What Is a Network Switch? I Spoke With a Netgear Expert to Find Out

CNET

2 days ago

If you're serious about optimizing your internet connection, then using a network switch could take it to the next level. You might be wondering: "If my home internet works fine without a network switch, do I really need one?' I spoke with an expert from Netgear to discover the benefits of using one. Spoiler: It can improve your connection.
A network switch is a device you connect to your router. It opens up more Ethernet ports, allowing your router to connect to multiple devices. If your household frequently relies on your home broadband connection to stream or game, these activities can hog a lot of bandwidth. It helps to have a network switch to speed up your connection. Sometimes, an advanced network switch can also prioritize your traffic for specific devices, such as Smart TVs or gaming consoles and reduce network congestion. Why does this matter? Well, if your network suffers from a lot of congestion, you'll likely see slower and inconsistent speeds. This can really put a damper on you're gaming or streaming your favorite show.
There is more than one type of network switch, which we'll cover in a bit. Each serves its own purpose. However, choosing the best type of network switch for your needs will depend on a few things.
John Henkel, Netgear's director of SMB Product Marketing, tells CNET that 'a user should consider their own level of tech savviness, their appetite for customization and control, and what the network needs are,' before considering investing in a network switch.
How does a network switch anyway?
Akamai/Screenshot by CNET
It can be easy to confuse a router and a network switch, as they offer similar features but have different purposes. According to Spiceworks, a router transfers information through data packets from one computer network to another. It can also direct traffic between these computer networks and route it to their final destination, a specified Internet Protocol address. aka an IP address. On the other hand, a network switch is a device that connects your router to multiple devices. It operates at layer 2 of the Open Systems Interconnection model. A network switch sends data through packets using the appropriate Ethernet ports that lead to the intended device. One of the main advantages of using a network switch is that it allows you to connect your router to multiple devices such as computers, wireless access points, printers and other servers.
Locating local internet providers
Knowing the different types of switches available can help you better understand how network switches work. The names of these switches can differ based on the industry, but overall, switches fall into the categories of unmanaged to fully managed.
The types of network switches and their prices
Netgear categorizes switches into the following buckets:
Unmanaged switches are the simplest type, involving a plug-and-play device that requires very little setup or configuration. These can be most useful for basic switching and connectivity for the average household. Most unmanaged switches are the cheaper option, with some priced below $100.
are the simplest type, involving a plug-and-play device that requires very little setup or configuration. These can be most useful for basic switching and connectivity for the average household. Most unmanaged switches are the cheaper option, with some priced below $100. Smart managed switches offer more complex features and advanced controls . They provide customized controls to prioritize certain kinds of traffic, like video calls or streaming. Similar to fully managed switches, smart-managed devices can range anywhere from $100 up to $2,000 or more.
offer more complex features and advanced controls They provide customized controls to prioritize certain kinds of traffic, like video calls or streaming. Similar to fully managed switches, smart-managed devices can range anywhere from $100 up to $2,000 or more. Fully managed switches are considered top-notch, enterprise-grade devices. They usually have professional audio, video and other complicated networking functions. In addition, they offer the most security and precise network controls and management. These switches would benefit businesses that require connectivity for a larger network. The only downside is that they will likely be the most expensive option. Most fully managed switches can range anywhere from $120 to $7,000 and up.
So, which is the best type of network switch?
For the average household, you'll likely only use an unmanaged or a smart managed switch. 'Most households will benefit the most from a simple, inexpensive, unmanaged switch,' Henkel said.
'They won't need the customization and management options that come with an enterprise-grade managed switch.'
Faster speeds, increased security and better controls
Now that we've covered the different types of switches available, how can a network switch actually help your home internet connection? A network switch can be ideal because it helps speed up your home internet connection. Most households use devices such as TVs, printers, computers and more, which consume a lot of bandwidth. According to OpenVault's latest report, in the first quarter of 2025, downstream usage increased by 12.1% compared to last year, whereas upstream was up by 13.7%. Different online activities rely on both your downstream (download) usage and upstream (upload) usage.
That same report also highlighted that over 115 million US households owned a smart TV in 2024 and spent an average of 21-plus hours per week streaming. Needless to say, more and more households are consuming plenty of bandwidth, which makes investing in a network switch valuable.
According to Akamai, here are some of the common benefits of using a network switch:
Increased bandwidth
A network switch can help produce faster speeds for the connected devices. If you notice that your actual speeds differ from what your internet service provider advertises, this can be from any of a number of factors, such as router placement, the layout of your home, large walls and obstructions interfering with your Wi-Fi signal or even throttled speeds from your ISP. However, if you've tried different ways to optimize your connection at home and are still running into internet trouble, then it might be time to invest in a network switch.
Increased security
Switches can create virtual LANs or VLANs, which isolate network traffic and separate sensitive data, restricting access to approved devices only. This can be especially helpful in securing your network from unauthorized devices and/or hackers.
Increased network controls
You control and manage your network. Adding a network switch can increase the number of devices connected to it.
Ethernet power over Wi-Fi
Many network switches typically use Ethernet technology to connect to other devices. An Ethernet cable may be more energy efficient since these devices won't need a separate power supply. In addition, an Ethernet connection may offer faster speeds than Wi-Fi.
Network switches are great, if you can get past the steep price tag
There are many advantages to having a network switch, as we've covered. However, the biggest downside is that switches typically have a steep price tag. Overall, the price will depend on the brand and type of network switch you purchase. For the most part, the average network switch can range anywhere from $120 to as high as $30,000. Keep in mind that fully managed switches will likely fall on the pricier end of that range. But there are a few unmanaged switches online with more basic features that are priced below $100.
So, are network switches worth it?
'While you won't need a top-of-the-line switch, I still recommend researching and investing in a quality product,' Henkel said.
He also recommended that a higher quality network switch likely requires a greater up-front investment, though this just means you'll get better results for your money, since it will be more durable for years to come.
A network switch can be a game-changer for optimizing your home internet connection. It offers plenty of benefits ideal for the average household, such as increased speeds, security and network control. An unmanaged network switch with basic controls will likely be sufficient for the average household. Though if you want more personalized controls, which involve prioritizing traffic for specific devices, you can expect to pay more up-front.
Network switch FAQs
What is a network switch?
A network switch is a device that you connect to your router. It opens up more Ethernet ports, allowing your router to connect to multiple devices in your home. There are different types of network switches and their names can differ based on industry, but they usually fall under the category of unmanaged to fully managed switches. Unmanaged switches offer the most basic features, whereas smart managed and fully managed switches offer more complex and personalized controls.
What are the benefits of using a network switch?
One of the main advantages of using a network switch is that it helps optimize your network by increasing bandwidth and reducing network congestion, providing better security and controls over your network and the benefits of Ethernet technology.