Netgear

About NETGEAR

At NETGEAR, we turn ideas into innovative networking products that connect people, power businesses, and advance the way we live. Easy to use. Powerful. Smart. And designed just for you.

For Home

NETGEAR makes it easy for you to have the smartest home in the neighborhood, with the latest, fastest networking technology. Our range of easy-to-use products can help you stream movie night more often, watch almost anything on your tablet without buffering, check in on your home from your smartphone and store and protect all of your family's memories. From the most advanced wireless internet connectivity, to superior streaming, remote home video monitoring, and storage solutions, your home networking system will have the speed, range and performance you need, every time you need it. At NETGEAR, we focus on all things connected, with the goal of making your online experience seamless so you can sit back, relax and do more.

For Business

In business, confidence is everything. When it comes to your network, it's even more important. Whether you're a small business with big dreams or a mid-size business ready to take the next step, you need to share access and ideas safely, connect remote locations securely and give your people the tools to perform. At NETGEAR, we provide networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of big IT. Our advanced range of reliable, affordable networking products are easy to install and maintain. We deliver solutions you can count on, so you can spend more time on what matters most â€“ growing your business.

For Service Providers

Keeping your customers happy and loyal is everything. At NETGEAR we are dedicated to your success. That's why we deliver the tools and solutions you need to keep your residential and business customers connected, productive and satisfied. Partner with NETGEAR for home connectivity, home media, security and automation, and mobile solutions. We pay attention to the details that matter to you to deliver custom, cost-effective and scalable solutions that contribute to your bottom line.

Here are just a few of the popular categories highlighted for Netgear;

Learn more about Switches & Bridges

Network Switch Buying Guide

Connect Multiple Devices to a Network and Route Data to Designated Devices

What is a network switch and what does it do?

A network switch connects devices to a local area network (LAN) and allows the devices to communicate over the network. For example, you can connect computers, printers and servers to the same network switch and route data between them. Unlike an Ethernet hub, which transmits the same data through every output, a network switch sends data only to the devices designated to receive it. This improves the efficiency and potential throughput of the network.

Are there different types of network switches?

There are two main types of network switches, unmanaged and managed. The essential difference is the capability to configure the operation of a managed switch to customize and optimize network traffic for specific applications.

Unmanaged Switches

Offer plug-and-play functionality
Switch operation cannot be modified
CompSource offers desktop and rack-mount unmanaged switches

Managed Switches

Provide the ability to manage, prioritize and monitor LAN traffic
Offer one or more ways to modify switch operation
CompSource offers smart managed switches that feature an RJ45 console port and command line interface (CLI)

Where do you place network switches?

Network switches are usually placed on a desk or table, mounted on a wall, or mounted in a rack. CompSource offers unmanaged desktop switches (with metal or plastic housing) and both unmanaged and managed rack-mount switches with metal housing and a built-in PDU (Gigabit Ethernet Switch PDU Combos).

What is a Gigabit Ethernet Switch PDU Combo?

CompSource offers an exclusive line of unmanaged and managed Gigabit Ethernet switches that have Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Factors to Consider

Does your application require a managed switch?

If your application involves controlling network traffic, you will need the features of a managed switch. The following are some examples of tasks that require a managed switch:

Controlling access between departments within your LAN
Running many bandwidth-intensive applications simultaneously
Giving important data greater priority in your LAN

Improving the performance of a busy network
Implementing VoIP, wireless LANs or other advanced services

How many devices do you need to connect to your network?

Make sure you select a switch with enough Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps) Ethernet ports for the devices you want to connect to your network. If you think you'll add more devices in the future, choose a switch that will give your network room to grow.

Do you need to connect multiple network switches?

If you plan to connect multiple network switches, look for models with SFP uplink ports (also known as Mini-GBIC ports). SFP uplink ports are connection points for SFP (small form-factor pluggable) modules that allow the switch to uplink to other switches using optical fiber cabling.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) uses existing network cables to power connected devices, such as VoIP phones, wireless access points and surveillance cameras. If you need this functionality, look for a switch with Gigabit Ethernet ports that support PoE. Make sure the power per port (in watts) and the total power budget of the PoE ports meet the needs of your electronic devices.

CompSource will educate and help make this process enjoyable and easy.

Whether you're planning on using your network for basic home tasks or enterprise level security. You can tell our trained sales professionals your needs, and we'll make custom recommendations to suit your specifications and budget. Our reps have extensive knowledge and love to share. We educate, not sell, CompSource makes sure you buy what you need and not waste money on what you don't. As with every decision we never push, it's up to you when, and if you make a purchase.

CompSource has a great technical staff that can help with a solution for your exact needs.

Chat with us or give our professionals a quick phone call (800)-413-7361.