Modern routers and mesh systems offer strong wireless performance, but they frequently come with a limited number of Ethernet ports. For enterprise networking teams or supply chain technology managers who need to wire up critical connections — such as PoE security cameras, NAS devices, or wired backhauls for better Wi-Fi — an Ethernet switch is a simple, cost-effective solution. According to WIRED, the best switches let you add several ports for maximum speed, efficiency, and security, and the author tested several brands, recommending Netgear and TP-Link as top choices.
Netgear Switches: Reliable and Manageable
Netgear switches have proven reliable and well made over years of use, reported Simon Hill in WIRED. For basic port expansion, the Netgear 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch offers five Gigabit ports in a compact metal case. It is plug-and-play, fanless for silent operation, and includes a power adapter with green LEDs per port to indicate activity. It can be wall-mounted or tucked away — the author mentions theirs has been hiding in a cable tidy box.
For more advanced needs, the Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch provides eight auto-sensing ports, each supporting up to 1,000 Mbps. It also features a silent, fanless design and a web-based interface for configuring VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization, and port mirroring. This makes it suitable for environments where network segmentation or traffic management is necessary.
TP-Link Switches: Budget-Friendly and Sturdy
TP-Link switches are a budget-conscious alternative. According to WIRED, the TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (model not specified, but similar to TL-SG1008D at $25) has a sturdy metal case, silent fanless design, and eight Gigabit ports. The author used it for months to connect security camera hubs, NAS devices, and a Sonos speaker — all without issues. A colleague reported years of reliable use with the same model.
For Power over Ethernet, the TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch (with four PoE ports) can supply up to 30 watts per PoE port (64 watts total) while carrying data. It is sturdy and silent, with LEDs on the front and ports on the back for easier cable management. The author noted it can get warm due to being fanless. This model is ideal for powering devices like cameras without separate power cables.
Ports, Speed, and Backplane Considerations
Ethernet switches come in sizes from four to 24 or more ports. Hill advises getting a switch with at least a couple of spare ports for future expansion, remembering that one port connects to the router for incoming internet. Most switches for typical use are Gigabit-rated, meaning each port caps at 1 Gbps. However, the switch also has a backplane limit. For example, an 8-port Gigabit switch with a 4-Gbps backplane would be limited to 500 Mbps per port if all ports are maxed out simultaneously — a scenario that rarely occurs in practice.
The table below summarizes the key models discussed:
| Model | Ports | Speed | PoE | Management | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear 5-Port Unmanaged | 5 | Gigabit | No | None | Affordable |
| Netgear 8-Port Smart Switch | 8 | Gigabit | No | Web (VLAN, QoS) | Moderate |
| TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit | 8 | Gigabit | No | None | ~$25 |
| TP-Link 8-Port PoE (4 PoE) | 8 | Gigabit | Yes (4 ports, 30W each) | None | Moderate |
Other Brands and Guidance
Beyond Netgear and TP-Link, WIRED mentions other popular brands worth considering: Cisco, Trendnet, Zyxel, and Ubiquiti. The author advises steering clear of unknown brands, likely due to reliability and performance concerns. For enterprise buyers, sticking with established vendors ensures consistent performance and support.
Making the Right Choice
For CTOs and supply chain technology managers who need to extend wired connectivity in offices, warehouses, or remote locations, these Ethernet switches offer a low-cost, high-reliability solution. Whether it's a simple unmanaged switch for adding a few devices or a smart switch with VLAN/QoS for network segmentation, the models tested by WIRED deliver performance without noise or complexity. As the author notes, most people will be well served by something affordable from Netgear or TP-Link.
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