a box with ports. Well, sadly, there is. There are so many cheaper versions where ports come out to be faulty or lose credibility and connectivity over time. Cheaply made switches or unworthy or rocky cases are all that needs to be steered clear of.

Metal or Plastic?

By far, the gigabit network systems either come in metal casings or plastic. Metal is quite sturdy and durable as compared to plastic. It may not be so great when an unforeseen event takes place. Such as mistakenly putting it near humid areas.

But by far, there have been no issues regarding this matter. You obviously wouldn’t place such things near a water source. Whatever the material of choice may it be, it should be durable and not be made of cheaper quality materials.

Conclusion

Gigabit network systems are a great way to fight off Wi-fi signal cramming and transfer large amounts of files without having to deal with that annoying loading sign.  These are quick and organized and manage many devices together to create a harmonious system of the network. The above-mentioned best gigabit switches for the home networks are quite popular and have managed to woo not only us but many networking enthusiasts around the globe. And we’re sure they won’t disappoint you either. Happy networking!