How to Connect an Ethernet Switch to Your Router

What an Ethernet switch adds

An Ethernet switch is a small box with multiple Ethernet ports. It lets you connect more wired devices than the ports built into your router alone. A switch is different from a router: the router connects your home network to your internet service, while the switch expands the number of wired connections inside your home. Router vs Switch explains the difference in more detail.

If your router has four LAN ports and you need to connect a desktop, a network storage device, a game console, and a smart TV, a switch gives you room to add another device without replacing the router. You can also place a switch in another room if you run an Ethernet cable from the router to that location. For more on the ports you will see, read router ports explained.

Where to plug in the switch

Connect the switch to your router using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end into any LAN port on the router, and plug the other end into any port on the switch. The LAN ports are usually labeled with numbers and are separate from the port labeled Internet, WAN, or similar.

Do not use the router's Internet or WAN port for the switch. That port is meant for the signal coming from your modem or optical network terminal. If you plug a switch into the wrong port, the devices on the switch will not be part of your main network. LAN vs WAN can help you tell the ports apart.

Choose the right cable and port

Use an Ethernet cable long enough to run from the router to the switch without stretching. Plug the cable in firmly until the connector clicks. Most switches accept the cable in any port, so you can use the port that is easiest to reach. If your switch has a port labeled uplink, network, or WAN, use that port for the connection to the router if the instructions suggest it. Wireless networking standards, such as the IEEE 802.11 family, define Wi-Fi operation, but the switch extends your wired network separately from those specifications.

After the switch is connected, plug your devices into the other switch ports. The switch treats every port equally in most home setups, so there is no need to pick a special port for a computer or a TV. A wired connection avoids wireless congestion because it does not rely on the Wi-Fi bands, which Wi-Fi Alliance describes as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz for newer Wi-Fi generations. For more on the cable itself, see Ethernet explained.

Do you need to change router settings?

In most cases, you do not need to change any router settings. The switch is transparent to the router: the router will see the devices connected through the switch as normal devices on your LAN. This means the switch will usually work immediately after you plug it in.

If you want to identify which device is which, you can look at the list of connected devices in your router's administration page. Many routers show the device name, IP address, and MAC address. How to see connected devices on your router walks through the steps. You can also use a static IP or a DHCP reservation if you want a device to keep the same address. DHCP reservation vs static IP explains the difference.

Security and safety

If your switch has a management interface, change the default password and keep its firmware up to date. NIST develops cybersecurity standards, guidelines, and best practices that can help you protect network devices, and the agency's Small Business Cybersecurity Corner gathers resources for managing common cybersecurity risks. Apply the same basic security habits you use for your router, such as disabling remote management when you do not need it.

Wireless security matters too. Wi-Fi Alliance notes that WPA3 uses the latest security protocols and disallows outdated legacy protocols. Use the strongest Wi-Fi security your devices support, as described in WPA3 explained.

Keep Ethernet cables out of walkways and away from sharp edges that could damage the cable. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes safety education resources for homes and families; treating network cables as part of your home safety routine is a simple way to avoid tripping hazards and accidental damage. For general router security, see router security basics.

When a switch makes sense

Adding a switch makes sense when your router has enough wireless and routing performance, but not enough Ethernet ports for the devices you want to connect. A switch is also useful when you want to put a desktop computer or network storage device in a room away from the router and you are willing to run an Ethernet cable between the two locations.

If you are already planning to buy a new router, compare models by the number and speed of their LAN ports. Some routers include multi-gig LAN ports, which can be useful for a fast NAS or a desktop computer. How many Ethernet ports gives a checklist, and best routers with multi-gig ports shows current options if you decide to upgrade instead of adding a switch.

Another option is a mesh system with Ethernet ports on the satellites. If you place a satellite near the devices that need wired connections, you can connect a switch or a device directly to the satellite. For a wider look at mesh systems, see best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do I need to change router settings to use an Ethernet switch?

No. The switch will usually work as soon as you plug it in. You can make optional changes later, such as setting a DHCP reservation for a device that should keep the same IP address.

Which router port should I connect the switch to?

Use a LAN port on the router, not the Internet or WAN port. The LAN port is the one that connects to your home network.

Can I connect a switch to a mesh satellite?

Some mesh satellites include Ethernet ports. If yours does, you can often connect a switch to that port to add wired devices near the satellite. Check the satellite's ports and instructions first.

Will an Ethernet switch reduce my internet speed?

A switch does not reduce your internet speed by itself. Your internet speed is set by your plan and your router's connection. The switch simply carries data between your router and the connected devices.

Do Ethernet switches need their own power adapter?

Most do. Plug the switch into a power outlet using the included adapter. A few small switches may be powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet), but that setup is less common in a typical home.

Can I use an old router as a switch?

Yes. You can repurpose an old router as a switch by disabling its routing functions and using only its LAN ports. How to turn an old router into a network switch has the steps.