ZyXel

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 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.

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 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 combine a power source and data through the Ethernet cable, removing the need for a separate power source for the network device. These PoE switches are suitable for wireless access points, cameras, intercom systems and VoIP devices.

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.