How to Choose a Network Switch: A UK Buyer's Guide

To choose a network switch, consider the number of Ethernet ports you need, supported connection speeds, management features and Power over Ethernet (PoE) requirements. An unmanaged switch is usually sufficient for simple wired networks, while a managed switch provides greater control over network traffic and connected devices.

You should also check cable compatibility, uplink speeds and future expansion needs. This guide explains these factors to help you identify the right network switch specifications for your setup.

1. Understand Whether You Need a Network Switch

Before comparing specifications, determine whether a switch is necessary for your network.

A network switch connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN), allowing them to communicate through Ethernet connections. It is particularly useful when your existing router has fewer LAN ports than the number of wired devices you need to connect.

However, a switch and a router perform different functions.

• Router: Connects your local network to the internet and typically manages IP address allocation.
• Network switch: Connects devices within the same LAN and forwards data between them.

For example, if your router has four Ethernet ports but you need connections for six devices, a switch can provide the additional connections.

Importantly, adding a switch does not automatically increase your broadband speed or extend Wi-Fi coverage.

2. Calculate How Many Ethernet Ports You Need

The next step is to count the devices that require wired connections.

These might include desktop computers, printers, games consoles, smart TVs, network-attached storage (NAS), security cameras and wireless access points.

Remember to include the connection between the router and switch. On a typical switch without a separate dedicated uplink, this connection occupies one Ethernet port.

For example:

• Three desktop computers
• One network printer
• One NAS device
• One connection to the router

This configuration requires six ports. An eight-port switch would accommodate these connections and leave two available.

Common configurations include 5, 8, 16, 24 and 48 ports.

Consider how your network might change over time. Additional workstations, cameras or other connected equipment will require further connections.

3. Check the Ethernet Speeds Your Network Supports

Ethernet port speed determines how quickly data can travel between connected devices.

However, the actual connection speed depends on the capabilities of the switch, cables, network adapters and other equipment along the communication path.

Understanding Common Ethernet Speeds

Ethernet speed	Typical application
100Mbps (Fast Ethernet)	Older equipment and basic network connections
1Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet)	Everyday wired networking, office applications and media streaming
2.5Gbps (2.5GbE)	Faster local file transfers and compatible multi-gigabit connections
10Gbps (10GbE)	High-bandwidth workflows, servers and demanding NAS connections

When Is Faster Ethernet Actually Necessary?

For everyday internet browsing, video meetings, streaming and routine office tasks, 1Gbps Ethernet is generally sufficient.

Higher speeds become more relevant when transferring large files between computers, accessing shared storage or using broadband connections exceeding 1Gbps.

For instance, two devices with 2.5GbE connections can communicate faster over a compatible switch than over a 1Gbps connection.

However, if the connection from the switch to the router is limited to 1Gbps, traffic passing through that connection cannot exceed its capacity.

Therefore, check both the individual port speeds and uplink speed, rather than focusing exclusively on the switch's maximum specification.

4. Decide Between Unmanaged, Smart and Managed Switches

Network switches offer different levels of configuration and control.

Understanding these differences helps you avoid unnecessary complexity.

Unmanaged Switches

An unmanaged switch operates automatically without requiring configuration.

Once the Ethernet connections and power are connected, it generally begins forwarding traffic between devices.

This approach suits networks where devices simply need to communicate without additional traffic controls.

Smart Switches

Smart switches provide selected management features, often through a web-based interface.

Depending on the device, these may include:

• Virtual LANs (VLANs) for separating network traffic
• Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritisation
• Basic traffic monitoring
• Link aggregation for combining compatible connections

They are useful when some network configuration is necessary without extensive administration.

Managed Switches

Managed switches provide more extensive configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.

Depending on the model, they can support advanced VLAN configuration, access controls, traffic analysis and network management protocols.

They are primarily relevant where administrators need greater control over connected devices and network behaviour.

Important: Features such as VLANs may also require compatible configuration on the router and other network equipment.

5. Determine Whether You Need Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet allows compatible devices to receive electrical power and network data through the same Ethernet cable.

This can simplify installations where separate electrical sockets are inconvenient.

PoE is commonly used with:

• IP security cameras
• VoIP telephones
• Wireless access points
• Compatible network sensors

Understand PoE Standards

Different PoE standards support different maximum power levels.

Standard	Maximum power supplied per port
IEEE 802.3af (PoE)	15.4W
IEEE 802.3at (PoE+)	30W
IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++)	60W or 90W, depending on type

These figures represent power supplied by the source. The amount available at the connected device is lower because of cable losses.

Calculate the Total PoE Power Budget

A switch's total PoE power budget is different from its maximum per-port power rating.

For example, suppose your network includes:

• Two access points requiring 18W each
• Two cameras requiring 8W each

The combined requirement is 52W.

The switch must support the individual devices' power requirements and have enough total capacity to operate them simultaneously.

Allowing additional capacity helps accommodate changes in connected equipment.

If none of your devices requires power through Ethernet, PoE is unnecessary.

6. Check Ethernet Cable and Network Adapter Compatibility

Even when a switch supports faster connections, the surrounding network equipment can limit performance.

Different Ethernet cable categories support different transmission speeds and distances.

• Cat5e: Supports 1Gbps over standard Ethernet channel lengths of up to 100 metres.
• Cat6: Supports 1Gbps over 100 metres and 10Gbps over shorter distances, subject to installation conditions.
• Cat6a: Supports 10Gbps over standard channel lengths of up to 100 metres.

When assessing existing network cables , check their category, condition, length and suitability for the intended connection speed.

For PoE installations, cable conductor material and quality also matter, particularly when carrying higher electrical loads.

Check Device Network Interfaces

A computer's network interface controller (NIC) determines its supported Ethernet speeds.

For example, a computer limited to 100Mbps cannot communicate at 1Gbps simply because it is connected to a faster switch.

Check the specifications of existing Ethernet ports or network cards when planning higher-speed connections.

7. Consider Installation Space, Noise and Power Consumption

The physical environment also influences which switch specifications are appropriate.

Fanless or Fan-Cooled Design

Fanless switches operate without cooling-fan noise, making them suitable for bedrooms, living rooms and quiet working environments.

Larger switches and those with higher PoE power requirements may use active cooling.

Check the cooling arrangement when equipment will operate near people.

Desktop, Wall-Mounted or Rack-Mounted Installation

Compact switches may sit on a desk or shelf, while others support wall mounting.

Larger network installations often use rack-mounted equipment to organise cables and connected devices.

Ensure adequate ventilation and access to the Ethernet ports.

Electrical Power and Continuous Operation

Network switches often remain powered on throughout the day.

Review their stated energy consumption, power supply requirements and ventilation guidance.

For UK installations, check that the equipment uses a suitable UK mains connection or an appropriately rated power supply.

8. Review Your Network Layout Before Making a Decision

A final check of your network layout can reveal issues that individual specifications might not show.

Consider the following:

• Port availability: Are there enough connections for current devices and additional equipment?
• Connection speed: Do the switch, router and connected devices support the intended Ethernet speed?
• Management: Is automatic operation sufficient, or do you need VLANs, QoS or monitoring?
• PoE: Do any devices require Ethernet-delivered power, and is the total power budget sufficient?
• Uplink capacity: Could multiple devices sharing the router connection create a bottleneck?
• Physical installation: Is there enough space, ventilation and access for cabling?

Also, avoid creating accidental network loops by connecting switches through multiple paths without appropriate loop-prevention mechanisms.

A straightforward network layout with clearly identified connections is generally easier to maintain and troubleshoot.

Choosing a Network Switch That Fits Your Network

Understanding how to choose a network switch involves more than checking its Ethernet port count.

Start by identifying your connected devices, calculating the required connections and verifying their supported speeds. Then determine whether management features, PoE capability or a particular installation format are necessary.

The most suitable configuration is one that meets your network's actual requirements without adding unnecessary complexity.

A Few More Things to Know...

Does a network switch make your internet faster?

Not directly. A switch increases the number of wired connections but cannot exceed your broadband connection's speed. It may help avoid an existing local network bottleneck when correctly configured.

How many ports should a network switch have?

Count every wired device, include the connection to your router, and allow spare ports for future equipment. Common configurations include 5, 8, 16 and 24 ports.

Do I need a managed or unmanaged network switch?

An unmanaged switch is generally sufficient for straightforward wired connections. Consider managed functionality when you need VLANs, detailed traffic monitoring, network access controls or more advanced configuration.

Can I connect two network switches together?

Yes. Switches can be linked using Ethernet connections to extend a LAN. However, avoid accidental loops and ensure the connection between switches has adequate bandwidth for the traffic passing through it.

Can I connect a network switch directly to my broadband connection?

A conventional switch generally connects to a router's LAN port, not directly to the broadband connection. The router provides essential functions such as routing, firewall protection and usually DHCP.

Can a PoE switch connect to devices that do not support PoE?

Yes. Standards-compliant active PoE switches detect compatible powered devices before supplying power. However, some non-standard passive PoE equipment behaves differently, so checking compatibility remains important.

 

Read More:

Best Ubiquiti PoE Switches for Home & Office in 2026

How to Configure VLANs on UniFi Switches for Secure Segmentation

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