MAKE USE OF THE CABLE ROUTE

One cable.
More possibilities.

Connect a fixed device, add useful ports, or bring Wi-Fi to a room. Choose the job before the box.

Plan my Ethernet ports →
Original comparison of a direct cable, wired Wi-Fi and wireless mesh.

EXTRA ETHERNET PORTS

Four links or seven?

After one router uplink, a five-port switch has four ports left; an eight-port model has seven. These plain switches do not supply PoE power or create Wi-Fi.

Original explanatory diagram for TP-Link TL-SG105, not a photograph.

Five-port Gigabit switch

TP-Link TL-SG105

A compact option for up to four device links after one port connects to your router.

The plain TL-SG105 does not supply PoE or create Wi-Fi. Confirm UK power supply; it does not increase broadband speed.

Manufacturer details ↗
Original explanatory diagram for NETGEAR GS308v3, not a photograph.

Eight-port Gigabit switch

NETGEAR GS308v3

A larger port budget: up to seven device links after the router connection.

Not a GS308P or PoE model. Adds wired sockets, not room Wi-Fi. Check exact revision and UK power adapter.

Manufacturer details ↗

DIRECT INDOOR CONNECTIONS

Measure the route, then choose the lead.

These are length options in one Cat.6 family, not competing performance winners. Allow slack and a safe route.

Original explanatory diagram for Lindy Cat.6 5m — 48080, not a photograph.

Five-metre indoor Ethernet lead

Lindy Cat.6 5m — 48080

A ready-made desk or TV connection within a measured five-metre indoor route.

Measure the route with slack. Not an outdoor or buried-cable recommendation; a lead does not add Wi-Fi.

Manufacturer details ↗
Original explanatory diagram for Lindy Cat.6 10m — 48082, not a photograph.

Ten-metre indoor Ethernet lead

Lindy Cat.6 10m — 48082

An indoor route longer than five metres where a ten-metre lead leaves suitable slack.

Longer is not faster. Avoid trip hazards and crushed door routes; outdoor or fixed cabling needs a suitable specification.

Manufacturer details ↗

ROOM WI-FI

Check power, setup and support.

Both need Ethernet. EAP610 V3 has documented support through 29 June 2029; UniFi U6+ remains a research option while its UK support period is checked. No new paid links are active.

Original explanatory diagram for TP-Link EAP610 V3, not a photograph.

Wired Wi-Fi access point

TP-Link EAP610 V3

Investigate for room Wi-Fi where Ethernet reaches a suitable mounting point.

Not a router or Deco node. Confirm V3, UK power supply and management needs; some coordinated features require a controller.

Check the complete setup →Manufacturer details ↗
Original explanatory diagram for Ubiquiti UniFi U6+, not a photograph.

PoE-powered wired Wi-Fi · Research only

Ubiquiti UniFi U6+

Investigate when Ethernet and compatible PoE power are available and you are comfortable with UniFi setup.

A plain switch cannot power it. Standalone mobile-app management has feature limitations. Confirm support and exact UK package.

Manufacturer details ↗

UniFi standalone mode uses its mobile app and lacks some centrally managed features. Check the manufacturer’s limitations.

Make the decision simpler.

Source-based selection · Checked 17 October 2026 · No hands-on testing or live prices. Manufacturer links here earn no commission. Diagrams are original, not product photographs. Indoor leads are not a specification for outdoor or between-building installations.