Do you need the ability to add more computers on your network without wanting to pay for all of the features of a router? A switch will allow you to add extra computers to your network via a cat5 cable. A switch is a device that segments networks into different subnets. Segmenting the network into different subnets keeps one network from overloading with traffic. But unlike a simple-minded hub which divides the network's bandwidth among all the attached devices, a switch delivers full network speeds at each port. A switch is a great way to add extra computers, printers, routers, servers or even firewalls to your existing network.

The main reason why you should implement a switch into your network is to avoid unnecessary packet collisions. A switch accomplishes this by only forwarding data to the port that the data is intended to go to; whereas a hub forwards the data to all available ports, which creates a lot of data collisions. You can get a switch that is either unmanaged or managed.

Trendnet

Trendnet has been committed to delivering affordable networking innovation to home users, small businesses and larger enterprises for over 15 years. By implementing the different hardware solutions that Trendnet offers customers can connect to the Internet, share important documents across a network, share printers, connect back to the office when your on the road and use multiple computers on one monitor, keyboard and mouse. TRENDnet products are specifically designed to fit the budget of home users, but yet powerful enough to meet the demands of an enterprise. Trendnet’s broad product line includes popular product categories such as Wireless LAN, Fiber, Gigabit, VoIP, KVM, IP Cameras, Print/Storage Servers, Multimedia and Mobile connectivity accessories.