Built-in Switch vs External Switch: Expand Ports

What is a built-in switch?

Every router includes a built-in Ethernet switch that connects the LAN ports on the back. The listing will state the number of LAN ports and their speed, such as "4 Gigabit LAN ports". This switch handles all wired traffic between devices on your local network and the router's WAN connection.

The built-in switch is sufficient for households with a few wired devices. Common examples are a desktop computer, a game console, and a network printer. If your wired devices fit within the port count, you do not need an external switch. For most homes, four ports cover the typical setup: a computer, a console, a streaming box, and a printer. If you have a mesh system, each node may also have LAN ports, which can reduce the need for a separate switch. See our mesh Wi-Fi guide for more on node ports.

When are built-in ports enough?

Count the devices you plan to connect with Ethernet cables. If the number is equal to or less than the router's LAN port count, the built-in switch is enough. Most routers offer four LAN ports, which covers a typical home office or entertainment setup. For example, a desk with a computer, a monitor with a network port, and a printer uses three ports, leaving one spare.

For wireless-only devices, the router's Wi-Fi handles the connection. The built-in switch only matters for wired devices. If you have no wired devices, the port count is irrelevant. However, if you plan to connect a game console or a desktop for online gaming, wired connections are often preferred. Our gaming router guide explains what to look for in a router for wired gaming setups.

What is an external Ethernet switch?

An external Ethernet switch is a separate device that adds more LAN ports. You connect it to one of the router's LAN ports, and it provides additional ports for more wired devices. Switches come in various port counts (e.g., 5, 8, 16 ports) and speed classes (e.g., Gigabit, 2.5G, 10G). The listing for a switch will state its port count and speed, such as "5-port Gigabit switch".

Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play; managed switches offer configuration options. For home use, an unmanaged switch is usually sufficient. If you need to prioritize traffic for specific devices, a managed switch with QoS features might be worth considering, but that is more common in business settings. For most households, a simple unmanaged switch adds ports without extra setup.

When to add an external switch?

Add an external switch when you have more wired devices than router LAN ports. For example, if your router has four ports but you need to connect six devices, a switch gives you the extra ports. This is common in a home office with multiple computers, a NAS, and a printer, or in an entertainment center with a console, streaming device, and smart TV.

Also consider a switch if you need a faster port than the router provides. If your router has only Gigabit ports but you have a NAS or a gaming PC with a 2.5G or 10G port, a multi-gig switch can connect those devices at higher speeds. The switch connects to the router's Gigabit port, so internet speed remains limited by the router's WAN port, but local transfers between devices on the switch can run at the switch's speed. For more on multi-gig networking, see our multi-gig router guide.

Performance considerations

An external switch does not affect Wi-Fi performance. It only handles wired traffic. The switch's speed class determines the maximum data rate between devices connected to it. For example, a Gigabit switch supports up to 1 Gbps per port, while a 2.5G switch supports up to 2.5 Gbps. The router's built-in switch and the external switch operate independently.

Traffic between devices on the same switch stays on that switch and does not go through the router. This can reduce load on the router's CPU for local file transfers. For instance, moving large files between a computer and a NAS on the same switch does not consume the router's processing power. This is especially useful in homes with many wired devices. If you have a large home and use a mesh system, placing a switch at a satellite node can provide wired connections in that area without overloading the wireless backhaul. Our large home router guide offers more on wired backhaul and port expansion.

How to choose between built-in and external

Start by checking the router listing for the number and speed of LAN ports. If the port count meets your needs and the speed matches your devices, the built-in switch is enough. If you need more ports or faster ports, look for an external switch with the required port count and speed. Ensure the switch's speed class is at least as high as the fastest device you plan to connect.

For internet access, the router's WAN speed is the bottleneck, not the switch. If your internet plan is below 1 Gbps, a Gigabit switch is sufficient. If you have a multi-gig internet plan, you may need a router with a multi-gig WAN port and a switch that supports the same speed. Check the router's WAN port type in the listing. Our router WAN port guide explains the differences between Gigabit and multi-gig WAN ports.

When choosing a switch, consider the number of ports you need now and in the near future. It is often better to buy a switch with a few extra ports than to run out later. Also, consider the switch's form factor: some are desktop models, others are rack-mountable. For home use, a desktop switch is usually fine. If you plan to mount the switch on a wall, check the listing for mounting options. Our router placement tips may help with organizing your network equipment.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Do I need a managed or unmanaged switch?

For home use, an unmanaged switch is usually sufficient. Managed switches offer features like VLANs and traffic prioritization, which are more useful in business networks. Check the listing for "unmanaged" or "managed" to decide.

Can I connect a switch to any LAN port on the router?

Yes, any LAN port works. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to a router LAN port and the other end to the switch. The switch then provides additional ports.

Will a switch slow down my network?

A switch does not slow down your network. It forwards traffic at wire speed. If the switch's speed class matches or exceeds the router's port speed, there is no bottleneck. Internet speed is determined by your router's WAN connection.

Can I use a switch with a mesh system?

Yes, if the mesh node has a LAN port, you can connect a switch to it. This adds wired ports in that location. Check the mesh node's listing for LAN port availability. See our mesh expandability guide for more.

What is the difference between a switch and a hub?

Switches are intelligent and forward traffic only to the intended device, while hubs broadcast to all ports. Switches are standard for modern networks; hubs are obsolete. Listings will say "switch", not "hub".

Do I need a switch if my router has a built-in switch?

Only if you need more ports or faster ports than the built-in switch provides. Otherwise, the built-in switch is sufficient.