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A switch can help when the router runs out of ports. The number on the box is not the only consideration: port speeds, power for connected devices, management and the installation location must work together.
1. Count ports, the uplink and spare capacity
List the devices that will be connected simultaneously. Include the connection to the router or existing network. Example: six end devices plus one uplink occupy seven ports. On a switch with eight independently usable ports, one remains free.
For devices with combined RJ45/SFP connections, check the data sheet to see whether both can be used at the same time. An SFP slot is not an ordinary RJ45 port; a suitable module or cable may be needed separately. Do not order these components based only on similar-looking connectors.
2. Consider link rates along the actual path
A fast switch alone does not speed up a slower internet service or network adapter. For large local transfers, such as to a NAS, consider network adapters, switch ports, uplink and cabling together. Establish which connections will be busy simultaneously.
Write the required rate for each important connection on your shopping list. Check the data ports and uplink explicitly: some products have different speeds on different ports. If you only need extra connections, you do not automatically need to upgrade every device to a higher speed.
3. Calculate PoE separately
Will the switch power access points, cameras or other devices over Ethernet? Check three things separately: the appropriate PoE standard, available power per port and the shared power budget. A high total figure does not compensate for insufficient power on an individual port. TP-Link on the PoE budget
Planning example: if the data sheets specify two loads of 20 W and two of 10 W on the switch side, the total is 60 W. This does not yet approve a particular device combination: power allocation, cable losses, operating conditions and expansion must be accounted for according to the equipment documentation. A power supply advertised as 60 W does not automatically provide a 60 W PoE budget.
Do not assume passive PoE is interchangeable with standards-compliant PoE. The explicit requirements of the powered device and power source are decisive. The number and location of ports that actually supply power may also differ from the total port count. Manufacturer selection example
4. Choose management according to need
An unmanaged switch can be sufficient for simply extending the same network. It normally has no management interface for individual settings. If you need VLANs or other managed features, check their actual implementation in the data sheet. The label “Smart” alone does not define a dependable feature set. Unmanaged switch basics
A VLAN-capable switch alone does not create a fully separated guest or device network: the router, access points and their configuration must also support the intended design. Buy management features only with a plan for who will configure and maintain them.
5. Complete the shopping list
- Switch: Port count, independently usable uplinks, port speeds, management features
- PoE: Standard for each powered device, power per port, total budget, included power supply
- Accessories: Suitable cables; modules and rack brackets only when needed and compatibility is confirmed
- Operation: Dimensions, fans/noise, temperature range, availability of updates
After installation, check one device first, then the remaining connections and finally all intended PoE devices together. Record link rates and any power warnings. An LED alone is not a throughput test.
Cable selection: patch cable buying checklist. Supplier: visit Netzwerkartikel.de (affiliate link). Check the actual data sheets, availability and total price before ordering. Updated: 21 September 2026.