Expanding your home or small office network doesn’t require breaking the bank. Finding a reliable network switch for under $100 is absolutely achievable, offering the extra Ethernet ports you need to connect computers, printers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more directly to your network for stable, faster connections than Wi-Fi can always provide. When you’re looking for a budget-friendly switch, several key factors come into play to ensure you get the best value and performance for your needs.
The most common type of switch you’ll find in this price range is the unmanaged switch. These are plug-and-play devices that work right out of the box with minimal setup, making them ideal for home users or simple office expansions. While they lack advanced configuration options like VLANs or QoS found in managed switches, unmanaged models are perfect for simply adding more physical connections.
Speed is crucial. For modern networking, you’ll want a switch with Gigabit Ethernet ports. This means each port can theoretically handle speeds up to 1000 Mbps, significantly faster than older 10/100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) ports. Most devices today support Gigabit speeds, so opting for a Gigabit switch ensures your wired connections are as fast as your network allows. Even on a budget, Gigabit switches are readily available.
Port count is another primary consideration. Budget switches typically come with 5, 8, or sometimes 16 ports. Choose a switch with slightly more ports than you currently need to allow for future expansion. A popular choice for many homes is an 8-port Gigabit switch, offering ample connectivity without being overly expensive.
Some budget switches may offer limited Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. PoE allows certain devices, like IP cameras or wireless access points, to receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable. While full-featured, high-power PoE switches are typically more expensive, you might find budget switches offering a few PoE ports suitable for powering one or two low-power devices. Always check the total PoE power budget of the switch if this feature is important to you.
Reliability and energy efficiency are also important factors. Look for switches from reputable brands known for producing durable networking gear. Many modern switches are also designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power, especially when ports are idle. Features like fanless designs are common in budget switches, ensuring silent operation, perfect for home use where noise can be a concern.
In summary, finding a great budget network switch under $100 means prioritizing Gigabit speeds, selecting the right port count, considering if limited PoE is a bonus, and choosing a reliable, unmanaged model from a trusted brand. These affordable switches provide the necessary expansion for your wired network, delivering stable and fast connections where you need them most.
Source: https://linuxblog.io/best-network-switches-under-100/
