The Best Ethernet Splitters
When it comes to speed and reliability, WiFi doesn't hold a candle to the mighty Ethernet cable. To set up a wired local area network (LAN) with Ethernet cables, you're going to need an Ethernet splitter, also known as an Ethernet switch. This lets you hook up your internet connection to multiple ports with a much greater speed than WiFi. Or if you want to set up a home server with all of your media, an Ethernet splitter can help multiple devices access it at once. Here, we explore some of our favorite Ethernet splitters on the market.
What to Look For
When you’re setting up a LAN at home, you don’t want sub-par equipment. That’s why we’ve curated these top Ethernet splitters using these key questions: What is the top data transfer speed? How many ports does it have? And how easy is it to install? Our fastest model, the option from Netgear, tops at out 10Gbps. This option also requires no setup or programming, since you only need to plug everything in to get it going. But if you’re more adept with network configuration and advanced settings, you might want to check out TP-Link’s gigabit Ethernet splitter. It comes in both unmanaged and “smart” options depending on your needs. Below, we dive into the details, so read on.
TP-Link TL-SG105 Gigabit Ethernet Splitter
All systems go
This Ethernet splitter from TP-Link takes all of the guesswork and technical jargon off the table and simply works. To get it going, just plug in your modem or router into the first port and your devices into the remaining ports. Each port is capable of transfer speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps). That’s plenty for most home internet speeds, letting you download and stream 4K movies with ease.
Pros:
- We like that the internals are solidly built, with shielded Ethernet ports and a well-sized heatsink to keep the main chips cool.
- You can between an unmanaged or managed splitter. The managed splitter lets you configure advanced settings through a browser.
- There are indicator lights to show when ports are connected or streaming data. It also shows whether the port is using 1000Mbps or 10 to 100Mbps.
Cons:
- This works well for home networks. However, for professional settings, it’s less secure because each port can have access to the management interface.
TP-Link Litewave LS1005G Plastic Ethernet Splitter
Lose the lag
Are you looking for a plug-and-play, affordable Ethernet splitter? Look no further, because the Litewave could just be your best option. It comes in multiple configurations, letting you choose between 5-, 8,- 16, and 25-port options. Each connection allows up to 1Gbps, which is more than enough for gaming and streaming. There are also no configuration screens to navigate or programs to install — simply connect this to your router and computers and you are good to go.
Pros:
- This Ethernet splitter supports link aggregation. This lets you connect to other Ethernet switches for even greater bandwidth.
- The power consumption is adjusted automatically based on the status of the connection and the length of the Ethernet cable. This lowers the energy use of the device considerably.
Cons:
- There is no way of managing specific ports or settings.
Tenda TEG1005D Gigabit Wallmounted Ethernet Switch
Lightning-fast speeds
As any pro knows, cable management is important. With the Tenda TEG1005D, you have the option of wall mounting. This lets you choose the perfect spot in your home for running cables. And whether you need five ports or up to 24 ports, this splitter can go up to 1Gbps on each one.
Pros:
- As a plug-and-play device, there are no messy technical settings to sort out. This smart switch automatically configures itself for optimal data transfer on each port.
- The indicator lights let you know if the connection is working at 1,000Mbps (Megabits per second) or between 10 and 100Mbps. That way, you can see if a device is using a lot of bandwidth at a glance.
Cons:
- This Ethernet splitter may not work well with mesh WiFi routers.
NETGEAR 10-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
Streamline your data
With the latest fiber-optic internet speeds, you might need an Ethernet splitter with a little more power. Enter this Ethernet switch from Netgear, with its two 10Gbps ports and eight 1Gbps ports. The 10 Gigabit speeds can be used to transfer huge files between computers (such as 4K or 8K video) in minutes instead of hours. And if you store your media on a home server, it’ll be much quicker to access and download. This switch comes with all the standard features of an unmanaged splitter: data-speed indicator lights, automatic switching, wall- or rack-mounting, and energy-efficient components.
Pros:
- Plastic feet come included if you want to keep this on a desk. These keep it secure and prevent it from slipping and disrupting internet connections.
- As an unmanaged Ethernet splitter, its installation is a breeze. It automatically detects the needs of each connection with its internal circuitry.
Cons:
- Using the 10Gbps ports generates quite a bit of heat, which can be felt through the metal enclosure.
Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Splitter
Split in style
Most Ethernet splitters aren’t very easy on the eyes. While it might be fine for some folks, some prefer elegant-looking hardware, such as this Ethernet splitter from Netgear. We like that it has its ports on the back, but the indicator lights are on the front. And not only is it more stylish than its industrial-looking competitors, but it also has great specs. Each port offers speeds of up to 1Gbps, which will suffice for most gaming, streaming, and peer-to-peer file sharing needs.
Pros:
- This is a fully plug-and-play device and it runs automatically with smart-switching firmware. This means each connection will be stable without messing with complex settings.
- Because of the all-white design, it blends in nicely against a white backdrop. It also makes it easy to read the indicator lights in case there’s a connection down and you need to troubleshoot the cables.
Cons:
- There are unfortunately no wall-mounting holes, although you may be able to mount with strong double-sided mounting tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gigabits and gigabytes?
A bit is an eighth the size of a byte. Therefore, 1 Gigabyte per second translates to 8 Gigabits per second. Generally, Gigabytes are used when describing computer memory, and Gigabits are used when describing internet traffic speeds.
What is “link aggregation”?
Link aggregation lets you use multiple splitters to increase the available bandwidth. So if you have two 1Gbps ports, they can combine to allow for 2Gbps transfer speeds. This is a great way to increase data transfer speeds on a budget since 1Gbps Ethernet splitters are highly affordable.
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