Things to Consider Before You Buy a Network Switch

Choosing the right one for your needs is essential, as it can make all the difference between your network working well and delivering a poor experience. There are a number of things that you should consider before making your decision to buy, including:

How many devices do you need to connect?
This is the most important consideration in deciding on which network switch to buy. It will help you determine whether you need a single, dual or even triple port switch. You should also consider the speed of the data that you need to transfer.

How much bandwidth does your device need?
If you are running a lot of video streaming or gaming services, you should invest in a gigabit Ethernet switch to ensure that your network is stable. This will allow you to transfer data faster and enjoy a better quality stream.

The type of switch you need is dependent on the application. You need to decide if you are going to be using the switch in a commercial or industrial environment or if it is for a more domestic use. There are a wide range of switches available in the market.

Are you going to use it in a rack mountable environment?
A rack mountable network switch will have fixings on the side so that it can be secured directly into a rack or enclosure. This allows you to fit the switch where it is needed without compromising on performance and security.

Do you need to power devices that are connected remotely?
This is an important consideration as some switches can power remote devices via a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection. This feature can save you a lot of money on wiring by reducing the number of cables required, as you can connect your remote devices directly to the switch.

If you are unable to install a rackmountable switch in the place that it is required, it may be worth looking for a desktop or rack-mountable network switch. This type of switch is usually quite inexpensive and has a compact size that means it can be fitted to the desktop or placed on a shelf within a cupboard or data cabinet.

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