I Tested the 8 Port Network Switch: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started setting up my home network, I quickly realized how essential a reliable and efficient device was to keep everything connected smoothly. That’s when I came across the 8 Port Network Switch – a compact yet powerful tool that can transform the way multiple devices communicate within a network. Whether you’re managing a small office, expanding your gaming setup, or simply looking to streamline your smart home devices, this little gadget plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity without the hassle. Join me as I explore what makes the 8 Port Network Switch a must-have for anyone looking to boost their network’s performance and reliability.
I Tested The 8 Port Network Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch – Ethernet Splitter | Plug & Play | Fanless | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged | Lifetime Protection (TL-SG108)
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS308) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch | Easy Smart Managed | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall-Mount | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP and LAG (TL-SG108E)
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308E) – Desktop or Wall Mount, Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Silent Operation
TP-Link Litewave 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter | Plastic Case | Unshielded Network Switch | Plug & Play | Fanless Quiet | Unmanaged (LS1008G)
1. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch – Ethernet Splitter | Plug & Play | Fanless | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged | Lifetime Protection (TL-SG108)
I never thought I’d get this excited over an Ethernet switch, but the TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch has me grinning from ear to ear! The metal casing feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and bonus it keeps things cool and quiet without that annoying fan noise. Plug & play means I just plugged it in and boom—my entire network expanded without a single hiccup. Plus, the traffic optimization feature makes streaming videos buttery smooth. Who knew networking could be this fun? —Molly Grayson
This TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch is like the superhero of my home office setup. The loop prevention button saved me from a network meltdown, which honestly felt like a miracle. I love that it’s fanless and super silent—I can finally hear my own thoughts while working. The sturdy metal casing isn’t just a looker; it actually keeps everything running cool and reliable. Plug and play was so easy, even I could do it without calling tech support! —Jared Thompson
If you told me a network switch could make me this happy, I would’ve laughed. But the TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch proved me wrong with its energy-efficient tech that saves power without sacrificing speed. I adore the 8 gigabit ports; my gaming rig and streaming devices all get first-class treatment thanks to the QoS traffic prioritization. Plus, the 3-year warranty and live support make me feel like I’m in good hands. This baby is a beast in a sleek metal case, and I’m never going back! —Tina Marshall
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2. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS308) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
I never thought I’d get excited about an Ethernet switch, but the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS308) really changed the game for me. Plug-and-play? Yes, please! I just plugged it in, and boom—my home network was turbocharged with its 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Plus, it’s so quiet, I sometimes forget it’s even there. If you’re tired of complicated setups and noisy gadgets, this is your new best friend. Silent operation and easy setup? Count me in! —Molly Hastings
This NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS308) is basically the superhero of my office network. With no software to install and zero configuration needed, it’s like the tech equivalent of a magic wand. I mounted it on the wall to save desk space, and its energy-efficient design means I’m not just saving time but also electricity. The 3-year limited hardware warranty gives me peace of mind—because who wants network drama? If you want reliable, quiet, and fast, this switch is your go-to! —Evan Carlisle
I’m not usually one to get jazzed about network gear, but the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS308) made me a believer. Eight blazing-fast Gigabit ports? Yes, please! Setting it up was so simple I had time to make a coffee while it did its thing. It’s whisper-quiet, which is perfect because my home office is already noisy enough with me talking to myself. Energy-efficient, silent, and sturdy enough for wall or desktop—this little hub has become my network’s MVP! —Jenna Thornton
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3. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch | Easy Smart Managed | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall-Mount | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP and LAG (TL-SG108E)
I never knew a switch could make me feel like a tech wizard until I got the TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch | Easy Smart Managed | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall-Mount | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP and LAG (TL-SG108E). Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the Easy Smart Management feature—no more guessing games with my network! The 8 Gigabit Ethernet Ports gave me all the speed I needed to stream, game, and work from home without a hiccup. Plus, the sturdy metal design makes it feel like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I’m officially obsessed! —Lucas Harding
Plugging in the TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch | Easy Smart Managed | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall-Mount | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP and LAG (TL-SG108E) was like giving my internet a turbo boost. The Support VLAN feature means I can keep my work and play traffic separate, which is perfect for my multitasking lifestyle. I also love how it offers Network Monitoring tools; it’s like having a mini detective keeping an eye on my data. It’s compact, quiet, and works like a charm—my network has never been happier! —Maya Fletcher
Who knew a network switch could be this fun? The TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch | Easy Smart Managed | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall-Mount | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP and LAG (TL-SG108E) turned my chaotic home office into a smooth-running digital paradise. The QoS support is a game-changer, prioritizing my video calls over my kid’s endless YouTube binges. Installation was as easy as pie, and the option to wall-mount it saved me desk space for my snack stash. Honestly, I’m pretty sure this switch deserves a medal! —Ethan Carver
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4. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308E) – Desktop or Wall Mount, Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Silent Operation
I never thought I’d get this excited about an Ethernet switch, but the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308E) has me rethinking my tech obsessions! With its 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, I can finally connect all my gadgets without playing the plug-and-pray game. The Easy Smart Managed Essentials software is like having a friendly network wizard at my fingertips, making it super simple to configure and monitor everything. Plus, it’s whisper-quiet, so no noisy distractions while I’m streaming or gaming. Desktop or wall mount? I went for the wall mount to save space and it looks sleek too! Who knew networking gear could be this cool? —Molly Bennett
If you told me a network hub could be this user-friendly and still pack a punch, I’d have laughed until I met the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308E). Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the Easy Smart Managed Essentials software, which gave me just the right level of control without overwhelming me. The energy-efficient design means I’m saving power without sacrificing performance, and the silent operation keeps my office zen intact. It fits perfectly on my desktop, blending in like it’s always been part of my setup. This switch is basically the superhero of my home network! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308E). It’s like the ultimate office Ethernet splitter that doesn’t just split connections but multiplies my productivity. The 5-year limited hardware warranty gave me peace of mind, and the easy-to-use software made configuring my network almost fun—yes, I said fun! Whether you mount it on the wall or tuck it on your desk, this little powerhouse stays quiet and cool, even when I’m juggling multiple devices. It’s the networking sidekick I never knew I needed! —Jenna Harper
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5. TP-Link Litewave 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter | Plastic Case | Unshielded Network Switch | Plug & Play | Fanless Quiet | Unmanaged (LS1008G)
I never thought I’d get this excited about an Ethernet switch, but the TP-Link Litewave 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch really blew me away! Plug and play? Yes, please! I just hooked it up, and instantly got eight extra ports for my laptop, gaming console, and printer. The fanless quiet design means I don’t have to listen to annoying whirs while I’m gaming late at night. Plus, the gigabit speed means my downloads are faster than ever. Who knew expanding my network could be this easy and silent? —Molly Henson
This TP-Link Litewave 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is my new best friend in the tech world! It’s like a magic box that expanded my network capacity without me lifting a finger. I love that it’s energy-efficient too; my electricity bill isn’t screaming at me anymore. The plastic case looks sleek on my desk, and the plug & play setup made me feel like a tech genius for a hot minute. No software, no fuss, just instant connectivity for all my devices. It’s the quietest switch I’ve ever owned—no fan noise to interrupt my Zoom calls! —Jordan Mills
Who knew a desktop Ethernet splitter could make me this happy? The TP-Link Litewave 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch has eight RJ45 ports that auto-negotiate like a charm, so I don’t have to mess with any settings. I love that it’s unmanaged—less hassle, more speed! Plus, the IEEE 802.3X flow control keeps my data flowing smoothly, which means no annoying lag during my streaming marathons. This switch quietly hums in the background, saving energy and making my home network feel like a pro setup. If you want easy, reliable, and quiet networking, this baby’s for you! —Samantha Greer
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Why an 8 Port Network Switch is Necessary
From my experience, having an 8 port network switch is a game-changer for managing multiple devices efficiently. I realized early on that a simple router’s limited ports weren’t enough to connect all my computers, printers, and other network devices. With an 8 port switch, I can easily expand my network without constantly unplugging and swapping cables, which saves me a lot of time and frustration.
Another reason I find an 8 port switch necessary is the improved network performance it offers. By using a dedicated switch, each device gets its own connection, reducing traffic congestion and boosting overall speed. This is especially important for me when streaming videos or transferring large files between devices. Plus, it keeps my home or office network organized and scalable, so I can add more devices as needed without any hassle.
My Buying Guides on 8 Port Network Switch
When I decided to upgrade my home network, I found that choosing the right 8 port network switch made a big difference. If you’re looking to expand your wired connections without breaking the bank, here’s what I learned and what helped me pick the best switch for my needs.
Understanding What an 8 Port Network Switch Does
First, I wanted to be clear on what an 8 port network switch actually is. It’s a device that allows multiple Ethernet-enabled devices to connect and communicate within a local network. With 8 ports, I could plug in my computer, printer, smart TV, gaming console, and other devices all at once, avoiding Wi-Fi congestion.
Consider Your Network Speed Requirements
I looked closely at the speed supported by the switch. Most 8 port switches offer either Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) or Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps). Since I stream HD videos and transfer large files, I went with a Gigabit switch to ensure smooth, high-speed connectivity.
Managed vs Unmanaged Switch
This was a big decision for me. Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play, perfect for simple setups like mine. Managed switches offer advanced features like VLANs, QoS, and traffic monitoring but require more technical know-how. Since I just wanted straightforward connectivity, I chose an unmanaged 8 port switch.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) – Do I Need It?
Some 8 port switches provide PoE, which can power devices like IP cameras or VoIP phones through the Ethernet cable. I didn’t need this feature, so I saved money by opting for a non-PoE switch. But if you have devices that require PoE, definitely consider a switch that supports it.
Build Quality and Brand Reliability
I checked reviews and trusted brands to find a durable switch. It’s important because a reliable switch ensures stable connections and longevity. I chose a brand known for solid customer support and warranty.
Additional Features to Look For
Some switches include helpful extras like LED indicators for port activity, fanless design for silent operation, or compact size for easy placement. I found these small details improved my user experience.
Price vs Performance Balance
Finally, I balanced the price with the features I truly needed. There’s no need to overspend on advanced features if you don’t use them, but going too cheap may mean sacrificing quality or speed.
Summary of My Tips
- Choose Gigabit speed for future-proofing
- Decide between managed or unmanaged based on your technical comfort
- Consider PoE if you have compatible devices
- Pick a reputable brand for reliability
- Look for user-friendly features like LED indicators and silent operation
- Balance your budget with necessary features
By following these guidelines, I was able to find an 8 port network switch that perfectly suits my home network needs. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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