What is a WiFi Switch?

What is a WiFi Switch?

A wifi switch is a networking device that connects to a router and allows for control of devices connected to the network via a smartphone app.wifi switch wifi switch Many people purchase smart switches for their convenience, and some use them to create a home automation system that can be controlled with voice commands or an app, and by devices connected to a wireless protocol, like Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth. Most smart switches require a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection in order to function and have the best range from the router, but they can also be used with mesh Wi-Fi or a dedicated smart home wireless protocol.

Switches can vary in their networking speed, with rates of Mbps (megabits per second) or Gbps (gigabits per second).wifi switch The higher the speed, the more data that can be transferred, and the more expensive it will be.wifi switch Many switches come with a built-in firewall to help protect the devices on the network from unauthorized access. Switches can also be set up to allow only certain devices to send or receive data over the ports they are connected to, which reduces network lag.

Traditionally, when you set up a computer network you needed an intermediate device that watched for signals on one network segment that were meant for the other and rebroadcasted them as necessary.wifi switch That device was called a router, and it still does the same thing today.wifi switch However, a switch is much more intelligent than a router, because it knows where to send or receive signals. Switches are designed to keep track of the MAC addresses (a code that indicates a specific device) of each plugged-in device and sends received frames only to those ports that are supposed to host them.

Most network switches come with a variety of connectors to support different types of devices and connections.wifi switch They may also feature a wall-mounting option, which can be handy for keeping the device out of sight and preventing it from becoming a rat's nest of cords on the floor.wifi switch

Many smart switches can be controlled directly with a mobile app, and some offer voice commands for Alexa or Google Assistant.wifi switch Others are compatible with hubs and other third-party systems that can be controlled through the router's LAN port, but this is not always necessary for most users. Some brands of smart switches are marketed as "light switches" that can replace traditional light switches, and most come with labels and faceplates for a quick install. For log homes, some smart switches can even work without the need for a switch box, which can decrease the amount of drilling and routing required. The most important consideration when choosing a smart switch is the type of technology it uses. Some models are not compatible with certain types of light bulbs, while others will only work with a particular brand of router. It is best to look for a model that will work with your existing light fixtures, and can be used with the most popular smart home devices.