What do i need to control my home network?

phrases · 13 Sep 2015 at 10:56

Hi i'll try to explain this best i can.

I'm looking for a network switch and have looked at some across amazon etc there are two versions managed and unmanaged

I'd like to figure out which is best for me and if i'll need POE (Power over Ethernet) as i'll be adding a few security cameras and i assume this will get them powered up and running as needed?

little confused as currently i have a patch panel and only 4 devices to run from it so they go to the superhub that way.

But i'll be adding at least another 8 Ethernet points shortly and 4 devices into the network so i think a 24 port switch will take care of things.

Just need some advice which is the best to go for?

pepp77 · 13 Sep 2015 at 11:14

Managed is only really necessary if you want to do more than just allow multiple connections to the same network (things like Link aggregation, QOS, VLans etc).

POE would be a good call if you want to add video cameras to it.

Something like the NETGEAR FS728TP - Solid fairly cheap POE switch. Benefit of 4 non-poe ports for uplinks as well. Have used these many times for work to run IP Phones.

Another option if you want to look at a managed switch is the TP-LINK T1500-28. Never used one, but generally TP-Link make pretty reliable gear.

thenewoc · 13 Sep 2015 at 11:26

Some people do put their cameras onto a separate vlan.

You can get something in between managed and unmanaged, often referred to as a smart switch.

I have a D-Link DGS-1210-28 28 Port Gigabit Smart Switch which can be had for just over £100. It's not fully managed but has loads of features and is fanless, so silent.

http://www.dlink.com/uk/en/business...s/dgs-1210-series-gigabit-smart-plus-switches

bledd · 13 Sep 2015 at 11:35

If you don't know the difference, you want unmanaged.

Hobbsie · 13 Sep 2015 at 13:34

dont go down the vlan route its not worth it.