Networking

Networking equipment for homes, offices and industrial sites: routers, Wi-Fi access points, switches, LTE routers and other network devices. Our range has over 450 products, including TP-Link, Ubiquiti, MikroTik, Planet and Teltonika.

You will find simple kit for a flat as well as managed systems for businesses.

How to choose networking equipment

Device type. A router connects your network to the internet and hands out addresses, a switch links wired devices, and an access point adds Wi-Fi. A flat often needs only one router with built-in Wi-Fi, while an office or a house with several floors usually works better with separate access points linked through a switch.

Wi-Fi standard and coverage. Newer standards such as Wi-Fi 6 cope better with many devices connected at once, but real speed depends mostly on wall thickness and distance. For a large area, several access points or a mesh system make more sense than one stronger router.

Ports and PoE. Check how many wired ports you need and at what speed. Gigabit Ethernet is enough for most homes, while 2.5 or 10 Gbit/s helps with a fast NAS or fibre. PoE lets you power an access point or camera through the network cable, but the switch's total PoE budget must cover every device you connect.

Management. An unmanaged switch works as soon as it is plugged in, while a managed one lets you set up VLANs, limit bandwidth and monitor traffic. Ubiquiti and TP-Link Omada offer a shared management app that controls all devices from one place. MikroTik RouterOS offers more settings but expects more technical knowledge.

Operating environment. For many devices in our range that list an operating temperature, the limit is 0 to 40 °C, so they are meant for indoor use. For outdoor sites, unheated rooms or equipment cabinets, look for models rated from -30 to 70 °C. Some are available.

Brands we carry

• TP-Link: known for home routers and Wi-Fi systems, and also offers the Omada business line with shared management.
• Ubiquiti: its UniFi access points, switches and routers are managed in a single app, which is why small businesses and hotels often choose it.
• MikroTik: routers running RouterOS, which can be configured in great detail, making them popular with network administrators and internet service providers.
• Planet: a Taiwanese manufacturer known for industrial and PoE switches and media converters.
• Teltonika: a Lithuanian company making industrial LTE and 5G routers for sites without wired internet.
• HPE and Cisco: enterprise switches and routers for larger networks, with HPE networking associated with the Aruba line.
• Hikvision and Dahua: primarily video surveillance makers, which also offer PoE switches for connecting cameras.

Also in our range: Digitus, OEM by Sansec and Extralink.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a router, a switch and an access point?

A router connects your local network to the internet, a switch adds wired ports, and an access point creates a Wi-Fi network. Home routers often combine these functions in one box. In larger networks they are usually separate so each can be replaced on its own.

Do I need a PoE switch?

You need one if you want to power access points or IP cameras through the network cable, especially where there is no nearby socket. If you only connect a computer, TV or games console, PoE is not necessary. Before buying, compare the power your devices need with the switch's total PoE budget.

Is Gigabit networking enough for a home?

For most homes it is, because Gigabit Ethernet ports match internet plans up to 1 Gbit/s. If you have a faster plan or often move large files to a network drive, choose equipment with 2.5 Gbit/s or faster ports. Then make sure both the router and your computer have such ports.

Can networking equipment be used outdoors?

Yes, but only if the manufacturer specifies a suitable operating temperature and protection against moisture and rain. Indoor devices are often rated for 0 to 40 °C, while outdoor or industrial models list a wider range, such as -30 to 70 °C. Read the specification before buying.