When it comes to smart home setups and home entertainment systems, we often lean towards wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, Thread, and Z-Wave. However, many smart devices actually rely on good, old-fashioned wired Ethernet to function at their best.
Take the Philips Hue Bridge, for instance—it requires an Ethernet cable to operate efficiently. Similarly, while an Apple TV can connect via Wi-Fi, using an Ethernet connection enhances performance. Smart hubs also see a significant boost in reliability when paired with Ethernet. For avid gamers on platforms like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, a solid K/D ratio practically requires a wired Ethernet connection.
However, the number of Ethernet cables and ports can quickly become overwhelming. Most Wi-Fi and mesh routers typically offer only a few Ethernet ports—often just one additional connection.
This is why I’ve started investing in Ethernet switches. My top choice, an unmanaged 5-port gigabit Ethernet switch from TP-Link, is currently available for just $13 during Prime Day, offering a 35% discount. There are several other options as well, including an 8-port gigabit switch for $27.99 (30% off), a 16-port switch for $59.99 (33% off), and a 48-port model for $179.99 (25% off).
In my smart home setup, I have three of the 5-port TP-Link switches. One is located under my desk and connects my PC, Philips Hue Bridge, and HDHomeRun over-the-air TV tuner. The link port connects to my mesh router, while the fifth port connects to… yet another Ethernet bridge.
The second bridge is tucked away in a steel cabinet in my office, serving my four Raspberry Pi devices. These boards run various locally hosted applications, including HomeBridge—which brings non-HomeKit smart devices into the Apple Home app—Home Assistant, an open-source platform I’ve been experimenting with, and Plex, which functions as my personal media server compatible with my HDHomeRun tuner. While my Raspberry Pi setups could connect over Wi-Fi, a reliable Ethernet connection significantly enhances their performance, especially for media streaming.
Lastly, my third TP-Link switch is hidden behind my TV in the living room, where it connects to my Apple TV 4K, PlayStation 5, and Denon AVR-x1600H. This setup guarantees smoother streaming, reduces gaming lag, and prevents audio dropouts during AirPlay music streaming.
Setting up these TP-Link switches is incredibly straightforward. Since they are unmanaged—meaning they don’t assign IP addresses—connecting the link port to a nearby router or mesh unit and plugging in your Ethernet devices is all it takes. You can daisy-chain multiple Ethernet switches if needed, and an AC adapter powers the unit.
I’ve been using these TP-Link switches for years and have encountered zero issues. I highly recommend them if you’re short on Ethernet ports in your smart home or home theater—more connections can only enhance your experience.
Grab a TP-Link TL-SG105 5-port gigabit Ethernet switch for just $12.99
Amazon Prime Day is taking place over four days this year, wrapping up on July 11. To enjoy the discounts, you’ll need a Prime membership, but you can sign up for a 30-day free trial if you haven’t yet.
Don’t forget to check out our Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals 2025 hub for more fantastic sales across various tech categories.