from $34.99
The 7-Port USB 3.0 Hub from j5create enables you to connect up to seven USB 3.0 devices simultaneously. It allows for a combined transmission speed of 5 Gb/s for USB 3.0 devices, while still providing connectivity and support for the older USB 2.0 (480 Mb/s) and 1.1 (12 Mb/s) devices. This hub works with high-bandwidth SuperSpeed USB 3.0 devices, such as external storage drives, high-resolution webcams, video surveillance cameras, digital video cameras, and more. Additionally, it supports fast charging for your smartphone or tablet.
For home use, a simple unmanaged Gigabit switch is all you need to expand your router's ports. Buy a managed switch or a switch with PoE only if you are running security cameras, access points, or complex VLAN setups. Available from $34.99.
Basic unmanaged network switches use negligible power and have zero maintenance costs. PoE (Power over Ethernet) and large managed switches use more electricity but are still relatively cheap to run.
Common Failure Modes
Switches are solid-state devices with high reliability. When they fail, it is usually due to lightning strikes/power surges blowing individual ports or the internal power supply dying.
For home use, a simple unmanaged Gigabit switch is all you need to expand your router's ports. Buy a managed switch or a switch with PoE only if you are running security cameras, access points, or complex VLAN setups.
Network switches are extremely reliable solid-state devices. They are usually replaced because networking speed standards outgrow them, rather than due to hardware failure.
The j5create 7-Port USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hub is available at bhphoto, starting at $34.99.
Basic unmanaged network switches use negligible power and have zero maintenance costs. PoE (Power over Ethernet) and large managed switches use more electricity but are still relatively cheap to run.
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