How do I add more Ports to my Router?

If you have used up all the Ethernet connections on the back of your router and you’re looking for a quick and easy way to increase the number of cable connections, you’ll need a Network Switch.
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Network Switches come in various sizes and which one suits you will depend on how many additional cable connections you need. The number of ports signifies the number of cable connections available.

​What size Network switches are available?

Switches normally come in the following sizes: 5 ports, 8 ports, 16 ports, 24 ports, and 48 ports 
One port is the ‘In’ connection, the link to your router. So if you need 5 additional connections you would need an 8 port switch, not a 5 port because a 5 port is one in and 4 out. 

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Which type of Network Switch do I need?

There are different types of Network switches but for a plug-and-play solution you’ll need an Unmanaged Network Switch this type needs no configuration they work straight out of the box out of the box.

Can I mount my Network Switch?

Smaller switches are normally designed to sit on a desk top, but generally have to holes on the back to allow them to be wall-mounted on screws as well. 

Larger switches normally have the option of being either desk top or rack mountable, meaning they can be fixed in place in a Data Cabinet. The mounts for a rack mounted switch can be fixed at 90 degrees to allow wall mounting as well. ​

Amazon Associate Links to suitable switches

The price of these products is the same for you but we make a small commission on each sale. Thank you for your support! Just image on the link to go to the product.

D-Link 8 Port Network Switch

TP-Link 5 Port Network Switch

TP-Link 8 Port Network Switch

TP-Link 16 Port Network Switch

Netgear 24 Port Network Switch

Netgear 8 Port Network Switch

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Which Brand of Network Switch should I choose?

There are many brands of switches available and the mainstream brands are all very reliable. Unmanaged Network switches are not expensive, especially the smaller ones. So my advice would be to stick to a brand you recognise. Manufacturers like TP-Link or Netgear are a good choice and they normally offer generous warranties on these types of products. I have put some links in the comments. These are Amazon affiliate links and the cost will be the same to you but we will receive a small commission from each sale. 

What else do I need to connect the Network Switch to the Router?

To connect the Network Switch to the Router you'll need an Ethernet cable. These go by various names including Cat5e, Cat6, LAN cable, Data cable or Network cable but they all mean the same thing. The cables come in various lengths and cables so you can choose the one that's best suited to you. Below are some Amazon affiliate links to suitable cables. Don't worry too much about the catergory of cable, Cat5e is fine for a Gigabit switch you do not need Cat8 or anything expensive. 

​How do I connect a Network Switch?

Setting up the switch is very simple:
First, unpack the switch and plug it into the power, then take the Ethernet cable and plug it into one of the Local Area Network or LAN ports on the back of your router. If you have to unplug something else don’t worry you can transfer that to the switch. 

Then take the other end of the Ethernet cable and plug it into the switch, when you do this you should see the little LED light next to the port start to blink. This is a link light and it means you have a connection. For Gigabit switches the light would normally be green. 

Connecting Devices to your Network Switch

Your network switch is now ready to use. You can plug any additional cables you want to into the switch. Don’t worry about whether a device should be plugged into the switch or the router, the performance will be identical (assuming everything is working correctly). 

What to do if the Network Switch isn't working?

​If you don’t see a link light, first check both the switch and the router are properly plugged in and powered up, they will normally have power lights. If they look fine then check the Ethernet cable, and if you can try replacing the cable. If it still doesn't work there may be an issue with the switch but that is very rare. 

If you see link lights any everything seems to be working but you are not getting an internet connection or the switch appears to be crashing ensure you do not have more than one cable from the router to the switch. If you have more than one connection to the router you will cause a Network Loop, this will mean traffic is being sent around and around in an endless cycle which will eventually cause your network to crash. 

Summary 

Network Switches are a great way to increase the number of cable connections available on your network. You can use as many network switches as you like on your network, so if you need more connections elsewhere then feel free to add more. 

I hope this information has been useful. If you have any questions or comments or if you have any other topics you would like to see covered please let me know in the comments below. 

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