Hey all, I'm piecing together a homelab network and need a decent managed switch that won't eat up the budget. Going for a 24-port model with POE on maybe 4-8 ports to handle things like security cams or access points. A 2.5Gb option sounds ideal if it fits, but I'm flexible as long as it's reliable.
Budget's set at £300-£400, and I've glanced at a few from Ubiquiti and Netgear, but not sure how they compare in real-world use. POE helps cut down on extra power adapters, which is a plus for keeping things tidy.
What's everyone using for similar setups? Any must-avoid pitfalls with these switches, or tips on getting the most out of them? Love to hear comparisons on performance, ease of setup, and if 2.5Gb actually makes a difference for homelab speeds.
Fire away with your thoughts!
