An Ethernet switch is a networking device that can connect multiple wired devices like computers, laptops, printers and servers within a Local Area Network (LAN). It acts as a smart traffic controller for your devices and the Internet. It uses MAC addresses to forward data specifically to the right device, which improves speed, efficiency and security. Ethernet switches can come in various sizes (4, 8, 16, 32, 64 ports, etc.) to expand the number of available wired connections.

An Ethernet switch is a better option than an Ethernet splitter when you’re looking to connect multiple wired devices. Ethernet switches provide superior performance and allow multiple devices to operate at full speed. Ethernet splitters can limit speeds to your devices and are considered outdated and should only be used as a temporary workaround.

Yes, Ethernet switches need to be powered in order to operate because they are active devices that process and distribute network traffic. They need to be powered because their components, chips, processors, buffer memory, and power circuit, need electricity to process and forward data. Most Ethernet switches require a standard wall outlet (AC adapter) while some smaller switches can be powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE) from another network device. There’s no such thing as an Ethernet switch that runs solely from network signals.

Yes, you have to plug an Ethernet switch into a router in order to expand your network. You can connect any port on the Ethernet switch to the LAN port on the router. This setup allows you to add more devices like computers, TVs and video game consoles (Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox) to your network since Ethernet switches allow multiple devices to share a single router connection.