I Tested an Ethernet Switch with WiFi: Here’s What You Need to Know!
As I delved deeper into the world of networking, I stumbled upon a game-changer that caught my attention: the Ethernet switch with Wi-Fi. In our increasingly connected lives, where seamless internet access is not just a luxury but a necessity, this innovative device bridges the gap between wired reliability and wireless convenience. Imagine a setup that not only enhances your network’s performance but also eliminates the clutter of multiple gadgets. This powerful combination is transforming how we connect our devices, ensuring that whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, you experience uninterrupted connectivity. Join me as I explore the fascinating realm of Ethernet switches with Wi-Fi, uncovering how they work and the myriad ways they can elevate your home or office network.
I Tested The Ethernet Switch With Wifi Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router, AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Network, IPv6 USB 2.0, Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode, Router for Public Use, Easy Setup with Guide
TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point Desktop Wi-Fi Bridge MU-MIMO & Beamforming Supports Multi-SSID/Client/Range Extender Mode 4 Fixed Antennas Passive PoE Powered (TL-WA1201)
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
BrosTrend AC1200 WiFi to Ethernet Adapter, 1200Mbps Dual Band Universal Wireless Bridge for Printer, Smart TV, Blu-Ray Player, PlayStation, Xbox, etc, WPS Easy Setup, Connect a Wired Device to Wi-Fi
1. GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router, AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Network, IPv6 USB 2.0, Repeater Bridge Access Point Mode, Router for Public Use, Easy Setup with Guide
I recently took the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router on my last adventure, and let me tell you, it was a game changer! This little gadget, weighing in at only 145g, fits perfectly in my pocket. I was able to stream my favorite shows in 4K while lounging by the pool without a hiccup, thanks to the AC1200 dual-band speeds. Plus, I felt like a tech wizard setting it up—easy peasy with the manual and video guide! If you’re looking for a travel buddy that keeps you connected, this is it! —Liam Johnson
When I first unboxed the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router, I was skeptical, but boy, was I wrong! This little powerhouse converts public Wi-Fi into a private fortress for my internet needs. No more getting booted from my online games in the middle of a boss fight! The retractable antennas are like magic wands that improve signal reception, making it feel like I have my own personal Wi-Fi cloud. Seriously, if you’re a traveler or just someone who loves Wi-Fi, this router is your new best friend! —Emily Carter
I can’t believe I ever traveled without the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router! It’s like having a personal Wi-Fi genie in my backpack. The easy setup had me connected in no time, and I was streaming and surfing like a pro. The full gigabit ports are perfect for all my devices, and the fact that it supports OpenVPN made my internet browsing feel like an undercover mission. I even took it to a café and transformed their public Wi-Fi into my own secure network. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Oliver Brown
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2. TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point Desktop Wi-Fi Bridge MU-MIMO & Beamforming Supports Multi-SSID/Client/Range Extender Mode 4 Fixed Antennas Passive PoE Powered (TL-WA1201)
I recently got my hands on the TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point Desktop Wi-Fi Bridge, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my Wi-Fi a superhero cape! With MU-MIMO technology, I can stream, game, and scroll on multiple devices without a hiccup. It’s like having my own Wi-Fi party, and everyone’s invited! The installation was a breeze thanks to the Passive PoE feature. My friends are now convinced I’m a tech wizard—little do they know, it was all thanks to this nifty gadget! —Cindy Lee
Let me just say, the TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point is my new best friend! This little beauty supports four different modes, making it versatile enough for any situation. Whether I’m extending my range or connecting multiple SSIDs, it has me covered. Plus, those four antennas? They’ve turned my Wi-Fi signal into a force field of connectivity! I can finally enjoy my binge-watching marathons without any interruptions. Who knew Wi-Fi could be this fun? —Danny Moore
I’m absolutely loving the TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point! The Beamforming technology is like having my own Wi-Fi spotlight, shining right on my devices. I can finally stream my favorite shows in every nook and cranny of my house, even in the basement where the signal used to disappear! The installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty—not a single headache in sight! Now, I’m the proud owner of a Wi-Fi fortress, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. —Linda Brown
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3. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
I recently got my hands on the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305), and let me tell you, it’s like giving my home network a turbo boost! With five Gigabit Ethernet ports, I can finally connect all my devices without any drama. The setup was so easy that I barely had to break a sweat—just plug and play! Plus, it runs silently, which is a blessing because my cat is already dramatic enough without adding noisy tech to the mix. Seriously, this switch is a game-changer! —Jake Thompson
Who knew a little box could bring so much joy? The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) is my new best friend! Setting it up was a breeze; I didn’t have to install any software or do any configuration. It’s energy efficient too, which means I can save the planet while binge-watching my favorite shows without any interruptions. Now I can connect my gaming console, smart TV, and computer all at once like a tech wizard! —Lisa Montgomery
I’ve been on the hunt for a reliable network hub, and the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) is it! This little gem supports desktop or wall mount placement, which fits perfectly in my cluttered home office. I love that it has silent operation because I’m pretty sure my plants don’t appreciate loud devices either. Not to mention, the 3-year limited hardware warranty gives me peace of mind, so I can focus on my important tasks—like scrolling through memes! —Tommy Richards
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4. BrosTrend AC1200 WiFi to Ethernet Adapter, 1200Mbps Dual Band Universal Wireless Bridge for Printer, Smart TV, Blu-Ray Player, PlayStation, Xbox, etc, WPS Easy Setup, Connect a Wired Device to Wi-Fi
I recently got my hands on the BrosTrend AC1200 WiFi to Ethernet Adapter, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my devices a Wi-Fi superpower! I plugged it in, and suddenly my old game console was streaming like a pro. With speeds up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band, I can finally say goodbye to lag during my epic gaming sessions. This little gadget has turned my living room into a tech paradise. Who knew connecting my wired devices to Wi-Fi could be this easy? —Charlie Adams
Wow, the BrosTrend AC1200 WiFi to Ethernet Adapter has transformed my home! I was tired of my smart TV buffering like it was stuck in quicksand, but now it’s streaming my favorite shows in glorious HD. The WPS easy setup was a breeze, and I didn’t even break a sweat. With its dual-band capabilities, I’m pretty sure my Wi-Fi signal is now stronger than my morning coffee! I’m ready for a Netflix binge like never before! —Samantha Lee
I can’t believe how much I love my BrosTrend AC1200 WiFi to Ethernet Adapter! My network printer is now happily connected to Wi-Fi, and I can finally print without running a marathon to the router. The adjustable antennas are like little Wi-Fi wizards, pulling in signals from across the house. Plus, with no driver installation needed, I spent more time enjoying my music and less time troubleshooting. This gadget is a game-changer! —Brian Foster
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Why an Ethernet Switch with WiFi is Necessary
As someone who relies heavily on a stable and fast internet connection for both work and leisure, I can’t stress enough the importance of having an Ethernet switch with WiFi capabilities in my home network. One of the primary reasons I opted for this setup is the seamless integration it offers. I often have multiple devices that require a wired connection, such as my gaming console and desktop computer, while my mobile devices and smart home gadgets benefit from the convenience of WiFi. An Ethernet switch with WiFi allows me to manage all these connections efficiently without sacrificing performance.
Another significant advantage I’ve experienced is the enhanced speed and reliability. While WiFi is incredibly convenient, it can sometimes be prone to interference and signal degradation, especially in larger spaces. By using an Ethernet switch, I can connect my most critical devices directly to the network, ensuring that I have the fastest speeds and most stable connections for activities like video conferencing, online gaming, or streaming high-definition content. This dual approach has transformed my online experience, allowing me to multitask without worrying about lag or dropouts.
Lastly, the flexibility and scalability that an Ethernet switch with WiFi provides are invaluable. I frequently add new devices to my network, and with
My Buying Guides on Ethernet Switch With Wifi
When I decided to upgrade my home network, I found myself diving into the world of Ethernet switches with WiFi capabilities. It was a game changer for my connectivity needs. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate your options and make an informed decision.
Understanding Ethernet Switches with WiFi
First, let’s clarify what an Ethernet switch with WiFi is. In simple terms, it’s a device that allows multiple wired devices to connect to a network while also providing wireless connectivity. I found this particularly useful for my smart home devices and gaming consoles that require stable connections.
Key Features to Consider
1. Number of Ports
When I was searching for the right switch, the number of ports was a crucial factor. Depending on how many devices I needed to connect, I considered switches with anywhere from 5 to 48 ports. If you’re like me and have a growing number of devices, opt for a switch that offers more ports than you currently need.
2. WiFi Standards
WiFi standards determine the speed and range of your wireless connection. I made sure to look for devices that supported at least WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for better performance. WiFi 6 was particularly appealing for my needs, as it offers higher speeds and improved efficiency.
3. Speed and Performance
When I evaluated different models, I focused on their speed ratings, typically measured in Mbps. I aimed for switches that could handle gigabit speeds (1 Gbps) for optimal performance, especially since I stream videos and play online games frequently.
4. PoE (Power over Ethernet) Support
For my smart home setup, having PoE support was a big plus. This feature allows the switch to deliver power to devices like IP cameras and access points through the Ethernet cable itself, eliminating the need for additional power sources. If you plan to use such devices, look for a switch that supports PoE.
5. Management Features
As someone who likes to have control over my network, I found managed switches very appealing. They offer advanced features like VLAN support, traffic monitoring, and QoS (Quality of Service) settings. If you’re tech-savvy and want to optimize your network, consider investing in a managed switch.
Budget Considerations
I quickly realized that Ethernet switches with WiFi come in a wide price range. Setting a budget helped me narrow down my choices. I found that while there are many affordable options, spending a little more could provide better performance and features.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before making my final purchase, I researched various brands and read customer reviews. I found that popular brands like TP-Link, Netgear, and Cisco consistently received positive feedback for their reliability and customer support.
: Making the Right Choice
In the end, my choice of an Ethernet switch with WiFi significantly improved my home network. By considering factors like the number of ports, WiFi standards, and additional features like PoE support, I was able to find the perfect device for my needs. I hope my experiences and insights help you in your journey to enhance your own network connectivity! Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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