Do you want to connect more than a few devices in your office or home to share information?
When it comes to connecting several devices, your modem alone is not enough. You need a reliable gigabit switch to plug in multiple Ethernet-enabled devices, such as computers, game consoles, printers, and others.
Gigabit switches with 5 ports make the best choice for connecting devices in both home and office. With a 5 port gigabit switch, you can easily connect up to five devices and expand your network.
In this post, we have reviewed the best 5-port gigabit switch. So if you are planning to get a new switch for your home or office, you should go through the reviews below.
7 Best 5-Port Gigabit Switch
Instead of hunting down the internet, you should check the reviews of the best 5 port gigabit switch below. Go through the details and pick the one that best suits your requirements.
#1. TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch | Unmanaged (TL-SG1005D): Editor’s Choice
- PLUG-AND-PLAY - Easy setup with no configuration or no software needed
- ETHERNET SPLITTER - Connectivity to your router or modem router for additional wired connections...
- 5 Port GIGABIT ETHERNET - 5 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit auto-negotiation RJ45 ports greatly expand...
TP-Link is a brand that needs no introduction. If you want the best 5 port gigabit switch, you might as well go for the TL-SG1005D Unmanaged Switch from TP-Link. We have covered the details of the unit to give you a clear idea.
Why is it Unique?
This 5-port gigabit switch is designed for faster speeds. It includes non-blocking, 5 1000/100/10 Mbps ports to transfer large files instantly and without interference.
The non-blocking switching system offers faster network response times. Not only that, but it also speeds up the traffic between subnets by filtering and forwarding packets at full speed for maximum throughput.
It is a new generation gigabit switch that is built with advanced, energy-efficient technologies. This can help increase your network capacity while consuming much less power.
Buyer’s Experience
Many customers prefer this unit because of its plug-and-play design. It has auto features that make it easy to install and operate. Unlike other network switches, it doesn’t require any configuration.
Each port can automatically sense the link speed of a network device and adjust it for optimal performance.
Another reason to like this unit is that it has a fanless quiet design. It operates silently, without causing any hassles.
Pros
- It is an energy-efficient unit.
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- It has an easy plug-and-play design.
- It comes with a sturdy metal case.
Cons
- It doesn’t have network management options.
- Some users claim that it offers average performance.
Best Fit For
You can use this unit to connect your modem or router for additional wired connections such as game consoles, laptops, printers, etc. In other words, you can use it in a small office or home.
#2. NETGEAR 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305): Best Overall
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
Netgear is another brand that has a strong reputation in the network equipment market. The GS305 Gigabit Switch provides a reliable and easy way to expand your network. You can take full advantage of this unit in your home or office.
Why is it Unique?
It features an energy-efficient design, so you can save more power and lower your costs of operation. To add to it, the unit is also compliant with IEEE802.3az.
Another unique thing is the fanless design. This enables the unit to function in complete silence. So if you want a network switch for noise-sensitive environments, this could be the perfect choice for you.
Buyer’s Experience
This unit is extremely popular among buyers because of its plug-and-play design. All you need to do is plug in the unit and it’s ready to use.
It comes with a rugged metal case for durability and includes an auto MDI/MDI LED indicator on each port.
It provides versatile mounting options, so you can place it near a desktop or mount it on the wall.
Pros
- It includes a 3-year limited warranty.
- It is a durable unit.
- It is equipped with power-saving technology.
- It operates silently.
Cons
- It lacks network management.
- It doesn’t have a good interface.
Best Fit For
The Netgear GS305 is built to last. It is a reliable network switch that is ideal for both home and office use. It works effectively for small-scale operations.
#3. Linksys SE3005: 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch: Best Featured
- Full duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and half duplex backpressure with intelligent port based...
- All ports support auto MDI/MDI X cable detection
- Non head of line blocking architecture
Next up, we have the Linksys SE3005 Gigabit Switch. If you are looking for a feature-rich unit that will give full value for your money, then this unit is for you. But before you decide to get it home, let’s take a look at its features.
Why it is Unique?
This unit is built for performance. It can easily connect up to 5 devices in your office or home network. Unlike other switches, it doesn’t involve any complications. Simply plug in to connect the devices you want.
It is equipped with full-duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control as well as half-duplex backpressure. Along with that, it has broadcast rate control and intelligent port-based congestion detection.
It has five ports and all of them support auto MDI/MDI X cable detection. The QoS prioritizes audio and video applications for a better streaming experience.
Buyer’s Experience
The prime reason behind the popularity of this unit is that it is energy-efficient. It comes with an advanced power-saving mode that causes it to consume less power. It detects unused ports to save power. With this unit, you can save more on operation costs.
It includes auto-sensing ports that help increase data flow rates of 10/100/1000 Mbps. It provides 10x faster connections than a standard Ethernet switch.
Pros
- It has a power-saving mode.
- It is 10x faster than other units.
- It is built for long-term service.
- It doesn’t require configuration.
Cons
- Some users claim the ports are slow.
- It might have some quality issues.
Best Fit For
This unit is ideal for small offices, especially if you want to save energy. It is not only power-saving but also allows you to enjoy faster speeds.
#4. Cisco SG100D-05-NA 5 Port Gigabit Desktop Switch: Best Budget
- 128GMB RAM/Flash Memory
- 5x Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 7.4 Mbps Forwarding Capacity
If you have budget constraints, no worries, you can still get a reliable and fast network switch. One of the fine examples is the SG100D-05 5 Port Gigabit Switch from Cisco. It includes all the features you will find in a high-end network switch.
Why is it Unique?
It provides non-blocking, wire-speed switching for your 1000/100/10 megabit network clients. To improve performance and energy efficiency, it is equipped with Quality of Service.
It has a 7.4 Mbps forward capacity and 10 Gbps switching capacity. It is a compact unit with a silent, fanless design. You can place it anywhere, without worrying about it being noisy.
It is also easy to set up. You can either place it on the desk or mount it on the wall, whatever you are more comfortable with.
Buyer’s Experience
This unit from Cisco has received a solid 4-star rating on Amazon. Buyers who have used this product are quite satisfied with its performance.
The good thing about this is that it works without a lot of configuration. This makes it easy and convenient to use for users. Instead of spending hours configuring the unit, you can get started with it within no time.
It also doesn’t have any overheating issues, which is usually a big concern for buyers.
Pros
- It has a 7.4 Mbps forwarding capacity
- It can be mounted on the wall.
- It features a fanless design.
- It has a 10Gbps switching capacity.
Cons
- It has poor customer service.
- Some buyers have received faulty products.
Best Fit For
Cisco SG100D-05-NA works as intended. It is ideal for a small network and works quite effectively. Whether you want a network switch for your home or small business, this could be the perfect option for you.
#5. Tenda 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (SG105): Best Stability
- Maximum Range : 2200 Sq Ft
- This product includes one router unit.
- Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket...
Even though Tenda is not as popular as other brands on the list, it offers top-quality network equipment to users. The SG105 Gigabit Ethernet switch is all you need to expand your network. It is a user-friendly unit with a lifetime warranty.
Why is it Unique?
With this unit, you can establish quick and easy connectivity to your modem or router. It offers additional connections for your devices and thus, helps expand your network.
It ensures maximum network stability and speed. It is fast enough to remove the bottleneck of cascading bandwidth.
It has a store and forwarding mode, which enables it to transfer data without loss. This in turn ensures blazing speeds and increased stability for wired network performance.
It features a compact design and can be easily mounted on a wall. It provides a great way to add more Ethernet ports to your network, so you can meet all your network requirements.
Buyer’s Experience
Buyers are extremely happy with this product. They like the compact design as it allows them to place it anywhere they prefer. Unlike many other switches, it doesn’t occupy too much desk space.
They also like the plug-and-play design, which allows for a hassle-free setup. It includes auto features, which makes the installation process easier. Instead of spending hours, you can complete the setup in just a few minutes. Best of all, it doesn’t need any software or configuration.
Pros
- The ports have auto-sensing technology.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- It is easy to set up.
- It features a compact design.
Cons
- It comes with a plastic casing.
- It is not long-lasting.
Best Fit For
With this network switch from Tenda, you can easily expand your network at home or the office. It provides wired connections for various devices like game consoles, printers, computers, etc.
#6. TP-Link TL-SG105 | 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch: Best Durability
- PLUG-AND-PLAY - Easy setup with no configuration or no software needed
- ETHERNET SPLITTER - Connectivity to your router or modem for additional wired connections (laptop,...
- 5 Ports GIGABIT ETHERNET - 5 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit auto-negotiation RJ45 ports greatly expand...
If you are looking for a long-lasting and durable network switch, you should check out the TL-SG105 from TP-Link. This is yet another great TP-Link network switch we have on our list. It has also received loads of positive reviews from buyers.
Why is it Unique?
This unit is equipped with advanced features for a better experience. It includes QoS to manage traffic priority.
Multimedia traffic delivery is optimized by IGMP Snooping to ensure a better network experience, especially for applications like IPTV.
It is easy to operate and includes 5× 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports with Auto MDI/MDIX and Auto-Negotiation.
It is equipped with the latest energy-efficient technology that causes it to consume very little power. With this unit, you can both save money and expand your network.
Buyer’s Experience
Most buyers like this unit because it is reliable and quiet. Due to its fanless design, it operates silently.
It also allows for reliable data transfer and faster speeds. You can easily get started with the unit as it requires no software installation or configuration.
Like all other TP-Link products, the TL-SG105 is also quite durable. It features a sturdy metal case that makes it strong and long-lasting.
Pros
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- It consumes very little power.
- It doesn’t require software installation.
- It operates without any noise.
Cons
- VLAN is not functional.
- The setup process might have some issues.
Best Fit For
This network switch is considered the most ideal for small industries and homes. Also, it consumes very little power, so it will help you cut down operational costs.
#7. NETGEAR 5 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305EP): Best Design
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 4 PoE+ ports with 63W total power budget
- Plus software with easy-to-use interface offers basic managed capabilities to configure, secure, and...
Lastly, we have NETGEAR GS305EP, which is one of the best network switches you will find in the market. It has received a 4.5-star rating and lots of positive reviews from buyers. So if you are interested in a reliable network switch, this could be a good choice for you.
Why is it Unique?
It includes 4 PoE+ ports with a total PoE budget of 63W to power PoE applications like IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and more.
It is equipped with both basic and advanced network management features to optimize performance. With the web-based GUI, management becomes more flexible and easy.
Some of the notable features are QoS, VLANs, and IGMP Snooping. It also provides uninterrupted PoE and per-port PoE control.
It uses VLANs to separate traffic and deliver improved bandwidth and speed. The QoS prioritizes traffic for enhanced IGMP snooping for optimized performance.
Advanced per-port PoE controls help manage the power of the PoE-connected devices and more.
Buyer’s Experience
Most buyers have commented about its interface. They find it simple and easy to use. With the user-friendly interface, they can manage capabilities to secure, configure, and monitor the network.
This unit can either be placed near a desktop or mounted on a wall. It comes with an easy setup process to save time.
Buyers are also happy about the fact that it has a 3-year limited hardware warranty.
Pros
- It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
- It operates silently.
- It saves energy.
- It can be mounted on a wall.
Cons
- It randomly shut down ports.
- It is not very efficient.
Best Fit For
You can use this unit at any place you want. It is ideal for people who want an energy-efficient unit. It also operates silently, so you won’t even know about its existence.
Buying Guide For Best 5 Port Gigabit Switch
Finding the best 5 Port Gigabit switch is not easy. There are several important factors that you must consider while buying a gigabit switch. To help you out, we have laid down a buyer’s guide below.
1. Speed
Different gigabit switches have different speeds. If you want to stream videos, transfer data, or video call, you should get a high-speed switch. But if you have limited demands, you can settle for an Ethernet switch with lesser speed.
2. Durability
The next important consideration is durability. Whatever network switch you are buying, should be strong and durable. It should be built in a way so that it can withstand normal jerks or falls. In this case, a metal-cased switch will make the best choice. It will give you a long-lasting service, without any issues.
3. Number of Ports
The number of ports is one of the most crucial factors to be considered while buying a gigabit switch. The number of ports you need depends on the number of devices you want to connect. The 5-port switch is considered an ideal choice. But you will get switches with extra ports as well.
4. Auto-Negotiation Feature
Every switch is different in terms of features. When buying a unit for your home or office, you should check whether it has the auto-negotiation feature. Without this feature, the bandwidth allocation made by the switch will be like a hub. In other words, it will be inefficient. The absence of auto-negotiation can cause the speed to fluctuate a lot.
5. Mounting Options
Switches with mounting options are easy to install. It is a great feature to have in a network switch. When buying a new unit, check whether it has mounting options. This will enable you to mount it on the wall and save desk space. Switches with wall mounts are more flexible once they are installed.
6. Plug-And-Play Configuration
This is another important factor that you should consider before investing in a network switch. The plug-and-play configuration allows you to quickly set up the unit. Not only that, but it also ensures faster transfer speeds at all connected devices. If you want to configure the unit all by yourself, it is better to get a switch with a web interface. These units are easy to set up and can be managed by a non-tech-savvy persona as well.
7. Network Stability
Most modern switches offer a good transfer rate to all connected devices. However, not all of them ensure network stability. By stability, we mean constant rate. The best option would be to get a switch with a network stabilizing chip. This type of switch is better than the one that can stabilize the bandwidth it is transferring.
8. Warranty Period
Like all other devices, network switches are also manufactured meticulously. But there always exists a chance that the device will be faulty. This is why you should check the warranty period included with the product. A warranty card makes your purchase risk-free. It ensures that you can return or replace the unit in case it is not working. You should look for switches that have a long warranty period.
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(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is the purpose of a network switch?
Ans: Network switches act as important building blocks for any network. They are used to connect multiple devices, such as game consoles, laptops, printers, computers, and servers, on the same network. A switch enables connected devices to share and communicate with each other.
Q2. What are the three important functions of a switch?
Ans: A network switch has three basic functions, which include forwarding, learning, and preventing layer 2 loops.
Q3. What is a gigabit Ethernet switch?
Ans: An Ethernet switch is capable of transferring data packets at a speed of 10 megabits per second. On the other hand, a gigabit switch transfers data packets on gigabit per second. The major difference between the two types of switches lies in the speed.
Q4. What is the difference between a gigabit switch and an Ethernet switch?
Ans: An Ethernet switch can transfer data packets at a speed of 10 megabits per second, whereas, a Gigabit Ethernet switch transfers data packets at much higher speeds of one gigabit per second. To be precise, a Gigabit Ethernet switch can transfer data packets 100 times faster than an Ethernet switch.
Q5. Will a gigabit switch make the internet fast?
Ans: The answer is no. While the data from your device will flow at up to 1000Mbps, your internet speed is limited by your ISP. So if you are using a plan of 10Mbps connection, you will not get more than 10Mbps.
Final Verdict
With the best gigabit Ethernet switch, you can seamlessly expand your network. In the post above, we reviewed the best 5-port gigabit network switches. Choosing any of these units will allow you to connect up to 5 devices to expand your network. These units are perfect for both home and office use. They work effectively with small-scale networks. Hopefully, you will find something to meet your requirements.
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