I have a NetGear switch that has 8 ports, I think I maybe have a single port left. And I just got my first device that supports PoE (Aqara M3 hub) so I’d like to upgrade.
What do you recommend for a home PoE switch? Don’t think I need any other advanced features, just need to plug in a couple Raspberry Pis, a Mac Mini, gaming PC, etc. Thanks in advance!
p.s. I assume no issue plugging non-PoE devices into a switch that does PoE?
p.p.s. Can they be daisy-chained? Could I use both switches by plugging one into the other?
I have three of the (now older) Ubiquiti UniFi switches withg PoE, and they have been rock solid and reliable. There are a lot of options from them I see.
And yes, you can daisy chain these with other brand switches.
Although I’m a fan of using PoE switches, for completeness, just want to FYI that you can buy a standalone PoE power injector for $20. So If you need to connect exactly one PoE device, that’s an option.
OTOH, a PoE injector has its own AC power adapter so the wire management and space can be an issue.
I moved from NETGEAR to Unif a while ago, and haven’t had any issues.
Poe switches are quite cheap, so would be my recommendation. However any dumb switch would do that supports PoE.
One thing to consider is how many ports you need. Also do you have a requirement for any 2.5 or 5Gb ports (newer access points and other devices are coming out with 2.5Gb and depending on your network use this could be a wide future proofing moment).
Also consider if PoE+ is needed, many newer access point or other kid may need this, especially with Wi-Fi 7.
p.s. I assume no issue plugging non-PoE devices into a switch that does PoE?
Yes sir, absolutely will work.
p.p.s. Can they be daisy-chained? Could I use both switches by plugging one into the other?
Yes indeed, Look out for the uplink port on your switch, connect this to any normal port on the other switch.