An Ethernet switch is a straightforward way to add wired connections when a home router lacks enough ports, without replacing the router or affecting effective Wi-Fi coverage. Buyers should choose a model that matches their current network while allowing for future devices, rather than simply selecting the switch with the highest specifications.

Port counts must account for one port connecting to the router, while 1GbE is sufficient for Gigabit networks and 2.5GbE suits multi-gig internet, newer computers or fast NAS devices. Unmanaged switches are generally adequate for most homes, whereas managed models add features such as VLANs and traffic controls; PoE switches can power devices such as cameras, but their total power budget must be checked. Size, cooling and existing Cat5e cabling are also practical considerations.