Finding the best cat5 switch suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. D-Link 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Metal Desktop Switch (DGS-105), Black
Feature
Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps PortsInexpensive Gigabit Ethernet solution for SOHO, small and medium businesses
Supports IEEE 802.1p QoS traffic prioritization
Built to last: rugged metal housing, fanless
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Description
The DGS-105 5 Port Gigabit Switch provides a quick, easy and economical way to add high speed networking to home offices, small and medium businesses. With data transfer speeds of up to 2000 Mbps the DGS-105 is ideal for fast file transfers and easy expansion of your network for connecting printers, scanners, storage, and backup devices to any network. Compact design with metal case that is ideal for wiring closets, conference rooms or small offices. Use it on a flat surface or use the included wall mount kit.2. TP-Link 16-Port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Plug and Play | Desktop (TL-SF1016D)
Feature
Innovative energy-efficient technology saves power up to 70%Non-blocking switching architecture that forwards and filters packets at full wire-speed for maximum throughput
3.2Gbps Switching Capacity
9K Jumbo frame improves performance of large data transfers
Supports MAC address auto-learning and auto-aging
Auto-negotiation ports provide smart integration between 10Mbps, 100Mbps hardware.
Fanless design ensures quiet operation
Plug and play, no configuration required
Description
The TL-SF1016D Fast Ethernet Switch is designed for SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) or workgroup users. All 16 ports support auto MDI/MDIX, no need to worry about the cable type, simply plug and play. Moreover, with the innovative energy-efficient technology, the TL-SF1016D can save up to 70% of the power consumption and 70% of the packaging material can be recycled, making it an eco-friendly solution for your business network.3. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch, Sturdy Metal, Desktop, Plug-and-Play, ProSAFE Lifetime Protection (GS105NA)
Feature
PLUG-AND-PLAY - Simple set up with no software or configuration neededINTERNET SPLITTER - Connectivity to your router or modem for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc)
STURDY METAL CASE - Small, sturdy desktop metal case and fanless quiet operation
EASY-MONITORING - Per port LEDs for port activity and speed
GIGABIT ETHERNET - 5 auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports with up to 10Gb non-blocking switching
LIFETIME WARRANTY - Next Business Day replacement and 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert
Description
Netgear Giga Switch 5Pt Metal4. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch | Ethernet Splitter | Sturdy Metal w/Shielded Ports |Plug-and-Play | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged (TL-SG108)
Feature
PLUG-AND-PLAY - Easy setup with no configuration or no software neededETHERNET SPLITTER - Connectivity to your router or modem for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc)
8 Ports GIGABIT ETHERNET - 8 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit auto-negotiation RJ45 ports greatly expand network capacity
STURDY METAL CASE - Fanless Quiet Design, Desktop or wall-mounting design
RELIABLE - IEEE 802.3x flow control provides reliable data transfer
TRAFFIC OPTIMIZATION - 802.1p and DSCP QoS enable smooth latency-sensitive traffic such as voice and video
UP to 80% Power Saving - Automatically adjusts power consumption according to the link status and cable length
AUTO-NEGOTIATION - Supports Auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY and unlimited 24/7 technical support for FREE.Power Consumption : Maximum:3.97 (220V/50Hz)
Description
What This Product Does
TP-LINKs TL-SG108 provides an easy way to expand your wired network. All 8 ports support Auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need to worry about what type of cable to use. Featuring full duplex mode, the device can process data at a rate of up to 2000Mbps, making it an ideal choice for expanding your high performance wired network. Moreover, with innovative energy-efficient technology, the TL-SG108 can save energy up to 72%.
Key Features
Gigabit Switch
Featured with 8 10/100/1000Mbps ports, the TL-SG108 enables ultra-fast wired connectivity, enabling instant large files transferring.
Steel Housing
The TL-SG108 is housed in a compact steel case for longer life span. With the desktop or wall-mounting design, you can place the device wherever its convenient.
Easy to Use
The auto features of this gigabit switch make installation plug and play and hassle-free. No configuring is required. Auto MDI/MDIX eliminate the need for crossover cables. Auto-negotiation on each port senses the link speed of a network
Go Green with Your Ethernet
The TL-SG108 features the latest innovative energy-efficient technologies that can save power up to 72%. It automatically adjusts power consumption according to the link status and cable length to limit the carbon footprint of your network.
Specifications
- Support IEEE 802.3x flow control for Full Duplex mode and backpressure for Half Duplex mode
- Support QoS (IEEE 802.1p)
- Non-blocking switching architecture that forwards and filters packets at full wire-speed for maximum throughput
- 16Gbps Switching Capacity, 8K MAC address table, 12KB Jumbo Frame, 2MB Buffer Memory
- Auto-MDI/MDIX eliminates the need for crossover cables
- Support MAC address auto-learning and auto-aging
- Auto-negotiation ports allow smart integration between 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1000Mbps devices
- Fanless desgin to keep a quiet environment
- Support 100-240V power supply
What's in the Box
- 8-Port Gigabit Switch
- Power Adapter
- User Guide
TP-LINK Unmanaged Switches Series
| Which Unmanaged Switch is Right for Me? | TL-SG1005D | TL-SG1008D | TL-SG105 | TL-SG108 | TL-SG1016D | TL-SG1024D | TL-SG1016 | TL-SG1024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Product Name | 5-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch | 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch | 5-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch | 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch | 16-Port Gigabit Desktop/Rackmount Switch | 24-Port Gigabit Desktop/Rackmount Switch | 16-Port Gigabit Rackmount Switch | 24-Port Gigabit Rackmount Switch |
| Case Material | Plastic | Plastic | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Port Number | 5 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 16 | 24 | 16 | 24 |
| Size | Desktop | Desktop | Desktop | Desktop | 13-inch | 13-inch | 19-inch | 19-inch |
| QoS | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| IGMP Snooping | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| AUTO MDI/MDIX | ||||||||
| IEEE 802.3X Flow Control | ||||||||
| Power Saving | ||||||||
| Plug and Play |
5. D-Link 16-Port Gigabit Switch (DGS-1016A)
Feature
Sixteen (16) 10/100/1000Mbps portsAggregated bandwidth of 32Gbps
9K of jumbo frame support to help expedite transmission
All ports feature auto-MDI/MDI-X for automatic cable detection
Non-blocking, full wire speed forwarding and filtering
IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and D-Link Green power saving technology
Compact plastic housing for desktop deployment
Description
The D-Link DGS-1016A is a 16-Port 10/100/1000Mbps switch that works with your current Ethernet network while allowing you to upgrade to gigabit speeds. With an aggregated bandwidth of up to 32Gbps and up to 9K jumbo frame support, its addition to any network will dramatically improve traffic flow and eliminate bottlenecks. Installation is plug-and-play, as every port supports auto-MDI/MDI-X. DGS-1016A is an economical solution for bandwidth-intensive environments needing a compact desktop form factor.6. D-Link 5 Port 10/100 Unmanaged Metal Desktop Switch (DES-105)
Feature
Five (5) 10/100 Mbps PortsInexpensive Fast Ethernet solution for SOHO, small and medium businesses
Supports IEEE 802.1p QoS traffic prioritization
Fanless, rugged metal housing, built-to-last
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Description
This Fast Ethernet switch provides a cost-effective way for SOHO and SMB to create a small network and connect computers, wireless access points, IP cameras, network printers and other Ethernet devices quickly and easily without complicated configurations. Despite being an unmanaged switch, it features QoS support for traffic prioritization for the smooth integration of video, voice and data traffic. Visible LEDs allow for an easy reading of each port status, helping to troubleshoot connectivity problems. Its fanless design makes this switch completely silent, ideal for offices, libraries or meeting rooms. Network Types: 100Base-TX Fast Ethernet Number of Ports: 5.7. TP-Link 8 Port Fast Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter | Ethernet Hub | Plug and Play | Fanless Quite | Unmanaged (TL-SF1008D)
Feature
PLUG-AND-PLAY - Easy setup with no configuration or no software neededETHERNET SPLITTER - Connectivity to your router or modem for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc)
8 Port FAST ETHERNET - 8 10/100 Mbps Gigabit auto-negotiation RJ45 ports greatly expand network capacity
COST EFFECTIVE - Fanless Quiet Design, Desktop design
RELIABLE - IEEE 802.3x flow control provides reliable data transfer
UP to 60% Power Saving - Automatically adjusts power consumption according to the link status and cable length
AUTO-NEGOTIATION - Supports Auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables
Unlimited 24/7 technical support for FREE
Description
TL-SF1008D 8-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch provides 8 10/100Mbps Auto-Negotiation RJ45 ports. All ports support Auto MDI/MDIX function eliminating the need for crossover cables or Uplink ports. The Switch is Plug-and-Play and each port can be used as general ports or Uplink ports and can be simply plugged into a server a hub or a switch using straight cable or crossover cable.The TP-LINK TL-SF1008D 8-port 10/100M Fast Ethernet Switch provides you with a low-cost easy-to-use high-performance seamless and standard upgrade to improve your old network to a 100Mbps network. It will boost your network performance up to full duplex data transfer. Its wire-speed switching that forwards packets can be as fast as the speed that your network delivers those packets to them.8. NETGEAR 16-Port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged Switch, ProSAFE Lifetime Protection (FS116NA)
Feature
16 10/100 Fast Ethernet portsSmall and silent desktop form factor
Plug-n-Play connectivity easily installs into any network
Energy efficient helps lower power cost
Rigorously tested for reliability, built to last
LIFETIME WARRANTY
LIFETIME Advanced Tech Support via chat
LIFETIME Next Business Day Replacement
16 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports
Small and silent desktop form factor
Plug-n-Play connectivity easily installs into any network
Energy efficient helps lower power cost
Rigorously tested for reliability, built to last
Description
The NETGEAR ProSAFE FS116 16-port Fast Ethernet desktop switch helps businesses cost-effectively expand their network. Simply plug in the ethernet and power cables and you are ready to go. The FS116 is energy efficient, built to last, and rigorously tested to provide the reliability businesses need. The FS116 is backed by the industry leading NETGEAR ProSAFE LIFETIME Hardware Warranty, LIFETIME Next Business Day Hardware Replacement, and LIFETIME Advanced Technical Support via Chat for peace of mind.9. D-Link 5-Port EasySmart Gigabit Ethernet Switch (DGS-1100-05)
Feature
5 10/100/1000 Gigabit PortsD-Link Green Technology for power savings by link status and cable length
IEEE 802.3az compliant (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
Support for 802.1Q VLANs for secure traffic or network segmentation
Support for Quality of Service to prioritize time sensitive traffic
Lifetime Warranty
Five (5) 10/100/1000BASE-T Ports
Supports 802.1Q VLAN, Auto Voice VLAN and Auto Surveillance VLAN
Advanced features include QoS, Bandwidth Limiting, Link Aggregation and IGMP Snooping
Compact desktop enclosure
Ideal solution for SMB without a dedicated IT staff
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Description
D-Link Easy Smart Switches provide an easy way to add additional computers to a network with required management functions for growing small and medium businesses. Featuring D-Link Green, Energy Efficient Ethernet and a fanless design the D-Link Easy Smart Switches provide enhanced energy usage and longer overall product life. The D-Link Easy Smart Switches also integrate an easy to use web management console providing configuration and monitoring options for features including, VLANs, Surveillance VLAN, link aggregation, loopback detection, IGMP Snooping and bandwidth control.10. TP-Link 5 Port Fast Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter | Ethernet Hub | Plug and Play | Fanless Quite | Unmanaged (TL-SF1005D)
Feature
PLUG-AND-PLAY - Easy setup with no configuration or no software neededETHERNET SPLITTER - Connectivity to your router or modem for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc)
5 Port FAST ETHERNET - 5 10/100 Mbps Gigabit auto-negotiation RJ45 ports greatly expand network capacity
COST EFFECTIVE - Fanless Quiet Design, Desktop design
RELIABLE - IEEE 802.3x flow control provides reliable data transfer
UP to 68% Power Saving - Automatically adjusts power consumption according to the link status and cable length
AUTO-NEGOTIATION - Supports Auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables
Unlimited 24/7 technical support for FREE