A network switch, also called an Ethernet switch, offers several input and output ports and serves as a central location controller for your home or business network. The switch will connect to your modem and router combo and then offer you additional Ethernet ports. It is used within a wired network to connect devices to the internet using Ethernet cables.

The network switch’s ability to optimize signals differentiates it from a network hub, where all signals are sent to all connected devices. A network switch analyzes the incoming traffic signals from network devices like desktop computers, printers, A/V receivers or a smart TV, then optimizes and distributes bandwidth and communication signals efficiently.

For the most tailored optimization, you can choose a managed switch, which allows you to prioritize traffic manually by configuring port speed, redundancy and other settings. An unmanaged switch, meanwhile, configures speed based on its own automatic assessments.

Using a wired internet system in your home or small business gives you much better network security than a Wi-Fi network does. So, you may want to use one to control a wired security camera system or other home security system.

Using wired Ethernet connections will also increase the speed of your internet’s communication with your various devices. For instance, a wired connection can support 4K streaming to a 4K smart TV much more easily than a Wi-Fi connection does. You might even want to set up a network switch directly behind your entertainment center so that it can manage the connections of a streaming device, video game console and more.

Setting up your home network yourself can be intimidating, especially if you want to set up encryption to increase internet security. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to Best Buy for assistance with your networking setup.