Buying Wired Networking Equipment

Q: When should I upgrade from Gigabit to 10GbE?

Consider upgrading if you transfer large files, run virtual machines, or need faster network storage access.

Q: How many ports should my switch have?

Get enough for current devices plus extra capacity for future growth.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Networking Gear

Whether you're building a high-speed home network, setting up game servers, or managing enterprise infrastructure, you need reliable wired networking hardware. At Newegg you can shop full collections from the official BrandStore pages of Ubiquiti Networks, Cisco Systems, Netgear, SonicWall and Sophos, covering everything from switches and NICs to firewalls and accessories.

Core Components & Use Cases

Firewalls, Routers & Gateways

Hardware Firewalls: Protect networks with dedicated threat prevention appliances
VPN Routers: Secure remote access and encrypted connections for remote teams
Unified Threat Management (UTM): All-in-one security solutions with antivirus, IPS, and content filtering
Gateway Devices: Combine routing, firewall, and WAN failover for small to mid-sized businesses

Switches

Managed Switches: VLAN, QoS, PoE—ideal for enterprise or campus networks
Unmanaged Switches: Plug-and-play gear for home and small offices
PoE Switches: Power IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless APs—no extra wiring needed
Rackmount & Industrial Switches: Deploy in server rooms, factories, or outdoor cabinets

Access Points

Indoor Access Points: Expand Wi-Fi coverage in offices, schools, and retail spaces
Outdoor Access Points: Weatherproof units for warehouses, campuses, and event areas
Wi-Fi 6 & Wi-Fi 6E : Faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in dense environments
Wi-Fi 7: Unlock next-gen wireless performance with higher throughput, lower jitter, and improved multi-device support
Mesh-Ready APs: Seamless roaming and scalable wireless networks with minimal dead zones

Network Interface Cards (NICs)

Gigabit & 10GbE NICs: High performance cards for servers and workstations
USB Ethernet Adapters: Add wired access to ultraportable laptops
Fiber NICs with SFP/SFP+: For long-distance, low-latency fiber connectivity

Security, Infrastructure & Accessories

Firewalls & VPN Appliances
Block threats and manage secure access for SMBs and enterprise remote access.
Structured Cabling & Patch Panels
Organize your wiring with Cat6/Cat6a panels and cable management kits for reliability and scalability.
SFP/SFP+ Transceivers & Optics
Connect switches or devices over fiber with compatible modules for high bandwidth links.

Typical Scenarios

Home & Gaming: Use an unmanaged gigabit switch for minimized latency.
Remote Office & SMB: PoE switch + firewall combo delivers power and protection.
Enterprise Deployment: Layer 3 switches + firewalls for high-security multi-site networks.

Accessories & Tools

Essential Accessories

Patch Panels – Organize cabling
Cat6a Ethernet Cables – Support gigabit and 10GbE
Rackmount Kits – Secure gear in racks
Cable Testers – Troubleshoot quickly

Newegg Networking Tools & Promotions

Deals & Tools: Looking to save or plan a full setup? Browse current Newegg networking deals for limited-time discounts, or use the Networking Builder Tool to customize your wired network with compatible switches, firewalls, NICs, and more.

Wired Networking FAQs

Q: Is wired networking always better than Wi-Fi?

Yes—wired connections generally offer higher bandwidth, lower latency, and more consistent performance.

Q: When should I upgrade from Gigabit to 10GbE?

Consider upgrading if you transfer large files, run VMs, or need faster network storage access.

Q: Do I need a managed or unmanaged switch?

Managed switches offer VLANs, QoS, and monitoring; unmanaged are simpler and plug-and-play.

Q: How many ports should my switch have?

Get enough for current devices plus 20% extra for future growth.

Q: Can I mix different network speeds on the same switch?

Yes, but the slowest link will limit performance for that connection.

Bestselling Wired Networking Reviews:

ALEXANDER S.

11/25/2024 4:09:19 PM

tp-link TL-SG105 - 5-port Gigabit Desktop Switch

“ I have had this tp-link switch now for just under a week, and it is doing exactly what I needed it to do...handle the traffic for my 2 computers and laptop. ”

Walter J.

11/20/2024 12:46:21 PM

Great little switch, great price

“ The switch just works. ”

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet SOHO Unmanaged Switch | GS305

Paul W.

10/16/2024 6:25:16 PM

Worth the money

“ Exactly what I was looking for. ”

Jacob K.

9/8/2024 4:36:14 PM

Simple to set up, and works perfectly!

“ I would recommend this to anyone who needs to connect a few devices when you need to split up a single ethernet connection. ”

Mike Starr

8/7/2024 2:23:39 PM

Super-professional-looking and functional

“ I recommend this product to tough home-networking enthusiasts, and for anyone who does a lot of office work at the computer. ”

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | GS108

Jonathan H.

8/5/2024 12:52:17 AM

Simple and easy

“ This is a great piece of hardware for a home network. ”

TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Plug and Play | Metal | Desktop/Rackmount | Fanless(TL-SG1016D)

Jack O.

7/15/2024 4:24:06 PM

Pricier than I'd like, but works great

“ So overall, it does just what I need, no complaints - I just think it's a shame how much pricier 2.5Gb switches are than 1Gb switches. ”

TRENDnet TEG-S350 Unmanaged 5-Port Unmanaged 2.5G Switch

David N.

6/25/2024 4:33:39 PM

Works as promised

“ Have only owned a couple of weeks now, but it's working well, getting very good speeds to my NAS from my computer and vice versa. ”