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Connect an Ethernet switch to a LAN port on your router, then plug your wired devices into the switch. For a basic home network, an unmanaged switch is usually the simplest choice: it generally works without configuration.
What you need
- An Ethernet switch with enough ports for your wired devices plus one port for the connection to the router.
- One Ethernet cable to connect the router and switch, plus a cable for each device you want to wire.
- A nearby power outlet if the switch requires an external power adapter.
Check that the switch, router, and connected devices support the link speeds you need. For example, Linksys describes its cited unmanaged switch as full-duplex 10/100/1000; that is a specification for that product, not a guarantee about every switch, router, or internet plan. See Linksys switch setup guidance.
How to connect the switch
- Choose a location. Put the switch near the router and the devices you plan to connect, with access to power if needed.
- Power the switch. Connect its power adapter if the model requires one. Linksys’s setup instructions begin by connecting the adapter to a working power source.
- Connect the router to the switch. Run an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on the router to a port on the switch. D-Link likewise describes connecting the switch to a router LAN port to expand the network: D-Link instructions.
- Connect your devices. Use Ethernet cables to connect computers, TVs, game consoles, printers, or other wired devices to the switch’s remaining ports. TP-Link describes connecting client devices to the other ports: TP-Link switch guidance.
- Check the connection. Look for link lights on the switch or check the device’s network status. If a device does not connect, confirm both cable ends are firmly seated and consult the switch manual for port-specific instructions.
On a typical unmanaged switch, the router can connect to any port and the other ports serve client devices; it is generally plug-and-play. Some models label a special WAN, uplink, or priority port, so follow that model’s manual if applicable. Linksys describes auto-sensing ports that adjust to connected-device speeds, but features vary by product.
Choosing a switch and cables
Count the devices you expect to connect and include one additional port for the router link. Choose a port count that fits your current needs and leaves room for likely additions. Select a speed supported by the router and wired devices; the speed of a connection is limited by the capabilities of the links in its path.
#1 Best Overall
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 5 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
An unmanaged switch is appropriate for straightforward expansion when you do not need to configure network features. A managed switch offers configuration options, but those settings can affect how a network operates. Consider the switch’s physical size, power requirements, and where its ports will be accessible when selecting a model.
You need cables for both the router-to-switch connection and each device. The right cable category and length depend on the equipment and installation; the setup guidance does not establish one category or length as suitable for every home.
Rank #2
- 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: 5× 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX.
- 𝗚𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆: Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁: IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation.
- 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed.
- 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping.
Special considerations for mesh systems and managed switches
Network topology requirements can differ by router or mesh system. Google specifically recommends an unmanaged switch for Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Wifi, and Google Wifi. For a managed switch with those products, Google advises disabling Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and forwarding Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) when STP is disabled to avoid issues involving routing and network loops. These directions are specific to Google’s named products; do not apply them automatically to other systems. Consult the manufacturer’s guidance for your equipment: Google Nest Wifi switch guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What adding a switch changes—and what it does not
A switch gives you more local wired connections through the router. It does not increase the speed of your internet plan or raise the capability of the router-to-switch link. Actual connection speed depends on the links and devices involved; adding a switch alone is not a reason to expect a faster internet connection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One Switch Made to Expand Network-16× 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX
- Gigabit that Saves Energy-Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money
- Reliable and Quiet-IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation
- Plug and Play-Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed
- Advanced Software Features-Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping
Rank #4
- 8 GIGABIT PORTS: Features 8 RJ45 ports supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds, providing high-speed wired network connectivity for computers, printers, gaming consoles, and other Ethernet-enabled devices
- PLUG AND PLAY SETUP: No configuration required; simply connect the switch to your network devices and it is ready to use immediately, making network expansion quick and hassle-free
- FANLESS QUIET DESIGN: The fanless design ensures silent operation, making this switch suitable for noise-sensitive environments such as home offices, bedrooms, or conference rooms
- STURDY METAL CONSTRUCTION: Built with a durable metal housing and shielded ports that provide reliable performance, better heat dissipation, and protection against electromagnetic interference
- TRAFFIC OPTIMIZATION: Supports IEEE 802.3x flow control and advanced traffic optimization technology to reduce data bottlenecks and ensure smooth, efficient data transfer across your network
Rank #3
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 8 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
