Five or eight Ethernet ports: which switch do you need?

A five-port switch leaves four ports for devices after one connects to the router. An eight-port switch leaves seven. Count the links you need, then allow sensible spare capacity.

The useful port count

List each cable that will end at the new switch: a computer, TV, console, access point or wired mesh node. Keep the connection back to the router separate. One physical link uses one socket, even if several wireless devices use the access point at the far end.

Port arithmetic, not measured performance
Your plan	Total ports	Smallest option here
Two devices + one spare + router	4	Five ports
Three devices + one AP + one spare + router	6	Eight ports
Eight device links + router	9	Neither; compare a larger switch

Count my ports →

Compare the right size

Our small shortlist includes the five-port TL-SG105 and eight-port NETGEAR GS308v3. Both are unmanaged Gigabit models. Choose by the links you need, not a claim that one increases broadband speed. Read the GS308 buying guide Ad for the exact-package checks.

Compare the two switch specifications →

A plain switch is not a power supply

These models do not provide PoE output. An access point that needs PoE still needs a compatible injector or PoE switch. A wall power socket beside the switch does not change that distinction.

When you need no switch

If the router already has enough free ports in the right place, use those. If the problem is wireless coverage rather than a shortage of sockets, a switch alone does not add room Wi-Fi. Compare a wired access point with mesh instead.