Most network conversations start and end with the router. The switch is treated as an afterthought until it becomes the problem.
A router connects your network to the internet. A switch connects everything inside your network to each other: computers, printers, IP phones, access points, and security cameras. Every device that plugs into your office or ISP network passes through a switch at some point.
This means a switch that is undersized or poorly matched to your environment quietly limits everything running above it, including the router that usually gets blamed first.
The right router on the wrong switch is still the wrong network.
What to consider when choosing a network switch
Unmanaged vs managed switches
An unmanaged switch works straight out of the box with no configuration required, a reasonable option for very small setups with only a handful of devices. A managed switch, by contrast, gives you VLAN support, traffic prioritisation, port-level monitoring, and security controls.
For any business or ISP in Kenya running more than a handful of connected devices, a managed switch is the right choice. The visibility alone, knowing which device is consuming bandwidth or causing a problem, is worth the price difference.
Port count and headroom
Buy switching capacity for where your network is going, not just where it is today. A switch that is already at full capacity leaves no room for the next device, the next employee, or the next expansion. Sizing up at the point of purchase is almost always cheaper than replacing an undersized switch six months later.
Gigabit vs Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet switches cap throughput at 100Mbps per port. If your internet connection or internal file transfers run faster than that, the switch itself becomes the bottleneck, regardless of how good your router or fibre connection is. Gigabit switching is the standard for any modern network deployment in Kenya today.
PoE capability
If your network includes IP cameras, wireless access points, or VoIP phones, a switch with Power over Ethernet (PoE) eliminates the need for separate power adapters at every device. PoE delivers both data and power through a single cable, a cleaner installation that is significantly easier to manage and maintain.
Switching capacity and backplane speed
A switch can have enough physical ports but still bottleneck under heavy traffic if its backplane capacity is insufficient. This is particularly relevant for ISP environments and larger office deployments in Kenya where multiple high-bandwidth devices are active at the same time.
Network switches available at CTC Kenya
Getting the switch right does not need to be complicated — it simply requires matching the hardware to the actual demands of your environment. Here is a breakdown of what we stock locally, organised by deployment size.
Small office and entry-level switches
- TP-Link TL-SG1005P 5-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch with 4-Port PoE
- TP-Link TL-SG1008D 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch
Mid-range switches for growing networks
Enterprise and ISP-grade switches
- MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM Managed Switch-Router
- D-Link DGS-1210-52MP 52-Port Managed PoE Switch
- MikroTik CRS317-1G-16S+RM Managed Switch
Browse our full range of network switches for more options across all brands and price points.
Need help choosing the right switch for your network?
Not sure which switch fits your specific setup? Our pre-sales team at City Telecommunication Centre (CTC) can help you evaluate your requirements and recommend the right equipment for your environment in Kenya.
WhatsApp: 0110 004 400
Email: sales@citytelecomcentre.com
0 comments