A $20 unmanaged network switch can transform your LAN, even if you're using mesh
Give your LAN the speed boost it needs.
Investing in a $20 unmanaged network switch can remarkably enhance your local area network (LAN), even if you utilize mesh nodes for wireless communication. This cost-effective upgrade eliminates the need for expensive managed switches and intricate research or deployment. Even if your LAN already operates with mesh nodes, improving the wired infrastructure can yield significant benefits.
An unmanaged switch is a straightforward device that manages network traffic without advanced features or complex administration. It provides numerous Ethernet ports to connect various devices to your LAN, freeing up wireless network resources for wireless devices like laptops, phones, and other smart technology. By adding a modest 8-port network switch, you can establish additional bandwidth and accommodate more devices without the need for cable trunking.
For instance, in the author's home office, a fully managed switch setup was implemented, with VLANs utilized for separation. However, for a spouse's work laptop, a simple unmanaged switch was sufficient, providing 2.5 Gbps of network bandwidth via a single cable buried beneath the flooring. The unmanaged unit from ASUSTOR proved to be a reliable choice for this purpose.
Wired networking offers advantages over mesh Wi-Fi, as it doesn't require traffic routing between nodes, reducing performance and latency issues. By connecting devices like TVs, printers, desktop PCs, and NAS systems directly, you can bypass the limitations of mesh networks and optimize your LAN's performance.
A network-attached storage (NAS) device is an excellent addition to your home network, offering ample storage capacity and the ability to host self-hosted services like media streaming (Jellyfin and Plex) and home automation controllers (Home Assistant). When selecting a switch, ensure it supports the necessary speeds, ideally 1 Gb, which is suitable for most modern networking hardware and may match the capabilities of your mesh router.
Written by urgent.news from XDA Developers's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
