Question Network Switch Brand Matter?

Jul 6, 2023
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I’m looking to get a 5 or 8 port unmanaged switch. Does the brand really matter much in this case? I’m guessing maybe it matter more if I were looking to get a managed switch? Fairly noob when it comes to some of the networking stuff beyond basic router things.
Going to be getting one at MicroCenter this weekend, and just wanted to make sure there aren’t brands to avoid. They carry DLink, TP-Link, Netgear, Ubiquiti, and Tenda… other as well I’m sure. Those were just the main ones I found. Ubiquiti is out because of price. Was thinking DLink ,TP-Link, or Netgear, but thought maybe Tenda if it’s cheaper.
 
I’m looking to get a 5 or 8 port unmanaged switch. Does the brand really matter much in this case? I’m guessing maybe it matter more if I were looking to get a managed switch? Fairly noob when it comes to some of the networking stuff beyond basic router things.
Going to be getting one at MicroCenter this weekend, and just wanted to make sure there aren’t brands to avoid. They carry DLink, TP-Link, Netgear, Ubiquiti, and Tenda… other as well I’m sure. Those were just the main ones I found. Ubiquiti is out because of price. Was thinking DLink ,TP-Link, or Netgear, but thought maybe Tenda if it’s cheaper.
Unmanaged switches are a dime a dozen. I've used TP-Link, DLink, Linksys, etc... and they all work. Just make sure you get one that is 1 Gigabit. Be weary as sometimes you can still find ones that are "Fast Ethernet" and you should avoid that completely as that is only 100 Megabit or only 1/10 the speed of 1 Gigabit.
 
Although its been a while since I saw photos of them disassembled what it appears is they all use the same chip to do the actual switch function. This is all asic based and they figured these devices out years ago so there is little to no improvements to be made. It seems the only difference is does the switch have a metal case and how well the power block is built.
 
I have been using a Netgear GS608 for 5 years. No problems. Crossing switch brands doesn’t particularly matter, some managed switches offer proprietary link aggregation features but they can be disabled.
These are the top network switch manufacturers
 
I have been using a Netgear GS608 for 5 years. No problems. Crossing switch brands doesn’t particularly matter, some managed switches offer proprietary link aggregation features but they can be disabled.
These are the top network switch manufacturers
Only issue with your link is that is talking about data center switches. This is a 5 port unmanaged home switch so those are a dime a dozen.
 

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