Understanding Network Switches in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

Network switches in Kenya play a crucial role in facilitating communication between devices by connecting computers, servers, printers, and other network equipment.

Let’s explore the different types of network switches available in Kenya, including managed and unmanaged switches, Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches, and various speed options, with examples from Buytec Stores.

What Are Network Switches?

At their core, network switches are devices that connect multiple devices on a local area network (LAN). They receive incoming data packets and redirect them to their destination within the network, enhancing efficiency and ensuring seamless communication.

Ubiquiti Switches

USW-48-PoE

USW-Pro-48-POE

USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE

USW-Pro-24-POE

USW-Pro-Max-24-PoE

USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE

USW-Lite-16-Poe

ES 24-250W

US-24-250W

USW-Enterprise-24-PoE

USW-24-PoE

USW-Pro-8-PoE

US-8-150W

ES-8-150W

USW-Aggregation

Types of Network Switches Available in Kenya

Unmanaged Switches
- Example: TP-Link TL-SF1005D
  - Price: Approximately KSh 4,500
  - Specs: 5-Port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch
  - Overview: Ideal for small offices or home networks requiring simple, plug-and-play connectivity.
Managed Switches
- Example: TP-Link TL-SG108E
  - Price: Approximately KSh 10,000
  - Specs: 8-Port Gigabit Smart Switch with Web Management
  - Overview: Suitable for more complex networking tasks where VLANs and traffic management are necessary.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switches vs. Non-PoE Switches

PoE Switches
- Example: TP-Link TL-SG1016P
  - Price: Approximately KSh 28,000
  - Specs: 16-Port Gigabit PoE Switch
  - Overview: Perfect for powering devices like IP cameras and wireless access points, eliminating the need for separate power cables.
Non-PoE Switches
- Example: D-Link DSS-16+
  - Price: Approximately KSh 6,500
  - Specs: 16-Port 10/100Mbps Switch
  - Overview: Suitable for standard network devices that do not require PoE.

Speed Options: 10/100 vs. 10/100/1000

10/100 Switches (Fast Ethernet)
- Example: Netgear GS105
  - Price: Approximately KSh 4,000
  - Specs: 5-Port 10/100Mbps Ethernet Switch
  - Overview: Good for basic networking tasks such as browsing and email.
10/100/1000 Switches (Gigabit Ethernet)
- Example: D-Link DGS-108
  - Price: Approximately KSh 8,500
  - Specs: 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
  - Overview: Ideal for businesses with heavy data demands, including video streaming and large file transfers.

Examples of Tplink Network switches in Kenya

TP-Link 5-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Switch – TL-LS1005

TP-Link 5-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Switch – TL-SF1005D

TP-Link 8-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Network Switch – TL-LS1008

TP-Link 8-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Switch – TL-SF1008D

TP-Link 24-port 10/100Mbps Desktop/Rackmount Switch – TL-SF1024D

TP-Link 5-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop Switch – TL-LS1005G

TP-Link 5-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop Switch – TL-SG1005D

TP-Link 5-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop Switch – TL-SG105

TP-Link 8-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop Switch – TL-SG1008D

TP-Link 16-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop/Rackmount Switch – TL-SG1016D

TP-Link 24-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop Rackmount Switch – TL-SG1024D

TP-Link 8-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Switch with 4-Port PoE+ – TL-SF1008P

TP-Link 9-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Switch with 8-Port PoE+ – TL-SF1009P

TP-Link 8-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop/Rackmount Switch with 8-Port PoE+ – TL-SG1008MP

TP-Link JetStream 10-Port Gigabit Smart Switch with 8 PoE+ Ports & 2 Gigabit SFP Slots TL-SG2210MP

TP-Link 18-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Easy Smart Switch with 16-Port PoE+ – TL-SG1218MPE

TP-Link 28-Port 10/100/1000Mbps JetStream Gigabit Smart Switch with 24-Port PoE+ – TL-SG2428P

TP-Link 52-Port Gigabit L2+ Managed Switch with 48-Port PoE+ – TL-SG3452P

TP-Link PoE Injector – TL-POE150S