Draytek

A network switch is device that connects multiple computers or smart home accessories such as lights, heating, cameras or storage in the home; or for connecting PCs, workstations, servers, storage and IP-enabled security or surveillance devices within a business environment. Each scenario allows communication within the home or organisation and shares and access the Internet connection to the wider world.

These switches are ideal for businesses, where faster network speeds and comprehensive traffic management is required, with some offering Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support to ease device placement and reduce cabling.

A network switch is device that connects multiple computers or smart home accessories such as lights, heating, cameras or storage in the home; or for connecting PCs, workstations, servers, storage and IP-enabled security or surveillance devices within a business environment. Each scenario allows communication within the home or organisation and shares and access the Internet connection to the wider world.

These switches are ideal for the small business, where faster network speeds and some degree of traffic management is required, with some offering Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support to ease device placement and reduce cabling.

A network switch is device that connects multiple computers or smart home accessories such as lights, heating, cameras or storage in the home; or for connecting PCs, workstations, servers, storage and IP-enabled security or surveillance devices within a business environment. Each scenario allows communication within the home or organisation and shares and access the Internet connection to the wider world.

These switches are ideal for the home or small business, where some degree of traffic management is required, with some offering Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support to ease device placement and reduce cabling.

Wireless access points (WAPs) are standalone devices designed to be connected to a wired router or plug socket in the case of HomePlug WAPs, to provide wireless access for portable devices such as laptops and smart phones. In the home access points are usually built in a broadband router, however in business separate access points are common as they offer flexibility of placement (often featuring PoE technology) and better coverage when multiple units are deployed.

These access points’ range and speeds will vary depending on the wireless standard they are based on - either 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E), 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4).

A broadband connection into the home is now almost a given’s more devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, smart TVs, heating, lighting and security devices are increasingly able to take advantage of an Internet connection for online gaming, remote operation or monitoring. A broadband router with increasingly powerful wireless capabilities is key to home and smart home connectivity.

These routers are designed for homes using an ADSL connection (RJ12) rather than the more common RJ45 type connection. Any wireless performance will be governed by the wireless standard the router is based on - either 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E), 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4).

A broadband connection into the home is now almost a given’s more devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, smart TVs, heating, lighting and security devices are increasingly able to take advantage of an Internet connection for online gaming, remote operation or monitoring.

These routers are designed for the more serious home user or small business where wired connectivity for non-portable devices is favoured over all devices taking up wireless bandwidth. For wireless devices a separate stand lone access point would be connected to the wired router.

A broadband connection into the home is now almost a given’s more devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, smart TVs, heating, lighting and security devices are increasingly able to take advantage of an Internet connection for online gaming, remote operation or monitoring. A broadband router with increasingly powerful wireless capabilities is key to home and smart home connectivity.

These routers are based on the 802.11ac wireless standard (Wi-Fi 5) and offer greater speed and range than previous 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) routers. They feature dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) capability for segregating device connections for better performance, although it is important to remember that quoted Mbps speeds per bandwidth cannot be combined.

Cellular connectivity over the mobile phone network offers an alternative to a WiFi connection, when a fixed line is unavailable. These routers contain a SIM card slot, similar to a smart phone and provide coverage and speeds consistent with the SIM card installed - with 3G, 4G or 5G.

Some are portable devices whilst others are standard household WiFi routers with the additional cellular connectivity. Please note any SIM card used will be subject to a standard contract from your provider. Updated

A broadband connection into the home is now almost a given’s more devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, smart TVs, heating, lighting and security devices are increasingly able to take advantage of an Internet connection for online gaming, remote operation or monitoring. A broadband router with increasingly powerful wireless capabilities is key to home and smart home connectivity.

These routers are based on the 802.11ax wireless standard (Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 6) and offer greater speed and range than previous 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) routers. They feature either dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) or tri-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz) capability for segregating device connections for better performance, although it is important to remember that quoted Mbps speeds per bandwidth cannot be combined.