How Do You Buy A Network Switch?
In order to create even a moderately sized computer network, a network switch will be a required piece of equipment. Switches can range in price anywhere from $10 for a no-name budget switch to well over $10,000 for a high-end Cisco switch. For most people’s needs, however, a switch is a fairly inexpensive piece of equipment. • Consider the number of users that your network will have to support. If you only have 5 or 6 users, then a small 8-port switch will probably be enough for your needs. Number of ports is one of the biggest factors in the cost of a switch, so if you buy a switch that only supports the number of users that you will have, you will likely save a fair amount of money. Common numbers of ports on ethernet switches are 5, 8, 10, 24, and 48 ports. • Consider your basic network infrastructure. For a small network, up to around 40 to 50 users, one switch might be sufficient, whereas if your network will need to support more people, you may have to invest in additional switc
