You don't necessarily need an Ethernet switch if your router already has LAN ports.

F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks You don't necessarily need an Ethernet switch if your router already has LAN ports.

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Artyks
Junior Member

01-19-2026, 10:30 PM

You don’t necessarily need a separate switch if your router already includes LAN ports, as it can handle connecting multiple devices like consoles and your router.

Artyks

01-19-2026, 10:30 PM #1

You don’t necessarily need a separate switch if your router already includes LAN ports, as it can handle connecting multiple devices like consoles and your router.

dragolac
Member

01-20-2026, 06:26 AM

A switch functions like a distributor for Ethernet connections. When you don’t have physical ports on your router or modem, you need a switch. Should you place this device in your living space as a router or just as an access point?

dragolac

01-20-2026, 06:26 AM #2

RadiationWolf
Junior Member

01-20-2026, 08:20 AM

Only when there aren't enough Ethernet ports available.

RadiationWolf

01-20-2026, 08:20 AM #3

Only when there aren't enough Ethernet ports available.

stopmo
Member

175

01-20-2026, 09:51 AM

You must have no more than four connected devices. If your setup includes more than that, you'll require another switch.

stopmo

01-20-2026, 09:51 AM #4

You must have no more than four connected devices. If your setup includes more than that, you'll require another switch.

evogeli
Member

249

01-21-2026, 04:28 AM

It varies based on the number of gadgets you plan to link via Ethernet. If it exceeds the available ports, you'll require a switch.

evogeli

01-21-2026, 04:28 AM #5

It varies based on the number of gadgets you plan to link via Ethernet. If it exceeds the available ports, you'll require a switch.

Mafia3803
Member

01-23-2026, 01:47 AM

If you have LAN ports, you likely don’t require an Ethernet switch.

Mafia3803

01-23-2026, 01:47 AM #6

If you have LAN ports, you likely don’t require an Ethernet switch.

MrKiwiism
Member

236

01-23-2026, 07:19 AM

I didn't review the responses or confirm your understanding. It seems the answer to one of them was likely incorrect. Let me know how I can assist further.

MrKiwiism

01-23-2026, 07:19 AM #7

I didn't review the responses or confirm your understanding. It seems the answer to one of them was likely incorrect. Let me know how I can assist further.

SaySaeqo
Member

139

01-23-2026, 03:32 PM

You don't need to act like it.

SaySaeqo

01-23-2026, 03:32 PM #8

You don't need to act like it.

TryHardPro1
Member

114

01-29-2026, 12:07 PM

With 4 LAN ports and 4 devices needing wired connections, you won’t require a switch. If you exceed 4 devices, a switch becomes necessary. A switch simply converts one port into several ports.

TryHardPro1

01-29-2026, 12:07 PM #9

With 4 LAN ports and 4 devices needing wired connections, you won’t require a switch. If you exceed 4 devices, a switch becomes necessary. A switch simply converts one port into several ports.

Bliep2
Member

01-29-2026, 03:29 PM

#10

Your router is quite outdated and lacks LAN ports, but you can still link it to the existing switch. This approach is more cost-effective than purchasing a new router.

Bliep2

01-29-2026, 03:29 PM #10

Your router is quite outdated and lacks LAN ports, but you can still link it to the existing switch. This approach is more cost-effective than purchasing a new router.

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