If you are here, then we are sure that you must be looking out for the best 5 port gigabit switch. We can assure you that you are at the right place. This article will surely help you in finding the right kind of 5 port gigabit switch that can serve your needs and requirements well. You must be knowing that gigabit ethernet switches are available with different numbers of ports. The numbers may range from 2 to more than 16. Going out with a 5 port switch can cater to your needs and requirements in a better manner especially if you are looking out for a switch to carry out your home or small office’s networking needs. Choosing the right kind of 5 port switch can prove to be a trickier proposition if you are not much familiar with them. This happens because there are numerous brands that are engaged in their manufacturing and it might create confusion in selecting the right kind of 5 port gigabit switch. To solve this problem of yours, we have presented before you a well-researched article that can really guide on the certain aspects that need to be considered when you go out to purchase a 5 port gigabit Ethernet switch. This article will also help in answering many of your queries to further simplify your buying decisions. Let’s proceed.
Why you should think about investing in a 5 port gigabit switch?
If you are not a person who is much familiar with the various stuff of networking, you might be thinking that whether investing in a 5 port gigabit switch will prove to be worthier or not. The cost of a switch is directly proportional to the number of ports that the switch has. If you want your connections to work efficiently and that too at a higher speed, you will require a switch for that matter. If we talk particularly about small offices or homes, they are characterized by having lesser options that need to be connected. In such kind of scenarios, investing up in a 5 port gigabit switch can really serve you well.
Are 5 port gigabit switches capable enough to affect your network speed?
Many people are confused about whether 5 port gigabit switches affect your network speed or not. Well, the simple answer to this question is yes. The use of 5 port gigabit switches does affect your network speed. The 5 port gigabit switches that we have mentioned in our product reviews have the capability of going up to 10 Gbps. You should make sure that the 5 port gigabit Ethernet switch that you choose to go for should have a speed that is faster than the internet. Considering this factor will surely benefit your system in providing you with a great network speed. Their increasing demand amongst the buyers is prominent evidence that these switches do affect the network speeds.
Types of 5 port gigabit ethernet switches
When we talk specifically about 5 port gigabit ethernet switches they can be further classified into the following types:-
Modular switches
Modular switches allow you to build a professional network by expanding the capabilities that you require for it. When your network grows up, you can easily add up more modules and that too without buying a new switch. Modular switches help you in providing a great flexibility but at the same time, they are costlier owing to their complexities. Therefore, if you intend to go out to purchase a switch that can provide you with expandability and fulfills your large networking requirements, you must go with a modular switch.
Fixed switches
As their name implies, fixed switches are not at all expandable and their respective models are made to be used in homes or businesses. Fixed switches are further classified as managed switches, partially managed switches and unmanaged switches. Let’s have a brief look at them.
Managed switches
These switches provide you with a full management over your network as well a great level of security. They allow you to set up and configure virtually any specific part of your network. Managed switches are generally put into use in organizations and growing networks.
Partially managed switches
These switches are known as smart switches. They have some basic levels of security regarding your network. Partially managed switches allow you to set up QoS and VLANs.
The management interface of a partially managed switch is simpler than the interface of a managed switch.
Unmanaged switches
These switches are primarily put into use in home and small business networks. They are budget friendly but they cannot be modified or managed. They exhibit simplicity in their operations. You simply need to plug them in, connect your device and then use them to serve your requirements.
PoE switch
PoE is the acronym for Power over Ethernet. These switches power up IP phones or wireless access points to transfer/transmit data to the device through the same cable. When it comes to larger networks, PoE switches provide greater flexibility and they are also handy when it comes to places that have a difficult to reach the power outlet.
Stackable switches
These switches provide you with the facility to connect multiple switches and configure them just like a single entity. On the other hand, standalone switches are to be used after configuring them separately. When it comes to home and small businesses use, standalone switches are a better choice. You should choose to go with a stackable switch if your network is growing rapidly.
What factors you should consider before buying a 5 port gigabit switch?
When it comes to extending your network and picking up the switch that can satisfy your networking requirements, investing in a good quality 5 port gigabit switch can really prove to be a good choice. However, you should consider certain factors before you go out to purchase a 5 port gigabit switch. Let’s have a look at those factors.
Speed
Generally, there are two kinds of switches namely fast ethernet and gigabit ethernet. As compared to fast ethernet switches, gigabit fast ethernet switches are ten times faster. Therefore, you should always choose to go with 5 port gigabit ethernet switches.
Quality of service
Quality of service is an important factor to be considered when you decide to purchase a 5 port gigabit Ethernet switch. This feature allows you to manipulate the traffic of the network in accordance with the behavior that is required by the application that generates traffic. This feature allows your network to differentiate traffic and prioritize it accordingly. If you wish to stream video or music, QoS surely needs to be considered. QoS helps in prioritizing traffic amongst a bunch of certain other technical things.
Managed switches or unmanaged switches
Many people.tend to get confused when they have to choose between a managed switch and an unmanaged switch. Which one should you go for is dependent on the type of network that is being created by you. If you are looking out to put the switch into home usage and you are having limited amounts of technical and IT related knowledge, an unmanaged switch can serve you in the best manner. It comprises of a simple hub where you can get multiple devices plugged in. Unmanaged switches do not require any kind of updates or inputs. They get the job done in a smooth and quiet manner.
On the other hand, if you are a tech expert, then it’s obvious that you would be preferring managed switches. These switches provide you with the ability to log into a web-based user interface or even an app to further get some settings adjusted or the firmware updated. With managed switches, you can manage the QoS rules, VLANs or even get the limits of bandwidth set up. If you are not a tech expert, choosing to go with a managed switch can be a bit riskier. Moreover, managed switches are more costly as compared to unmanaged switches. Managed switches require resetting of factory configuration every time it needs to be done.
Best 5 port gigabit switches Reviews in 2021
Out of the numerous brands that are engaged in manufacturing the top-quality 5 port gigabit switches, we have presented before you our top 10 selections that can cater to your needs and requirements in the best of your interests. Our selections will further lessen up your confusion if you intend to buy a new 5 port gigabit switch. Let’s have a look at our top selections.
1. TP-Link 5 port gigabit ethernet network switch
When it comes to a 5 port gigabit switch that is easier to install and setup, then, in that case, TL-SG1005D network switch serves you in the best manner. You do not require any kind of software or previous technical knowledge to get its installation done. This unit comes up with an Ethernet splitter. Due to this the connectivity of this switch to wired devices including laptops, printers or gaming consoles becomes easier.
It operates quietly and creates no distraction and disturbance in the work environment. Owing to its reliable flow control, excellence in data transfer is exhibited by this switch. It simply increases the speed of your existing network. Its non-blocking architecture facilitates instant transferring of large, bandwidth-intensive files and that too without any interference. This unit can save upto 80% of the power. This feature is dependent on the link status as well as the cable length.
With its auto-MDI/MDIX support, it does not require any crossover cable. This unit can be a suitable choice for both home and office networks. This unit provides you with a limited lifetime warranty along with unlimited 24/7 free technical support.
Pros
- This switch has got a quicker network response time.
- It comes with an automatic plug and play operation.
- This switch aids in boosting network speed along with saving power.
Cons
- This unit might face speed consistency at times.
2. NETGEAR (GS305) 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The Netgear GS305-300PAS aids to power up your desktop systems adequately. It has got great reliability. It does not require any software installation and has a plug-and-play operation. It exhibits versatility in mounting options in the unit. This feature allows you to get the switch placed either on the wall or the desktop.
Owing to its fanless design, this switch does not create any kind of distraction caused by fan noise in your working environment. This switch serves to be an ideal choice for noise sensitive environments. This unit is compliant with IEEE802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet mode. It simply optimizes your power usage and lowers operating costs.
This switch lowers up the cost with its optimized power usage. Its efficient ethernet mode makes this unit a prominent choice for desktop systems. Along with desktops, this 5 port gigabit ethernet switch works well with modems and WiFi access points as well. This unit is suitable for both home and business networks. This switch further provides your system with advanced protection. This switch is durable and reliable enough to serve you in the long run. Moreover, it also comes up with a leading 3-year limited hardware warranty.
Pros
- The Netgear GS305-300PAS switch provides energy efficiency.
- This switch is budget-friendly.
- This switch comes up with a software-free configuration.
Cons
- At times this company may provide not so good support service.
3. Netgear (GS105NA) 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged switch
If you intend to buy a switch that gives you a great performance, then the GS105NA unmanaged switch will be the right choice for you. This switch presents before you a great level of energy efficiency which gives great returns on your investment. This unit optimizes power usage and further reduces the operation cost. It exhibits versatility in its mounting options. This switch supports both desktops as well as wall mount placements.
Moreover, this product is also durable enough to last for a long period of time. In order to protect the business environment, this unmanaged switch comes up with whisper-quiet operation which makes this unit an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments.
This switch features an easy plug-and-play configuration. This makes it an ideal choice for small and medium enterprises. This switch saves up energy on one hand and provides an awesome connectivity on the other hand. This unit is covered with an industry best lifetime limited hardware warranty. It also provides you the facilities of 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert as well as the next business day replacement.
Pros
- This switch does not require any configuration.
- This switch features a whisper-quiet operation.
- The Netgear 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged switch is extremely energy efficient.
Cons
- This switch is unable to go over 500 Mbps.
- The Netgear 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged switch is a bit on the pricier side.
4. Trendnet 5-port unmanaged gigabit desktop metal switch
The Trendnet 5-port unmanaged gigabit desktop metal switch is appropriately designed to deal with bottlenecks in the traffic for a long time. Its ports help in providing you with hassle-free network speed with the least amount of fluctuations. Its design is crafted to make this switch suitable for desktop installations. The RJ-45 ports present in this switch ensure high-speed network connections to devices and the 10 Gbps of switching capacity ensures that data traffic flows smoothly by reducing traffic bottlenecks.
This switch also features high-speed bandwidth performance and also facilitates easier use. This switch allows you to reduce the power consumption by 70%. With its GREENnet technology, the power consumption of the switch gets adjusted automatically as per your requirement.
This switch does not require any management operations. With its low noise operation, there is no distraction when it is being used. When this switch is not working, it’s standby mode minimizes the power requirements which further reduces the expenses incurred on power usage.
Pros
- This switch is easier to install and use.
- The Trendnet 5-port unmanaged gigabit desktop metal switch features a standby mode.
- This switch detects as per cable length.
- This switch is crafted in a fanless design.
Cons
- This switch is larger in size as compared to other options.
5. Netgear (GS205) 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged switch
The Netgear GS205 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged switch aids in providing you with a great connectivity. The most unique feature about this switch is that it provides you with a 10% faster connection as compared to most of the switches in the market. To show activity on every port, this switch features LED lights. With its energy efficient technology, using this switch you can save up a lot of power. This unit exhibits versatility in its mounting options by providing you with the facility of both desktop and wall mount placement.
Its auto-negotiation feature allows you to get a secured connection and that too at a greater speed. It provides you with a great level of durability, performance and reliability. This switch serves you pretty well in the long run. The GS205 features a non-blocking architecture that provides you with maximum throughput at the wire speed.
This switch does not require any kind of software installation or configuration. To ensure that you don’t need any crossover cables, this unit comes up with an auto-MDI/MDIX. It simply boosts up the speed of your connection. This switch is reliable and durable enough to serve you the best in the long run.
Pros
- This unit features a fan-less construction.
- For showing activity, this unit comes up with LEDs.
- The Netgear GS205 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged switch provides a stronger connection.
- This is a reliable and durable switch that can serve you in the long run.
Cons
- If you use this unit with a powerline line ethernet connection you can lose a bit of speed from each connection.
- At times it may fail to maintain gigabit connections.
6. Linksys business (LGS1105) unmanaged switch
The Linksys Business LGS105 unmanaged switch is a suitable choice to be used for businesses. It can easily boost up the network speed up to 1000 Mbps. This in turn has a direct effect on the speed of your business. This unmanaged switch comes up with 5 gigabit Ethernet auto-sensing ports. This port provides you with the best and the most effective connectivity possible. In order to boost the performance of the connection, this unit features a QoS prioritization. It also helps in controlling the traffic to a large extent.
This switch allows you to enhance the speed of the local network and further makes it better. The ports of Linksys LGS105 have the capability to optimize the speed automatically for all the devices that are connected to it. This package comes up with a documented CD, a power adapter, a quick buying guide along with a mounting kit for providing more convenience.
The features of plug-and-play convenience and auto-sensing ports in this switch aid in automatically optimizing the speed of each connected device. It provides an easy and quick solution to extend your existing office network.
Pros
- It can easily work for speed up to 1000 Mbps.
- This product comes up with a lot of accessories.
- It is easier and quicker to install.
- It can easily optimize the speed of your network.
Cons
- This switch is a little bit on the pricier side.
- Its tech support needs to get improved.
7. Aumox 5 port gigabit ethernet network switch
The Aumox 5 port gigabit ethernet network switch along with transferring the data of large files on one hand, also aids in boosting up the network capacity on the other hand. The best thing about this switch is that you can use it in both homes and offices in order to rightfully send bandwidth files.
With the production of low amounts of heat during its operation, this switch provides you with a great amount of stability. Because of its flexible design, the users can easily mount this unit on either a wall or a desktop and that too without any complexities. This unit doesn’t require any configuration and comes up with an easy to plug-and-play feature.
This unit easily gets integrated with the office environment owing to its fanless design. It is an ideal choice for the SOHO network bandwidths can be easily and economically increased. This switch helps in eliminating glitches to further expand your existing network.
A great level of durability and stability is exhibited by the product owing to its fine steel housing. It also provides you with reliable outdoor security surveillance. This unit can either be mounted on a wall or positioned on your desktop.
Pros
- This switch has the capability to transfer large files.
- This switch features a flexible construction.
- It comes up with a 6KV lightning protection.
- This switch is extremely durable.
- It might face some minor breakage in some connections.
8. Tenda (SG105) 5-port gigabit ethernet desktop switch
If you want to enhance the speed of transmission of your network, then in that case, the Tenda SG105 desktop switch can serve you pretty well. This switch allows you to set-up an extremely efficient LAN network. As compared to an ordinary 5 port switch, the Tenda SG105 can increase the transmission speed of your device by up to 10 times.
This unit is available in both managed and unmanaged form. This switch does not require any kind of configuration and that is the best part about it. The unique design of this 5 port gigabit Ethernet switch provides great efficiency and takes up a little space. It comes in a pretty dome-shaped pattern plastic case that can fit perfectly on any desktop decor. This product comes up with a 3-year warranty as well as 24×7 technical support.
Pros
- This switch does not require crossover cables.
- It is a perfect choice to be used in tight areas.
- It helps in boosting up network capacity.
- The Tenda SG105 5-port gigabit ethernet desktop switch is not an ideal choice for mesh WiFi.
- There have been complaints missing manuals in some of the packages.
9. MokerLink 5 port gigabit POE switch
To increase and enhance the bandwidth in your system, you should choose to go with the MokerLink 5 port gigabit POE switch. This switch features an unmanaged plug-and-play operation. It works silently without distracting the respective working environment. It provides maximum support of 78W.
With its Integrated power supply feature, it’s installation becomes easier and effective. You can use this unit for both home as well as office networks. Along with them, this switch can also be used for wireless access points, desktop systems as well as IP cameras.
Its company provides you with a lifetime technical support and a 30-day money back guarantee. This device is able to automatically detect devices owing to its power detection function. All the five ports present in this unit support 1000 Mbps of gigabit rate that aids in further enhancing the bandwidth in a better manner. When it comes to a larger proportion of home or office environments, this switch works perfectly fine.
Pros
- This product is easier to install.
- It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- This unit is equipped with a power detection facility.
- Its company provides the buyer with lifetime technical support.
- Nothing as such.
10. Netgear 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged PoE switch
The Netgear 5-port gigabit ethernet unmanaged PoE switch comes up with 55 W of total power. It features 5 gigabit ports that do not require any kind of configuration and they are able to work straight away. This unit is renowned for its reliability. To ensure that you do not get distracted with any kind of noise in your working environment, this unit comes up with a fan-less design.
This unit saves up on your power requirements which makes this switch highly energy efficient. Be it WiFi access points, IP phones or security cameras, this unit works efficiently for all of them. This device is having the capability to support both desktops as well as wall-mount placements. This switch also comes up with a three-year limited hardware warranty.
Pros
- This device is easier to configure.
- It has compatibility with energy ethernet mode.
- It operates silently thereby does not adversely impact the working environment.
Cons
- This switch might face some minor updating issues.
- This switch is on the pricier side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is an Ethernet switch?
An Ethernet switch is a device that is used to establish a network connection between computers and some other devices. It operates as the central hub which establishes connections between PCs, printers, hoke entertainment centers and gaming consoles to one another using a wired network.
2. Do ethernet switches reduce network speed?
Not at all. In fact, an Ethernet switch further improves the network’s overall performance. An Ethernet switch can also aid in reducing signal loss and interference in WiFi connections. Although the speed of your connection will remain the same but at the same time, it will aid you in improving the performance of your network.
3. What exactly is an unmanaged Ethernet switch?
Unmanaged switches are characterized by having a plug-and-play architecture. They do not require any connection and you can simply plug them in, connect your devices to the switch and then enjoy networking without any unnecessary intervention. Unmanaged switches have default QoS settings. However, they are not a better option to be considered when it comes to security. They are the ideal choice for small businesses and home users and they are inexpensive too.
4. Do switches offer better performance than ethernet hubs?
A switch aids in connecting various network segments including PCs, printers, gaming consoles etc. Hubs on the other hand aid in connecting various ethernet devices together so that they operate as a single statement. Switches do offer better performance than ethernet hubs. They do this by forwarding data to the needed network segments in a selective manner. If you intend to use applications that generate huge amounts of traffic that includes playing multiplayer games or sharing of heavy audio files, a switch will serve you pretty well. In such cases, you just need to be cautious while selecting the best switch for your home network.
Conclusion
We expect that this article would have surely clarified many of your doubts related to 5 port gigabit switches. We always aim to provide you with the most authentic and reliable content that can help you in getting the products that fulfill your needs and requirements. The options of 5 port gigabit Ethernet switch that are presented in this article not only will aid you in providing greater network speed but will also provide you a hassle-free experience. If you have any further queries, you can write to us or you can mention your queries in the comments section. We will surely provide you with answers as soon as possible. Don’t forget to mention your feedback on this article that is highly valued by us. Thanks for reading.
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