Why you should consider investing in a managed network switch

Look at your router. Now back to me. Now back to your router. And back to me. Your router isn't me, but it could be improved with a managed network switch. This is a smart switch that can provide additional bandwidth through more RJ45 ports and controls for creating virtual LANs (VLANs), managing and monitoring traffic, and setting priorities and other rules. Even if you don't plan to build out a home lab with countless servers and network-attached storage (NAS) enclosures, a network switch is worth considering for your home.

6 Provide more network ports

Connect all your devices

The primary benefit of adding a network switch to your local area network (LAN) is opening additional network ports. Your internet service provider (ISP) router likely only has around four ports, which is great for most homes where most devices are connected wirelessly. However, wired connections are more secure, faster, and reliable than Wi-Fi and should be used whenever possible. It's not just desktop computers and printers that have Ethernet ports. Even small devices such as IoT hubs can connect to your network through cables.

Adding as many devices to your LAN using cabling is the best way to ensure you have maximum bandwidth for your home lab and general online activities. Wireless technologies continue to advance, and Wi-Fi 7 is incredibly fast for remote connections, but it's still prone to some of the shortcomings that wireless has always suffered from.

5 Enhanced network-wide security

Keep everyone safe from harm

Your router/firewall is usually the first line of defence on any LAN, but a network switch can provide additional backup with Port-Based Network Access Control (PNAC) and Access Control Lists (ACLs). Such features can be enabled and used torestrict network access to only authorized devices. Like wireless connectivity, a managed switch can allow or deny access to the network based on the physical port of the device attempting to connect. An ACL is precisely as it sounds. You can configure the switch to filter traffic through ports, VLANs, and more.

A combination of the two, with other advanced features enabled,

can create a secure network to keep all connected devices safe while online.

4 Monitor and troubleshoot

Figure out what's gone wrong

A cool feature of many network switches is the ability to monitor traffic. Depending on which branded network switch you opt for, you could have access to local or cloud-based monitoring. This will allow you to see what clients are connected to the switch, whether any PoE ports are active, and how much data is passing through. This can also prove useful in troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

3 Customize your network

Set speeds, priorities, and more

VLANs are a powerful tool to create separate networks using the same hardware. Think of it as creating multiple home networks without needing to buy two routers, two switches, and multiple cables. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is another great tool in the switch arsenal for providing power and data connections using just one Ethernet cable. This can provide enough juice for wireless access points, IP cameras, and general IoT devices, allowing you to conveniently position, install, and power such hardware around the home.

QoS/CoS and other advanced features found on most managed switches will allow for the creation of rules for various devices, based on port allocation and/or MAC addresses. Need to prioritize the connection of a single device? No problem! A VLAN can also prove handy for creating guest networks with a compatible router or access point. You can really improve overall security, depending on how you configure your network and what hardware is available.

2 Create redundancy

Alternate network paths

There's nothing worse than a network port failing. This can happen, which can result in your device losing connectivity with not only your LAN but also everything outside your home. That's where the power of link aggregation comes into play. While this can increase the bandwidth of a specific link — between your PC and NAS, for instance — it's actually better suited as a failsafe should the primary connection drop for whatever reason. With link aggregation in place with a few devices on the same switch, you'll have added peace of mind that your network will remain online even with a single link failure.

1 You'll learn something new

Get into network management

ISP routers are usually locked down as much that you can't really do anything on them, outside of checking a few settings and forwarding a few ports. Things have improved over the years, but a network switch can provide tighter controls on connections between endpoints. For instance, you may wish to prioritize traffic on a specific port, which could be your home server or desktop PC. Traffic rules can be enabled to ensure you're always enjoying a clear path to the outside world, which can be handy for online gaming.

VLANs are a whole different beast on their own, and running your own network switch can teach you far more about how your LAN operates and what all these advanced features do. Ready to step it up a notch further? Build your own firewall with OPNsense.

Your LAN doesn't have to be daunting

It may seem like a steep learning curve to start with, but you'll quickly see how easy it is to manage your LAN effectively without opening up vulnerabilities for all your connected hardware. Just remember that with a network switch, all you need to do is connect it to the router and a power outlet, and it's ready to go. It's only when you're ready to fine-tune the LAN and set up some advanced settings that you'll need to enter the local admin UI. Plug and play with the added benefit of some advanced feature support!