Network equipment

Network equipment covers routers, switches, modems, Wi-Fi access points and powerline adapters for homes, offices and larger business networks. Our range includes over 5000 products from TP-Link, Cisco, Ubiquiti, D-Link, NETGEAR and others, from a simple home router to managed switches for a server room.

How to choose network equipment

Device type. A router connects your network to the internet and hands out addresses, a switch adds wired ports, and an access point provides or extends Wi-Fi coverage. In a flat, one router is usually enough. In an office or a large house, a router with a switch and several access points covers the space more evenly. A modem is only needed when your provider's line requires one.

Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 6 is a sensible minimum for a new purchase. Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz band, while Wi-Fi 7 is the newest standard and only shows its benefit with compatible devices. The advertised speed is the sum of all bands, so a single phone or laptop will get less.

Ports and wired speed. Gigabit Ethernet ports are enough for most homes and offices. If you have a fast internet plan or a NAS, look for 2.5 Gbit/s or 10 Gbit/s ports. When choosing a switch, count the ports you need and leave a few spare. PoE lets a switch power access points and IP cameras through the network cable, without separate power adapters.

Management and ecosystem. Unmanaged switches work as soon as they are plugged in. Managed ones add VLANs, traffic monitoring and remote configuration, which helps once a network has many devices or separate guest and staff segments. Staying within one manufacturer's system, such as Ubiquiti UniFi or Cisco, lets you control everything from a single interface.

Type of internet connection. For fibre or cable with an Ethernet handoff, an ordinary router with a WAN port will do. Where there is no fixed line, or you want a backup, choose a router with a SIM slot for 4G or 5G.

Network equipment brands in our range

• TP-Link: known for home and small office routers, Wi-Fi mesh systems and simple unmanaged switches.
• Cisco: a standard name in business networking, with switches, routers and wireless equipment for larger organisations.
• Ubiquiti: makes the UniFi line, in which switches, access points and gateways are managed from one application.
• Teltonika: specialises in industrial and mobile routers with 4G and 5G support.
• MikroTik: routers and switches running RouterOS, which allows very detailed configuration and suits experienced users best.
• HPE and HP Enterprise: business networking equipment, including Aruba switches and access points.
• Zyxel: business switches, access points and firewalls with Nebula cloud management.
• NETGEAR: Nighthawk home routers and managed switches for small businesses.

Also in our range: D-Link, ALLNET and LevelOne. The subcategories cover routers, switches, modems, powerline adapters and Wi-Fi access points.

Frequently asked questions

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

A router connects your local network to the internet, assigns IP addresses and usually has Wi-Fi built in. An access point only passes wireless traffic to an existing network and is normally connected by cable to a router or switch. It is used where one router's signal does not reach far enough.

Do I need a managed switch?

For a home, usually not, as an unmanaged switch is enough. A managed switch is worth choosing when you need VLANs, traffic prioritisation, monitoring or remote management, for example in a business network with several access points and cameras.

Can powerline adapters replace Wi-Fi?

Powerline adapters send the network signal through your home's electrical wiring, which helps when Wi-Fi struggles to get through thick walls. Speed depends on the condition of the wiring, and they work best when both adapters are on the same circuit. If you can run a cable, a wired connection is still more stable.

How many access points do I need for a home or office?

One access point is usually enough for a small flat or a single floor of a house. Larger buildings with thick walls need several, placed so that their coverage overlaps slightly. Access points work best when connected by cable rather than wirelessly.