Any office with many devices should invest in the best network switches on the market. All of the PCs, printers, and networking equipment in the workplace may put a lot of strain on the network, so keeping a reliable and fast network switch is essential. You want to keep your business smooth and operational right?
For the most part, many network switches will meet your requirements regardless of your budget or network size. Trust me, there are cheap network switches that will get the job done, but when it comes to business, you do want something nice and of high-quality. There are modest alternatives for just a few network-connected devices and bigger versions with a high number of ports to handle a large number of network-connected devices.
We know that it can be an overwhelming decision to choose the best network switch for your small business, so we have prepared a list where you can easily select the type of switch which best fits your small business needs. Let’s cover some basics first…
What Is A Network Switch?
Today, networks are critical for supporting companies and facilitating connections across the company. A network switch, which connects multiple devices to convey resources, is essential for all networks whether business or home.
A network switch joins devices on a network (commonly known as a LAN) and sends datagrams to and from them. A switch, unlike a modem, only distributes data to the one object for which it was designed (which might be another swap, a modem, or a person’s laptop), not to systems of numerous devices.
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A managed switch performs the same purpose for considerably bigger networks and gives network managers even greater control over traffic prioritization. They also allow developers to design Virtual LANs (VLANs) to partition a regional system into smaller sections.
How Does The Network Switch Work?
I’ll try and keep this as simple as possible. When a device is attached to a switch, it records its Media Access Control (MAC) address, a code included in the device’s Network Interface Card (NIC) that connects to the switch through an ethernet wire. The switch uses the MAC address to determine which associated device is sending outbound connections and where inbound data frames should be delivered. In contrast to the protocol stack (Layer 3) Internet address, which can be issued periodically to a computer and varies considerably, the MAC address specifies the hardware device.
Whenever a device transmits a signal to some other unit, the switch examines the packet’s payload to identify what to do next. It validates the location or ranges and sends the packet to the target machines through the proper ports. While switches function at Layer 2, they may also function at Layer 3, which is required to enable virtual LANs (VLANs), which are network component segments that cross subnets. Traffic must flow across switches to move from one domain to another, which is helped by routing systems installed into the switches.
Top 5 Network Switches For Small Business
When it comes to choosing the best network switch for your small business consider first the number of devices that will be connected to the switch. You’ll need a switch with enough ports to accommodate all of your devices. Secondly, think about the speed of your network. If you have a lot of devices or large files being transferred, you’ll need a fast switch. Next, consider the features your business needs. Some switches come with features like Power over Ethernet or VLAN support. And finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost. You have to think about cost in the vacuum of “value” as well. Small business network switches can range in price from around $100 to $1000, so you’ll want to make sure you choose one that fits your budget BUT still checks the boxes of what you need for your small business. There’s nothing worse than spending a little under your budget for a small business device that just doesn’t cut it.
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By keeping these things in mind, you can narrow down your choices and find the best network switch for your small business. The following switches below are considered to be some of the best network switches for small businesses in the world.
1. Netgear GS105NA Prosafe 5
The Netgear GS105 is an uncontrolled 5 port Gigabit Ethernet switch that definitely will help you in connecting devices for your smaller businesses without any hassles. This product comes with a lifespan warranty coverage and a repair within one business day, so you won’t have to fear using a malfunctioning item.
- Installation is simple and requires no settings.
- Fanless design means no extra noise.
- Low Electricity Consumption + Energy Efficient Design Compliant
2. Netgear GS108
The Netgear GS108 is a phenomenal network switch with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports that don’t require any configuration. It provides excellent internet connections without making a sound because it is constructed without fans.
- Any small firm needs a good variety of Ethernet adapters.
- The design is simple and does not draw notice
- Simple plug and play setup with no software install or configurations
- 1G, Mega, and 10G speeds are available
- Supports Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6
- Layer 2 supervision
- Energy Efficient Design Compliant
3. Linksys Business LGS108P
This small business network switch offers eight Gigabit Ethernet connections to provide your small company with the speed it needs to run smoothly. Furthermore, you can hit up to 10 Gbps, considerably improving your capacity to broadcast elevated files to linked devices without latency or interruption. This is one of those devices where employees won’t be able to periodically blame technology for not being able to get things done.
- It also comes with no fans to keep the noise minimum
- Up to 24 Gigabit Ethernet auto-sensing ports
- High internet speed up to 1000 Mbps
- High-quality services in the form of QoS for intelligent prioritization of traffic
- Easy plug and play connection
- Power over Ethernet (PoE+) support
- Connectable to multiple ports
- Meets EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet) standards
4. TP-Link 24 Port Gigabit
If you have a residence or private office and prefer the security of a cable network, you understand the necessity for a switch port with a large number of ports. The TP-Link contains 24 of them and they will all work at full speed even when they are all connected. This is one of my favorite network switches for small businesses. Some of the incredible features include:
- Less Power Consumption + Super Quiet
- Enhance Network Connectivity
- Plug and Play with no software installation and no confusing configurations to setup.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty + Free 24/7 Technical Support
- No Hardware Licensing
- Full Remote Management
- Energy-Efficient Technology
- Multiple Power Ports
- Increased Reliability WITH Reliable Speeds
- 24x Non-Blocking Gigabit Ports
- QoS For Traffic Prioritization
5. Cisco Systems 24-Port Gigabit Switch
The Cisco Systems 24-Port Gigabit Switch is an unregulated switch great for small office settings. It does not need installation, comes in a small portable, and is easy to manage configurations. There are some small business-related features that I just love about this network switch:
- It comes ready to roll right out of the box
- No software to install + no configurations
- Energy-efficient design that doesn’t impact performance
Do I Really Need A Network Switch For My Small Business?
To reiterate, a network switch is a crucial tool that helps in connecting multiple devices to your computer network. It works by receiving data packets from the sender devices through its physical ports. Let’s remember: the main purpose of using a network switch is to develop a connection for sharing resources.
If you’re running a small business, you might be wondering if you need a network switch. The answer to that depends on your specific needs. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected to the internet or if you need to connect multiple devices to a single network, then a network switch can be an incredibly helpful addition. In my opinion, I think a network switch is a good idea for most home networks where someone is using their home as an office for remote work. However, if you only have a few devices that need to be connected, or let’s say you’re only using one network…then you probably don’t need a network switch. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not a network switch is right for your small business.
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We get it…as a small business owner, you know every penny counts. You need to be careful about how you spend your money and you need to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck when you do decide to invest in technology. When it comes to network switches for a small business, it’s important to invest in quality (we’ve provided some solid examples in our reviews previously mentioned). Network switches are great small business additions because it helps to connect all of the devices on your network PLUS it provides a central point for managing traffic. From my perspective and as a business owner, I believe it’s an essential piece of equipment for any small business. A network switch is a worthwhile investment for any small business owner who wants to keep their operation running smoothly.
