What Are Unmanaged Switches?
What Are Unmanaged Switches?
Unmanaged switches are networking devices that function as the building blocks of your home or small office network, managing data flow and freeing up your WiFi bandwidth for mobile devices. These network switches allow connected devices on your network to communicate with one another.
Why Do Unmanaged Switches Matter?
Unmanaged switches are a reliable and affordable way to expand your network with Gigabit speeds, helping you transfer files quickly and keep data flowing fast regardless of network congestion. These network switches also help free up valuable WiFi bandwidth for wireless devices (like laptops and smartphones) on your network, so your WiFi connection is strong and stable.
Must-Have Features of Unmanaged Switches
When shopping for an unmanaged switch, keep an eye out for these essential features:
- Plug-and-Play: All unmanaged switches can be set up without any configuration, application, or software.
- Scorching Speed: The best unmanaged switches feature Ethernet ports with over 2000 Mbps of network speed.
- QoS Traffic Prioritization: Mission-critical applications such as voice and video support are prioritized regardless of network congestion.
- Fanless Design: Optimal for energy efficiency and noise-sensitive environments.
- Power-saving Features: Look for energy-efficient features like auto power-down that disables unused ports.
