Ethernet Switches

Managed, Unmanaged, and PoE Switches for Every Network

Ethernet switches connect desktops, servers, access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones across wired networks in configurations from 5-port desktop units to 48-port Layer 3 PoE campus switches. The lineup spans managed, unmanaged, smart managed, and PoE models from Ubiquiti, HPE Aruba, Cisco, Netgear, TRENDnet, TP-Link, and D-Link, all part of the networking infrastructure catalog.

Ethernet Switches for Every Environment

• Office networks — 24-port and 48-port managed switches connecting desktops, printers, VoIP phones, and access points across a single floor or building
• IP camera systems — PoE switches powering surveillance cameras without separate power runs, with total PoE budgets sized for 8 to 48 cameras per switch
• Campus backbone — high-port-count Layer 3 switches with SFP+ uplinks connecting IDFs to the MDF over fiber for inter-building and inter-floor aggregation
• Retail and point-of-sale — compact desktop switches connecting registers, barcode scanners, and payment terminals in each store location
• Server rooms — 10G switches with high backplane capacity aggregating traffic from rack-mounted servers, storage arrays, and virtualization hosts

Choosing the Right Ethernet Switch

Start with port count. A 5 or 8-port switch covers a single room or small office. Mid-size offices typically need 24 ports, while server rooms and campus distribution layers call for 48-port models. Plan for 20 to 30 percent more ports than your current device count to leave room for growth. Managed switches provide full control over VLANs, QoS, IGMP snooping, link aggregation, and port mirroring for networks that need traffic segmentation. Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play with no configuration, which works for simple networks under 10 devices. Smart managed switches offer a middle ground with a simplified web interface for basic VLAN and QoS settings.

PoE Budget and Device Power

If you are powering access points, IP cameras, or VoIP phones, a PoE switch eliminates individual power adapters at each device. Check the total PoE budget (measured in watts) against your connected devices. A typical WiFi 6 access point draws 15 to 25W, an IP camera draws 12 to 15W, and a VoIP phone draws 6 to 8W. Add up the draw from every powered device to make sure the switch handles the load. PoE++ (802.3bt) switches deliver up to 90W per port for high-draw devices like PTZ cameras and outdoor access points with integrated heaters.

Layer 2 vs. Layer 3

Layer 2 switches handle forwarding based on MAC addresses and support VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation. Layer 3 switches add inter-VLAN routing so traffic between network segments does not have to route through the firewall, reducing latency and freeing up firewall processing for security functions. Layer 3 is the right choice for networks with more than three or four VLANs or high inter-VLAN traffic volumes.

Ethernet Switches by Type

• Unmanaged Switches — plug-and-play switches with no configuration required for simple small-office and home networks
• 10G Switches — 10-gigabit switches for server rooms, storage networks, and high-bandwidth backbone links

Complete Your Network

• Wireless Access Points — indoor and outdoor WiFi access points powered and connected through your switch
• Network Firewalls — next-generation firewall appliances protecting the network edge
• SFP Modules — fiber and copper transceivers for switch uplinks and inter-closet links
• Network Cables — Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a patch and bulk cables connecting devices to switch ports
• Rack Cabinets — server racks and enclosures for mounting switches and organizing cabling