Network Switches
Network Switches runs from desktop PoE+ units like TRENDnet's 16-port TPE-TG161H to data center switches such as Arista's 7150S with 48 SFP+ ports and QSFP+ uplinks. In between sit Ruckus ICX, HPE FlexNetwork and Aruba, Extreme, Allied Telesis and Alcatel-Lucent campus switches in managed and Layer 3 versions. The usual sorting questions are port count and speed, PoE budget, uplink type and whether the switch will stack.
- 9,666 parts
- Free U.S. ground shipping on in-stock parts
Network Switches: 9,666 products
Buying guide
Choosing a network switch
Managed or unmanaged
Managed switches add VLANs, monitoring and access control. Layer 3 models also route between subnets.
PoE budget
Check both the PoE standard (802.3af, at or bt) and the total power budget, which caps how many devices can draw full power at once.
Uplinks and stacking
Uplink ports (SFP+, SFP28, QSFP) set the speed to the core. Stacking lets several switches be managed as one.
Airflow and licensing
In data center racks, match fan direction (port-side intake or exhaust) to your hot and cold aisles. Software feature licenses and support follow the manufacturer's terms.
Network Switches
Frequently asked questions
How much PoE budget do I need?
Add up the maximum draw of every powered device: around 15W for an 802.3af phone, up to 30W for 802.3at access points and cameras, and more for 802.3bt devices. Then leave headroom.
Can switches from different brands stack together?
No. Stacking uses vendor-specific cables and protocols, and usually needs the same model family and firmware. Different brands connect with standard uplinks instead.
What does port-side intake mean?
Air enters at the side with the network ports and exits at the power-supply side. Data center switches come in both directions so they can match your aisle layout.
