Why Do I Need a Switch?

As smart home technology increases in prevalence adding convenience and control to our lives, it also requires connectivity back to the home router. Whilst some devices are wireless such as speakers and smart assistants, others devices such as light controllers, heating controllers and alarms will require a central wired connection into the network to function. Others still such as games consoles, smart TVs and TV recorders may have wireless capability but 4K streaming and gaming will always benefit from a wired connection. The more devices you have, the more network switch ports you’ll need.

Why Do I Need a Switch?

Wired connections not only make for interference free communication, but they also reduce congestion in wireless bandwidths where smart phones, laptops, tablets and other devices must operate. Having a hard-wired connection to the router also allows for remote control of devices such as lighting and heating systems when you are away from the home.

Power over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet (PoE) provides power as well as data through an Ethernet cable connection. This is very useful for devices such as security cameras which would be difficult to power otherwise. There are several types of PoE technology, each capable delivering increasing amounts of power to a connected device, as summarized in the table below.

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
NAME PoE PoE+ PoE++ High Power PoE
IEEE STANDARD 802.3af 802.3at 802.3bt 802.3bt
MAXIMUM POWER PER PORT 15.4W 30W 60W 100W
Maximum Power to Device 12.95W 25.5W 51W 71W
Typical Devices Static cameras / IP Phones / Wireless AccessPoints PTZ Cameras / Video IP Phones / Alarm Systems Heated Cameras / Laptops / Info Kiosks TVs / High Power Wireless AccessPoints

A typical PoE switch for home use will have some ports enabled for PoE and others without it - four out of eight or eight out of sixteen - this gives flexibility in what you connect to which port, but keeps the cost of the switch down. Usually PoE switches for the home are designed to deliver only Type 1 or 2 levels of power, so if you do have higher power devices you may need to consider a business-grade switch. You can learn more about these in our BUSINESS SWITCH BUYERS GUIDE.

How Many Ports

It sounds obvious to say that you’ll need a network port to connect every device you want on the network and whilst this is true, allowing some expansion room isn’t a bad idea - let’s face it, connected devices for the home are on the increase and adopting them is simpler when you know you have spare network capacity. It is worth mentioning that you can easily daisy chain another switch from your first one if you need more ports, but you’ll need another plug for that switch and cabling can start to get messy.

The below table offers some likely scenarios in the home with some detail as to the best approach to address them and the recommended type of switch to choose.

Scenario PoE Management Recommended Switch

Addition of Smart Home technologies

Most heating, lighting and alarm systems will be 100Mbps based

 ✖ ✖ 5- or 8-port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

Addition of NAS

Network attached storage offers sharing of files but relies on good throughput - most NAS devices are Gigabit equipped

 ✖ ✖ 5- or 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

Addition of security technologies

Cameras benefit from optimal placing so PoE is recommended. Gigabit will support better video resolution.

 ✔ ✔ 8- or 16-port Gigabit Ethernet Smart PoE Switch

Extending wireless reach

Adding access points is the best way to extend wireless coverage - PoE will help flexibility in their placement

 ✔ ✖ 5- or 8-port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged PoE Switch

Setting up home office

Features such as PoE will support a desk phone and voice / video traffic prioritisation will offer better call and online meeting experiences

 ✔ ✔ 5- or 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Smart PoE Switch
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Browse our range of switches:

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Alternatively, if you have any further questions you’d like answering about network switches, don’t hesitate to call one of our friendly advisors on 01204 474747.