What network switch do I need?

Hardware Hub Networking
1

Hi,

I’m looking for a network switch to add to my network. But of course when I searched for a switch, a couple of things pop up of things I don’t know what they mean exactly. Like managed and unmanaged switches. I need a switch because I don’t have enough ports on my router. But I want all of my network devices to use a wired internet connection.

My current setup is modem/Router from my ISP → my router(this router is upstairs) → PC, consoles and philips base station.

I am looking for a 8 port switch. I am connecting 1 PC, 1 laptop computer, 2 video game consoles (a third will be added soon) and a Philips Hue Base station.

So my question is: Do I need a managed or unmanaged switch and why? Or is there another option to consider?

Thanks in advance!

2

Managed switches give you more control over the traffic on your LAN and generally offer advanced networking features such as prioritising traffic and such. Unmanaged switches on the other hand simply allow devices connected to the switch to communicate with each other in an un-controlled way as it doesn't allow you to configure it at all but in most cases especially for home use an unmanaged switch ideal as they are much cheaper and because it can't be configured it will simply just work out of the box.

3

You want an unmanaged switch, they're cheap and require no configuration, you just connect all your devices and everything works. Managed switches can be configured and are used when you need VLANs, QoS, link aggregation and stuff like that.