Best Networking Picks
A good network is the one you never think about. These picks favor reliability and fair prices over spec sheets.
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TP-Link 8-Port PoE+ Smart Switch
Cheap way to power cameras and access points over one cable, with VLAN support.
Pros- VLAN and basic management
- PoE+ for cameras and APs
- Fanless and quiet
- Basic web interface
- Limited PoE power budget
Wi-Fi 6 PoE Access Point
One well-placed access point beats a router with a weak signal in the far room.
Pros- Better coverage
- Powered by the switch
- Needs a PoE switch or injector
2.5G Unmanaged Switch
An inexpensive upgrade for faster file transfers to a NAS or between PCs.
Pros- Faster than gigabit
- Plug and play
- Small and silent
- Only helps if your devices have 2.5G ports