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A network switch connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It forwards data to specific devices, optimizing data traffic and enhancing network performance. In a business setting, network switches foster seamless communication, file sharing, and resource access among computers, servers, and other networked devices. Network Switch 3u Rack
Here are our recommendations for the best network switch available in 2024:
The table below shows a side-by-side comparison of the best network switch products on the market today. It gives you a clear overview of their management types, number of ports, speed, pricing, and warranty.
The Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series is a collection of versatile switches that facilitates different business operations, ensuring a secure experience and delivering high speeds.
This network switch family stood out as the best ethernet switch overall because of its robust set of features and topnotch speed and performance. It provides a broad range of bandwidth and scalability to accommodate both large and small data experiences. Moreover, the series leverages enhanced power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and (machine learning (ML) for continuous zero-trust security.
Product design: The Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series has a common design, both internally and externally. Internally, it uses a common ASIC, the Cisco UADP, providing flexibility for packet handling. Externally, the hardware is stackable and can be mounted in standard server racks or network cabinets.
However, it is worth noting that the product is heavy and bulky, which may consume a significant amount of space.
Product development: Cisco recently introduced the Cisco Catalyst 1200 and 1300 Series switches for small and medium businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. These innovations simplify the process of setting up networks and managing security. They also accelerate digital transformation for SMBs and reduce complexity for resource-strapped operations teams.
We picked Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series because of its powerful yet flexible switching capabilities. It brings high-speed connectivity with support for multi-gigabit and 10-gigabit Ethernet. In addition, its modular design and scalability make it adaptable to various network sizes and requirements, making it a future-proof choice.
Cisco doesn’t publish prices on their page, contact their sales team for full pricing details.
Best for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs)
The Zyxel MG-108 is a multi-gigabit switch that caters well to SMBs with its ports that optimize the performance of multi-gig bandwidth and devices. It also supports multiple speeds and can effectively accommodate a range of networks.
Despite these advanced features, the Zyxel MG-108 remains an affordable entry point into multi-gig networking, making it a cost-effective solution for SMBs aiming to upgrade their network performance. The device’s plug-and-play functionality eliminates complex configuration, saving valuable time and resources for growing businesses.
Product design: The Zyxel MG-108 is compact and lightweight. It can fit perfectly on a desktop or in a standard rack. It also has fanless design for silent and stable operation.
Product development: Zyxel released SMB switches with PoE scheduling to help businesses reduce energy costs. This feature lets you schedule switches to power-down during non-working hours. The vendor aims to help SMBs drive efficiency and sustainability, especially in the face of rising energy prices.
We selected Zyxel MG-108 because it is a viable network switch for businesses seeking to boost their network performance without breaking the bank. Aside from being economical, it also supports multiple speeds (100M, 1G, 2.5G), allowing it to handle several devices and varying network speeds.
Zyxel MG-108 is priced at $138.87 on the Zyxel website.
Best for small office/home office (SOHO) networks
The Linksys LGS116P is a robust, unmanaged switch that is an excellent choice for SOHO networks, primarily due to its solid support for PoE+.
With 16 gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch gives you ample room for network expansion. The PoE+ feature allows VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras to receive both power and data from a single Ethernet cable, simplifying the installation process and reducing clutter. This is particularly beneficial in SOHO networks where multiple devices are often spread across a small area.
Product design: The Linksys LGS116P has a sleek and space-saving form, making it easy to fit into any workspace. It’s also wall-mountable, providing flexibility in placement. The switch has a metal casing for protection and clearly labeled ports, easing the setup process.
Product development: Linksys updated its Privacy Pledge, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy and security. The updated pledge guarantees that Linksys products and apps do not track user activity or sell personal information. These changes aim to provide a secure online experience, improving trust and peace of mind for Linksys customers.
We chose Linksys LGS116P because it offers great value for its price, thanks to its reliable performance and sophisticated features. It has gigabit transfer speeds, supports QoS, and meets the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) 802.3az standard, reducing power consumption without sacrificing performance.
***Insert Fig C – Linksys LGS116P product image***
The Linksys LGS116P costs $220.99.
Best for large enterprises needing high availability
The NETGEAR MSM4352 is a high-performance, scalable switch suitable for large enterprises. It’s part of NETGEAR’s edge to core stackable platform, which ranges from 1 to 100Gb. This enables non-stop forwarding (NSF) and hitless failover across the stack, making it ideal for businesses needing high availability and resilience in their network infrastructure.
Furthermore, this switch includes 44 ports that support 2.5Gb Ethernet, 4 ports supporting 10-gigabit Ethernet, and 4 uplinks supporting 25Gb Ethernet. This enables high data transfer speeds that large enterprises with heavy network traffic need.
Product design: The NETGEAR MSM4352 has a rack-mountable design, meant to be placed in a server room or data center. With a weight of 16 lbs, it is relatively heavy, making it more challenging to handle and install the hardware compared to lighter, more compact switches.
Product development: NETGEAR continues to provide innovative networking solutions for small and mid-sized businesses with its launch of its MS108TUP Smart Switch. This product equips SMBs with modern switch functionality for improved network performance, flexibility, and efficiency.
Its comprehensive features and high speed made us pick NETGEAR MSM4352 as one of our recommended network switch products. This switch has an automatic configuration that auto-connects with other M4350 (and M4250) switches, making it easy to expand your network as your needs grow. In addition, it supports different traffic types and VLANs, and has Layer 3 feature set with static, policy-based, and dynamic routing.
NETGEAR doesn’t display pricing details on their website. Contact a NETGEAR representative for a quote.
The TP-Link TL-SG3452XP is a business-grade switch that’s part of the TP-Link’s JetStream series, equipped with 48-gigabit Ethernet ports and four 10G SFP+ slots. These features ensure fast and reliable connections to servers and other switches.
What makes the TL-SG3452XP suited for multi-cloud networks is its seamless integration with Omada’s software-defined networking (SDN) platform. This platform offers centralized cloud management, enabling remote and centralized control of the entire network from multiple locations from a single interface. The switch is a good fit for businesses that need seamless wireless and wired connections.
Product design: The TL-SG3452XP has a sturdy, metal casing and might seem substantial when compared to other network switches. However, for a switch with its capacity and features, these specifications are standard. It’s designed to fit into 19-inch server racks, and its weight of 5.5 kg (12 lbs) adds to its stability.
Product development: TP-Link’s future plans emphasize the importance of the Smart Home Ecosystem, a comprehensive solution for home automation. This vendor is also investing in developing the ColorProTM Night Vision technology, which promises to redefine security solutions. These strategic areas of focus underscore TP-Link’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions for your evolving needs.
We selected TL-SG3452XP because of its rich feature set, including its support for a complete lineup of L2 and L2+ features, such as static routing, enterprise-level QoS, and IGMP snooping. It also has extensive security strategies to help protect LAN area investment. Moreover, it brings standalone management capabilities through its web interface, CLI (Console Port, Telnet, SSH), SNMP, RMON, and Dual Image.
TP-Link doesn’t show prices for the TL-SG3452XP. Get in touch with their sales department to get to know more.
TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg delivers high-speed connectivity with 24 gigabit ports and stands out for its energy efficiency. This network switch uses GREENnet technology to adjust power consumption based on network traffic and link status, reducing power usage by up to 70% and promoting a sustainable network infrastructure.
Aside from being energy efficient, TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg has a 48 Gbps switching capacity, facilitating smooth data traffic flow and minimizing network bottlenecks. The switch also supports jumbo frames for the transmission of larger Ethernet frames up to 10KB.
Product design: TEG-S24Dg has metal housing that contributes to its long-lasting performance. It is also lightweight and fits well on a desktop, optimizing space utilization. Additionally, the switch has a built-in universal power supply, reducing cable clutter.
Product development: TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg replaced the TEG-S24Dg versions v1.0R and v2.0R to keep up with advancements in technology and changes in market demand. This new version has additional CB and UL/CUL certifications to the CE and FCC that the old versions had. These certifications indicate compliance with safety and operational standards in many regions.
We included TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg as one of the best network switches because its high performance, energy efficiency and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any SMB network.
The TEG-S24Dg costs $104.49 on the TRENDnet website.
The Ubiquiti Unifi Switch 48-Port Gigabit Managed Network features 48 gigabit Ethernet ports and four 1G SFP Ethernet ports, providing a total non-blocking throughput of 70 Gbps for high-performance networking. This switch is particularly suitable for large-scale deployments needing high data transfer rates.
One of the key features of this switch is its PoE support, which lets the switch supply power to connected devices over the Ethernet cables, reducing the need for separate power supplies. It also supports QoS features, streamlining the prioritization of different types of network traffic. Additionally, this product has built-in security features, such as access control lists (ACLs), authentication, port security, VLAN security, and secure remote access.
Product design: The switch is rack-mountable and is suitable for installation in server rooms. It has a sturdy steel casing, increasing durability. Its port and indicator layout on the front panel enables easy network connections monitoring and management.
Product development: Ubiquiti has recently introduced Network 8.0R, featuring a revamped UI for streamlined management. This update brings a host of improvements, like a new Port Manager that boosts control and visibility over individual ports. It also includes VLAN tagging visualization and shows you with a clear overview of VLAN configurations per port. This advancement offers greater control and insights into network segmentation, contributing to more efficient management and troubleshooting processes.
We chose Ubiquiti Unifi Switch 48-Port Gigabit Managed Network for its high performance, comprehensive feature set, and security. This switch gives network administrators the tools they need to secure their networks and manage access effectively.
***Insert Fig G – Ubiquiti Unifi Switch 48-Port Gigabit Managed Network product image***
The Unifi Switch 48-Port Gigabit Managed Network is priced at $399.00 on Ubiquiti’s website.
Best for branch and remote offices
The Juniper EX2300 switches are well-suited for branch and remote offices due to their compact and scalable design. The switches in this series come in a form factor that is conducive to environments where space may be limited, making them an ideal fit for deployment in branch offices.
Despite their compact size, these switches offer scalability to accommodate the growing network needs of branch offices over time. It has high-speed connectivity with flexible uplink options for fast and reliable data transfer. Aside from this, the EX2300 series addresses security concerns prevalent in branch and remote offices with ACLs, port security, and support for network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to the network infrastructure.
The EX2300 series brings redundant power options and link aggregation, increasing network resilience and minimizing downtime in the event of failures. It also includes the Junos OS to simplify network management tasks for remote administrators.
Product design: The EX2300 has a modern, compact design that is ideal for crowded wiring closets and access locations with space or power constraints. It is only one rack unit deep and has a low acoustic profile.
Product development: Juniper has progressively updated the EX2300 over time. Some models can now use PoE standards 802.3af Class 3 and 802.3at PoE+, which means they can provide power to different network devices. In addition, EX2300 switches now support cloud-based operations and are zero touch provisioning (ZTP) enabled. This promotes seamless onboarding, configuration, and management via Juniper Mist Wired Assurance.
On top of its advanced features, we picked the Juniper EX2300 series because of its reliable performance. It maintains high-performance with low latency and ensures efficient data transfer within the network. Furthermore, the switch supports Virtual Chassis technology for organizations that prioritize virtualization. This allows multiple interconnected switches to operate as a single, logical device.
Juniper Networks doesn’t post pricing details for the EX2300 switches on their page. Contact their sales team for detailed prices.
The D-Link DGS-1100-24PV2 is a 24-port gigabit PoE Smart Managed switch with features to meet the needs of diverse networking environments. It has 24 gigabit Ethernet ports, including 12 PoE+ ports, giving high-speed wired connectivity and power for different devices.
One of the key strengths of the DGS-1100-24PV2 is its scalability. With a web-based management interface and smart managed features, the switch enables administrators to easily configure, monitor, and scale the network without the complexity of fully managed solutions. The inclusion of QoS and support for link aggregation further increases its scalability, making sure of appropriate resource allocation and more bandwidth as the network expands.
Product design: The DGS-1100-24PV2 is space saving and can be installed in a rack or placed on a desktop. This switch also has a fanless design, so it operates silently.
Product development: D-Link has broadened its product range with the launch of the DMS-106XT Multi Gigabit Unmanaged switch. This model delivers multi-gigabit connectivity to further enhance wired connections. A notable feature of this switch is its Turbo Mode, which intelligently prioritizes latency-sensitive applications for optimal performance.
The D-Link DGS-1100-24PV2 is one of the best network switch products on our list because of its scalability, reliability, and D-Link’s overall brand reputation. The switch supports QoS, which prioritizes network traffic to keep critical network applications running at top performance. It also features Static MAC, allowing you to create a MAC allowlist for specific ports and protect your business network. What’s more, it comes with a lifetime warranty, demonstrating D-Link’s commitment to product quality and long-term customer confidence.
The DGS-1100-24PV2 costs $229.99 on D-Link’s official page.
Some of the most important features to consider when choosing the best network switch for your business include port density, data transfer speed, VLAN support, QoS, and PoE.
Port density refers to the number of ports or Ethernet interfaces the network switch has and determines how many devices can be directly connected to the switch.
High port density is important for scalability in growing networks, allowing for the accommodation of more devices without adding infrastructure. It also contributes to efficient resource utilization and reduces network complexity by consolidating devices.
Data transfer speed, measured in megabits or gigabits per second (Mbps/Gbps), signifies the data transmission rate between devices connected to the switch.
Faster data transfer speeds effectively support data-intensive applications and large file transfers. Higher speeds, such as 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps, contribute to smooth data transmission, preventing network congestion.
The VLAN support feature enables network segmentation into multiple virtual networks, with each VLAN operating separately. This provides isolation and control over network traffic, bolstering overall security and network organization.
VLAN support is critical in business settings where different departments or user groups call for separate network segments.
Quality of Service (QoS) encompasses a set of technologies and protocols that prioritize specific types of network traffic.
It is particularly valuable in environments with varying applications and bandwidth requirements. QoS also helps maintain consistent and high-quality experience for real-time applications like VoIP.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) lets the network switch deliver both data and electrical power over the same Ethernet cable. As a result, devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones can receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for additional wires and power sources.
In a business environment, this feature facilitates the deployment of devices in locations with limited power outlets or where a clean and organized cabling infrastructure is necessary.
In order to find the best network switch, we meticulously examined and compared several network switches in the market today. We considered five major criteria in our assessment: cost, core features, customer support, scalability and performance, and ease of installation.
We evaluated the performance of each network switch for every criteria and rated them accordingly. Then we calculated their total scores.
For the Cost category, we considered the pricing range of each switch, its warranty, and pricing transparency of the network switch company.
Criterion winner: TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg
To grade the core features, we factored in port density, data transfer speed, management type, PoE, QoS, VLAN support, energy efficiency, and built-in security capability.
Criterion winners: Cisco Catalyst 9000, Ubiquiti Unifi Switch, and Juniper EX2300.
To compute the scores for this criteria, we checked if each vendor offers several customer support options, like live chat, phone, email, active community, and in-depth documentation or knowledge base. We also verified if real-time assistance is available to customers 24/7.
Criterion winners: Cisco Catalyst 9000, NETGEAR MSM4352, Linksys LGS116P, and Juniper EX2300.
We measured scalability and performance separately for this category:
For scalability, we gauged the features offered by the network that will allow them to handle significant network growth. This includes scalability, PoE, QoS, and security features.
To evaluate performance, we checked the transfer speeds and latency of each network switch and researched any connectivity issues from numerous user reviews.
Criterion winners: Cisco Catalyst 9000, NETGEAR MSM4352, Ubiquiti Unifi Switch, and Juniper EX2300.
We used two different methods to assess the ease of installation for managed and unmanaged switches.
For managed switches, we studied multiple user reviews from independent sources to determine if the network switch is easy to set up with clear instructions, and doesn’t need specialized knowledge.
For unmanaged switches, we checked if the switch has a plug-and-play functionality, eliminating complex networking configuration. We also reviewed customer feedback to find out if the switch is easy to install from the users’ perspectives.
Criterion winners: Cisco Catalyst 9000, NETGEAR MSM4352, Ubiquiti Unifi Switch, Linksys LGS116P, TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg, and TP-Link TL-SG3452XP.
After our rigorous assessment, we concluded that the leader in network switches when it comes to overall capability is Cisco Catalyst 9000.
In terms of business growth, the leader in network switches is Cisco according to MarketsandMarkets.
Based on our research, the most complex switches are Juniper EX2300 and D-Link DGS-1100-24PV2. Users find these switches challenging to set up and configure.
For small home networks with a few devices, a basic unmanaged switch is usually adequate. However, if your network involves bandwidth-intensive activities, like online gaming, 4K streaming, or multiple simultaneous video calls, investing in a more robust or managed switch, such as Cisco or NETGEAR, may be beneficial.
There are several factors you have to consider in choosing the best network switch for your needs. Aside from finding the fastest Ethernet switch, you also have to take cost, customer support quality, scalability, and ease of installation into consideration.
This recommendation for best network switches serves as a guide to help you find the most trusted enterprise networking companies and switches that can meet your requirements.
Read our recommendation on the best network security software and tools for enterprises to effectively protect your networks from unauthorized access, data breach, and cyber threats.
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