so i could use some switch suggestions. my old router died and the spectrum one is trash so it’s time for upgrades which i’ve needed for a bit. so far i have an m720q + x520-da2 + 1Gbase-t transceiver to serve as the opnsense router (still debating on hw or vm), and a tp-link eap225 ap. would prefer at least 1 sfp(+) port. i’m not worried about poe at the moment and would prefer something equal to or quieter than my eaton 5px ups’ and NO licensing/subscription bs. this would be for my home (~1000ft2) with 3 wired connections and a bunch of wireless (~20). the cheaper the better but i’m not afraid to pay for quality products.
If you want cheap but advanced networking features, then I can recommend Mikrotik switches. If you only need 3 wired connections + 1 SFP+, then something like the CSS610-8G-2S+IN is more than enough. I bought one for 90$ for my office and mine is generally running quiet (quieter than my water-cooled workstation ;)), although I heard of people complaining about the noise of some Mikrotik products… the configuration is also quite easy in SwitchOS and takes less than 5 min (just avoid RouterOS if you don’t want to spend hours configuring it).
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Take a look at the servethehome.com homepage.
He has regular reviews of 10gbe switches and combo 10gbe and 2.5gbe switches, both managed and unmanaged. And usually under $100 or close to it.
Personally I am using ubiquity, ui.com switches and 8 access points. I mostly chose that because my dad also uses it on some multi tenant student housing that I help manage. Some friends and old co-workers live in the same town and can come on site to untangle it if he gets too ambitious or frugal and it goes sideways.
I do like the centrally managed interface. Whenever I want to add more gear or change the configuration I fire up a Java app on one of my computers. If you want continuous logging you need to keep the app open, but I don’t care that much.
They also have devices you can by for $130 that can be your gateway and provide the management service.
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If you go Mikrotik for switching, ensure you’re grabbing one that supports RouterOS or dual-boots ROS and SwitchOS.
SWOS only switches are no better than the usual NETGEAR/TP-Link switches with web-only management on all ports, but if you’re not experienced with Mikrotik at all it might be an ideal start.
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I would have a look at Zyxel XMG1915-10E if you want 2.5Gbit (Cloud usage is optional), it’s decently priced and Zyxel makes good products in general and this one have good reviews too. There’s also a PoE version called XMG1915-10EP which is fanless. Provantage seems to have decent pricing on both models.
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For managed I use both Ubiquity and Mikrotik. Check out my personal forum blog to see what I have going on rn. UniFi is starting to get a bit rich for my blood in their higher end switches but they are a great buy for home lab used or if you are just playing around in Gig land and don’t care about multi gig.
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I am running a Mikrotik RB5009 to pull all the strings in my network. Since it is the PoE-Version, it also supports one access point (which it also manages).
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