What does a network switch actually do?

A switch adds wired Ethernet ports and routes data between the devices plugged into it on your local network. It expands a router that's run out of ports and gives each device a stable, low-latency connection. It manages local traffic efficiently but doesn't change your internet line speed.

Do I need a switch if I already have a router?

Yes, if you've run out of router ports or want to wire devices in another room. The router connects you to the internet and provides a few LAN ports; a switch multiplies those ports. They work together — the switch plugs into the router and shares the connection to more wired devices.

What's the difference between a managed and unmanaged switch?

An unmanaged switch is plug-and-play with no configuration, ideal for home use. A managed switch lets you set up VLANs, prioritise traffic with QoS and monitor the network, which suits offices and advanced setups. Smart switches offer some of those features through a simple web interface at a lower cost.

Does a switch reduce ping or lag in online games?

A switch gives your console or PC a wired connection, which is more stable and lower-latency than Wi-Fi, so it helps with consistency and local lag. It can't lower the ping set by your internet line and the game server, but a wired link through a switch removes Wi-Fi interference as a cause of spikes.

What is PoE and which devices use it?

Power over Ethernet delivers power and data over a single cable, so IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points and VoIP phones don't need separate power adapters. A PoE switch simplifies cabling for these devices. Check the switch's total power budget and whether it supports PoE or the higher-power PoE+ for your gear.

How many ports do I need for a home network?

Count your wired devices — PC, console, TV, NAS — and add a couple of spare ports for growth. A five- or eight-port gigabit switch covers most homes and gaming setups. Larger households or those wiring multiple rooms may want sixteen ports or more to avoid daisy-chaining a second switch.

Is gigabit fast enough, or do I need multi-gig?

Gigabit (1Gbps) is plenty for almost all homes and offices, including 4K streaming and large file copies. Multi-gig (2.5Gbps and up) is worth it only if you have a very fast NAS, move huge files regularly, or a multi-gig internet line. For most people, a gigabit switch is the right buy.

Are network switches available with local warranty in South Africa?

Yes — Evetech stocks unmanaged, managed and PoE switches with local warranty and nationwide delivery. Buying locally means support and returns are handled in South Africa. Check this page for current stock, port counts and pricing in rand.

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Switches

Network Switches — More Wired Ports, Less Lag ⚙️

A network switch adds wired Ethernet ports so you can connect more devices — PCs, consoles, a NAS, a TV, IP cameras — to one network. Where your router runs out of ports, a switch expands them, giving each device a stable, low-latency wired link instead of relying on Wi-Fi. It doesn't increase your internet line speed; it gives you fast, reliable local connections and more places to plug in.

The main choice is unmanaged versus managed. An unmanaged switch is plug-and-play — ideal for a home setup or a gaming corner where you just need more ports. A managed switch adds control: VLANs to separate traffic, QoS to prioritise what matters, and monitoring for an office or serious home lab. PoE switches go further, powering cameras, access points and VoIP phones over the same cable that carries their data.

Evetech stocks unmanaged, smart and fully managed switches, including PoE models, all with local warranty and nationwide delivery. Match the port count, speed and features to your network below, and use a switch alongside your router rather than in place of it.

How to Choose a Network Switch

Start with how many devices you need to wire and whether you need any control over the network. A home setup is usually well served by a simple gigabit unmanaged switch; an office, camera system or home lab benefits from managed features and PoE. Count your ports, leave room to grow, and match the speed to your gear.

Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play with no setup, perfect for adding ports at home or in a gaming setup. Managed switches let you create VLANs, set QoS priorities and monitor traffic, which matters in an office, a camera network or a home lab. Smart (web-managed) switches sit in between, offering key features through a simple web page.

Count every wired device — PC, console, TV, NAS, printer, access point — then add headroom for growth. Five- and eight-port switches suit a desk or media corner; sixteen or twenty-four ports suit an office or a busy household. Buying a size up avoids running out and chaining a second switch later.

Gigabit (1Gbps) is the standard for homes and most offices and handles large file transfers and 4K streaming comfortably. If you move very large files between devices, run a fast NAS, or have a multi-gig internet line, look for 2.5Gbps or higher uplink ports so the switch isn't the bottleneck. Avoid old Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) switches today.

Power over Ethernet sends power and data down one cable, so devices like IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points and VoIP phones don't need a separate plug. PoE+ supplies more power for hungrier devices. If you're wiring cameras or APs, a PoE switch removes a lot of cabling — check the total power budget covers all your devices.

A switch gives gaming devices a stable, low-latency wired connection, which beats Wi-Fi for consistency — but it can't raise your internet line speed. It improves local network speed between your own devices and frees you from Wi-Fi congestion. For lower ping online, a wired link through a switch helps; for more bandwidth, upgrade the line.