Best Network Switches with 18 Ports: 8 Spec-Based Picks
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Finding the best network switches with 18 ports requires balancing port speeds, power delivery, and uplink types for your connected devices. We compared 8 models based strictly on their published specifications. The Davuaz 18-Port PoE+ Switch with Gigabit Uplinks leads the rankings by pairing a 250W PoE budget across 16 ports with two dedicated Gigabit uplinks.
This guide helps you compare throughput, PoE wattage, and uplink interfaces to select the right switch for your network expansion.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You need high PoE capacity for IP surveillance cameras. Davuaz 18-Port PoE+ Switch with Gigabit Uplinks The switch provides a 250W PoE power budget across 16 ports with two dedicated Gigabit uplinks.
- You need multi-gigabit speeds with 10G SFP+ uplinks. YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G SFP+ It features 16 2.5G ports and dual 10G SFP uplinks without PoE hardware.
- You want multi-gigabit port speeds combined with PoE+ power. YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G PoE+ Switch This model delivers 2.5G port speeds, a 250W PoE+ budget, and 10G SFP uplinks.
- You need managed software controls for a multi-gigabit network. TRENDnet 18-Port 2.5G Web Smart Switch It provides Web Smart management controls, 2.5G ports, and dual 10G SFP+ uplinks.
Our 8 picks
Davuaz 18-Port PoE+ Switch with Gigabit Uplinks
Best for: IP surveillance setups needing high PoE budgets
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 10/100 Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3af/at)
- PoE Power Budget
- 250W
View on Amazon: Davuaz 18-Port PoE+ Switch with Gigabit Uplinks
The Davuaz 18-Port PoE+ Switch provides 16 Fast Ethernet ports delivering up to 30W per port alongside two dedicated Gigabit uplink ports. With a total PoE budget of 250W and support for 802.3af/at standards, you can power IP cameras, access points, and phones without separate adapters. An extend toggle supports runs up to 250 meters at 10Mbps. It suits you if you need centralized power for high-density surveillance hardware.
Pros
- 250W total PoE budget with up to 30W output per port (IEEE 802.3af/at)
- Two 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit uplink ports for router or NVR connectivity
- Transmission extension mode reaches up to 250 meters at 10Mbps
- Hardware port isolation switch to suppress network broadcast storms
Cons
- Downstream PoE ports operate at 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet speeds
- Unmanaged architecture provides no web interface or software configuration
Good fit if
- You need to power up to 16 PoE devices such as IP cameras or VoIP phones.
- You require long cable runs up to 250 meters for remote network gear.
- You want plug-and-play setup with an integrated 110-240V power supply.
Skip if
- You need Gigabit transfer speeds on all 16 client-facing PoE ports.
- You require managed switch features like SNMP, VLAN tagging, or remote monitoring.
Verdict: Davuaz 18-Port PoE+ Switch with Gigabit Uplinks delivers a substantial 250W PoE budget and dedicated Gigabit uplinks for large surveillance deployments. It trades downstream Gigabit speeds for high PoE capacity and long-range transmission.
YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G SFP+
Best for: silent multi-gigabit home and office networking
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 2.5 Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- Uplink Ports
- 2 x 10G SFP+
- Switching Capacity
- 120 Gbps
This YuanLey unit provides 16 2.5 Gbps RJ45 ports alongside two 10G SFP+ uplink slots, delivering a total switching capacity of 120 Gbps. It features an unmanaged, plug-and-play design housed in a silent, fanless metal enclosure that supports desktop placement or 19-inch rack mounting. This switch suits you if you need multi-gigabit transfers across local storage, workstations, and high-speed access points without configuring software or tolerating fan noise.
Pros
- 16 auto-adaptive 2.5 Gbps RJ45 ports
- Two 10G SFP+ uplink ports compatible with 1G and 2.5G modules
- 120 Gbps total switching capacity
- Fanless, silent metal chassis with double-side cooling vents
Cons
- No Power over Ethernet support for connected devices
- Unmanaged design lacks VLAN and traffic-shaping settings
- SFP modules are not included in the package
Good fit if
- You need 2.5 Gbps wired throughput for local storage and fast client devices.
- You require 10G SFP+ ports for high-bandwidth backbone uplinks.
- You want silent, fanless hardware that mounts in a standard 19-inch rack or sits on a desk.
Skip if
- You need to deliver power to cameras or access points using PoE.
- You require managed switch capabilities like VLAN tagging or link aggregation.
Verdict: YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G SFP+ gives you high-bandwidth multi-gigabit connectivity and 10G uplinks in a silent, plug-and-play metal design. It is an effective hardware choice when you need pure network speed without configuration complexity or PoE.
NICGIGA 18-Port 250W PoE+ Switch
Best for: straightforward Gigabit PoE+ camera and AP networks
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 1 Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3af/at)
- PoE Power Budget
- 250 W
This unmanaged switch gives you 16 Gigabit PoE+ ports and two dedicated Gigabit uplink ports with a total power budget of 250 watts. You get up to 30 watts per PoE port under IEEE 802.3af/at standards, along with a hardware toggle for port isolation. It suits you if you need to run multiple powered devices like cameras or access points without configuring software.
Pros
- 250W total PoE power budget with up to 30W per port
- Hardware toggle for one-key VLAN port isolation
- Two dedicated Gigabit uplink ports alongside 16 PoE+ ports
- 4KV lightning protection and metal chassis
Cons
- Unmanaged operation with no web interface or advanced software controls
- Lacks multi-gigabit (2.5G/10G) speeds or SFP fiber uplink options
Good fit if
- You need to power up to 16 PoE devices with a total draw under 250W.
- You want physical port isolation via a toggle switch without complex setup.
- You prefer a plug-and-play Gigabit switch that mounts in a standard rack or on a desk.
Skip if
- You need 2.5Gbps, 10Gbps, or SFP fiber connectivity for your network backbone.
- You require managed switch features such as VLAN tagging via software or SNMP monitoring.
Verdict: NICGIGA 18-Port 250W PoE+ Switch delivers simple plug-and-play Gigabit networking and 250W of power for connected hardware. Its physical VLAN switch and rackmount form factor make it a straightforward choice for high-density PoE setups.
YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G PoE+ Switch
Best for: multi-gigabit PoE networks needing 10G uplinks
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 2.5 Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- IEEE 802.3af/at
- PoE Power Budget
- 250W
This unmanaged switch gives you sixteen 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports with IEEE 802.3af/at PoE+ and two 10G SFP+ uplink slots. With a 250W total PoE budget and a 160 Gbps switching capacity, it powers access points, IP cameras, or multi-gigabit hardware without bandwidth bottlenecks. It fits desktop or rack environments with included metal housing and requires zero software setup to distribute power and high-speed data across your wired network.
Pros
- Sixteen 2.5 Gbps PoE+ ports deliver up to 30W per port
- Two 10G SFP+ uplink slots support 1G, 2.5G, and 10G transceivers
- 250W total PoE power budget handles multiple powered devices
- 160 Gbps switching capacity provides full multi-gigabit throughput
Cons
- Unmanaged architecture provides no VLAN, QoS, or traffic controls
- SFP+ optical modules are not included in the box
- Internal cooling fan generates audible background noise
Good fit if
- You need high-bandwidth 2.5 Gbps connections alongside PoE+ power for devices like Wi-Fi 6 access points.
- You want 10G SFP+ fiber or DAC uplink connections to a primary router or NAS.
- You prefer plug-and-play installation without managing network configurations.
Skip if
- You require managed switch capabilities like VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, or remote web management.
- You need a fanless, completely silent unit for a bedroom or quiet office space.
Verdict: YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G PoE+ Switch pairs multi-gigabit PoE+ delivery with dual 10G uplinks for demanding network expansions. It offers robust hardware capacity and a 250W power budget when managed software features are not required.
TRENDnet 18-Port 2.5G Web Smart Switch
Best for: managed multi-gigabit networks without PoE requirements
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 2.5 Gbps
- Management Type
- Web Smart
- Uplink Ports
- 2 x 10G SFP+
- Switching Capacity
- 120Gbps
This 18-port switch provides 16 multi-gigabit 2.5G Ethernet ports alongside two dedicated 10G SFP+ slots for high-bandwidth uplinks. With a 120Gbps switching capacity and web-based smart management, you get control over traffic via VLANs, QoS, and link monitoring. It suits your setup if you need manageable multi-gigabit connections and fast fiber uplinks without Power over Ethernet.
Pros
- 16 multi-gigabit 2.5G RJ-45 ports
- Two 10G SFP+ uplink ports
- 120Gbps switching capacity
- Web smart management with VLAN, QoS, and ACL support
Cons
- No PoE capability to power connected devices
- Requires SFP+ modules or DAC cables for 10G uplinks
Good fit if
- You need 2.5G LAN ports with 10G fiber uplink options.
- You want web-based management tools like VLANs and QoS.
- You deploy equipment requiring NDAA or TAA compliance.
Skip if
- You need PoE or PoE+ to power access points or IP cameras.
- You prefer an unmanaged plug-and-play switch with zero configuration interfaces.
Verdict: TRENDnet 18-Port Multi-Gig Web Smart Switch delivers high-speed multi-gigabit throughput and manageable network controls for setups that do not require PoE. Its dual 10G SFP+ uplinks and 120Gbps capacity make it a solid core for 2.5G wired networks.
Ztyuav 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch
Best for: budget-friendly high-density PoE+ camera setups
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 100/1000Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+
- PoE Power Budget
- 250W
The Ztyuav 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch expands your wired network with 16 PoE+ ports and two dedicated gigabit uplink ports. You get a 250W total power budget to run IP cameras or access points without separate power adapters. It operates as an unmanaged plug-and-play unit with a hardware VLAN isolation mode. This switch fits your setup if you need high-power delivery and basic port isolation across desktop, wall, or rack mounts.
Pros
- 16 PoE+ ports with a 250W total power budget
- Hardware VLAN isolation mode to prevent broadcast storms
- 6KV lightning protection built into a metal casing
- Supports desktop, wall-mount, and rackmount installations
Cons
- Unmanaged switch without web configuration or software control
- Switching bandwidth is listed at 12Gbps
- Lacks SFP or multi-gigabit uplink ports
Good fit if
- You need to power up to 16 PoE+ devices from a single 250W power budget.
- You want physical VLAN isolation without configuring management software.
- You require flexible placement with desktop, wall, or rackmount options.
Skip if
- You need managed L2 features, QoS controls, or a browser interface.
- You require multi-gigabit speeds or fiber SFP uplinks.
Verdict: Ztyuav 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch provides substantial 250W power delivery and straightforward physical VLAN isolation in an unmanaged metal enclosure. It offers an effective plug-and-play solution for powering standard network hardware.
NICGIGA 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G RJ45 Uplinks
Best for: Silent multi-gigabit copper network expansions
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 2.5 Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- Uplink Ports
- 2 x 10Gb RJ45
- Switching Capacity
- 120 Gbps
View on Amazon: NICGIGA 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G RJ45 Uplinks
This unmanaged switch gives you sixteen 2.5Gbps Base-T ports alongside two 10Gbps RJ45 copper uplinks. It provides 120Gbps switching capacity to handle multi-gigabit traffic across servers, NAS appliances, and Wi-Fi 7 access points. The fanless metal chassis operates silently and mounts on desktops, walls, or standard 19-inch racks. It fits your setup if you need high-speed local copper networking without configuring management software or powering PoE hardware.
Pros
- Sixteen 2.5Gbps ports and two 10Gbps RJ45 copper uplinks
- 120Gbps total switching capacity with non-blocking forwarding
- Fanless metal construction ensures completely silent operation
- Flexible desktop, wall-mount, and 19-inch rackmount placement
Cons
- Lacks Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability
- Unmanaged design offers no VLAN or network management controls
Good fit if
- You want multi-gigabit copper speeds for NAS units and computers.
- You need a silent, fanless switch for desktop or rack deployment.
- You prefer plug-and-play operation with no software setup required.
Skip if
- You need Power over Ethernet to run access points or security cameras.
- You require managed switch features like VLAN segmentation or QoS controls.
Verdict: NICGIGA 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G RJ45 Uplinks delivers fast multi-gigabit throughput and silent fanless cooling for unmanaged home or office networks. It is a capable choice if you need high-speed 10Gbps copper links without the complexity of managed settings.
WAVLINK 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch
Best for: unmanaged PoE+ networks needing fiber uplinks
- Number of Ports
- 18 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 1 Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3af/at)
- PoE Power Budget
- 250W
The WAVLINK 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch is an unmanaged network switch built for powering multiple endpoints. It supplies 16 gigabit PoE+ ports sharing a 250-watt power budget alongside two dedicated gigabit SFP uplink ports for fiber runs. You can toggle between Default, VLAN port isolation, and a 250-meter Extend mode using built-in hardware options. It suits you if you need to run IP cameras or access points without configuring complex software.
Pros
- 250W total PoE budget with up to 30W output per port
- 16 Gigabit PoE+ ports plus 2 dedicated Gigabit SFP uplinks
- Selectable hardware modes for VLAN isolation and 250m distance extension
- Versatile mounting options for desktop, rackmount, or wall-mount use
Cons
- Unmanaged design lacks web or software management controls
- Copper ports max out at 1 Gbps without multi-gigabit support
- Built-in fan design generates active cooling noise
Good fit if
- You need to power up to 16 PoE devices under a 250W power envelope.
- You want dedicated SFP fiber uplinks for long-distance connectivity.
- You prefer hardware-based VLAN port isolation without software management.
Skip if
- You require 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps speeds for your local network devices.
- You want a fully managed switch with remote web configuration.
- You need a fanless switch for completely silent operation.
Verdict: WAVLINK 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch provides reliable gigabit PoE+ power and fiber SFP connectivity in a straightforward, unmanaged metal enclosure. It is a solid pick when you need dependable power delivery without software setup.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Davuaz 18-Port PoE+ Switch with Gigabit Uplinks | YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G SFP+ | NICGIGA 18-Port 250W PoE+ Switch | YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G PoE+ Switch | TRENDnet 18-Port 2.5G Web Smart Switch | Ztyuav 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch | NICGIGA 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G RJ45 Uplinks | WAVLINK 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Count | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Port Speed | 10/100 Mbps | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps | 100/1000Mbps | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Management Type | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Web Smart | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Unmanaged |
| PoE Support | PoE+ (802.3af/at) | not specified | PoE+ (802.3af/at) | IEEE 802.3af/at | not specified | PoE+ | not specified | PoE+ (802.3af/at) |
| PoE Power Budget | 250W | not specified | 250 W | 250W | not specified | 250W | not specified | 250W |
| Uplink Ports | 2 x 1 Gbps | 2 x 10G SFP+ | not specified | 2 x 10G SFP+ | 2 x 10G SFP+ | 2 UpLink Ports | 2 x 10Gb RJ45 | 2 x SFP |
| Switching Capacity | not specified | 120 Gbps | not specified | 160Gbps | 120Gbps | not specified | 120 Gbps | not specified |
| Mounting Type | not specified | Desktop, Rackmount | Desktop, Rackmount | Desktop, Rackmount | not specified | Desktop, Wall-Mount, Rackmount | Desktop, Rackmount, Wall-Mount | Desktop, Rackmount, Wall-Mount |
| Number of Ports | 18 Ports | 18 Ports | 18 Ports | 18 Ports | 18 Ports | 18 Ports | 18 Ports | 18 Ports |
| Uplink Port Type | Gigabit Uplink | SFP | Gigabit Uplink | SFP | SFP | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Operating Mode | not specified | Access Point Mode | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Access Point Mode | not specified |
| Weight | not specified | 4.06 pounds | not specified | not specified | 6.72 pounds | 3.2 pounds | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 17.3 × 9.84 × 1.73 inches | 10.6 × 7.13 × 1.73 inches | not specified | not specified |
| Size | 16 PoE(250W, 100bps) + 2x1G Uplink | 16x2.5G +2x10G SFP | not specified | not specified | not specified | 1G 18-Port | 16 PoE+ 250W | not specified | 18 Port |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | PoE |
| Model | Da-F181620GBL | 16 Port 2.5G Switch | 18 Port Gigabit |16x PoE+ 250W+2xUpLink | 16 Port 2.5G PoE Unmanaged Switch (250W) | TEG-3182WS | 18 Gigabit Ports | 16 PoE+ 250W | 18 Port | 2x 10G RJ45 + 16x 2.5G | 1 |
When sizing equipment for a small workspace, specs for the best 18 Bottle refrigerators help you evaluate exterior dimensions.
Choosing the Right 18-Port Network Switch
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Management Type and Control
Determine whether you need software-level control or simple plug-and-play installation. Unmanaged switches pass traffic immediately without configuration, making them suitable for straightforward home networks. If you must configure virtual networks, monitor port traffic, or prioritize bandwidth via Quality of Service, select a web smart model. The TRENDnet 18-Port 2.5G Web Smart Switch provides a browser interface for administrative settings. Choose unmanaged switches when you prefer hands-off hardware that operates reliably without IP address management or firmware maintenance tasks.
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Uplink Connection Media
Check the physical connector type on the uplink ports before connecting your core router or storage server. SFP and SFP+ ports require separate optical transceivers or direct-attach copper cables, which work well for longer fiber runs. Standard RJ45 uplinks use standard Ethernet patch cords directly, eliminating the need for extra transceiver hardware. The NICGIGA 18-Port 2.5G Switch with 10G RJ45 Uplinks features built-in 10Gbps copper ports. Pick RJ45 uplinks for short, direct connections to copper-based network gear, and choose SFP+ cages for fiber infrastructure.
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Physical Port Isolation
If you deploy IP cameras or guest hardware on an unmanaged network, look for physical isolation switches. Certain unmanaged units include toggle switches that isolate downstream client ports from one another while keeping access open to the uplinks. This hardware feature blocks peer-to-peer snooping and stops broadcast storms without needing complex software subnets. The Ztyuav 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch features physical VLAN isolation on its metal chassis. Choose this feature if you require basic surveillance security but do not want to manage software-defined network profiles.
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Mounting Style and Dimensions
Examine the physical chassis dimensions and mounting specifications before finalizing your installation space. Some 18-port switches are compact enough for shallow media cabinets or open desktop use, whereas wider models require standard 19-inch equipment racks. Check whether the switch package supports dual-purpose deployment with included rack ears and desktop rubber pads. The WAVLINK 18-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch supports both desktop and rackmount installations. Choose a dual-mount enclosure if your network layout might transition from an open shelf into a dedicated server cabinet later.
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Total Switching Capacity
Review the total switching capacity, measured in gigabits per second, to ensure the internal fabric handles concurrent data streams. A switch needs enough backplane bandwidth to process bidirectional traffic across every connected port without packet drops. While standard Gigabit models require modest backplanes, multi-gigabit hardware demands substantially higher processing throughput to avoid data bottlenecks under heavy loads. The YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G PoE+ Switch pairs multi-gigabit ports with dual 10G uplinks to maintain high-speed transmission. Verify the switching fabric matches your concurrent client data throughput.
Frequently asked questions
How are ports typically arranged on an 18-port switch?
Most 18-port switches divide connections into 16 downstream access ports and two separate uplink ports. For example, PoE hardware provides 16 power-delivering ports alongside two non-PoE Gigabit or SFP uplinks. Multi-gigabit switches typically provide 16 ports running at 2.5G speeds, leaving the two remaining ports for high-bandwidth 10G uplinks connected to your core router or storage.
Can an 18-port switch support 10G uplink speeds?
Yes, multiple 18-port models include dual 10G uplinks to prevent bandwidth bottlenecks. Switches like the YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G Switch and TRENDnet TEG-3182WS feature dual 10G SFP+ slots for high-speed fiber transceivers. Alternatively, the NICGIGA 18-Port 2.5G Switch supplies dual 10G RJ45 copper ports, allowing you to connect 10Gbps hardware using standard Ethernet cables without optical adapters.
What total power budget do 18-port PoE+ switches provide?
Standard 18-port PoE+ switches typically provide an aggregate power budget of 250W across their 16 powered ports. Models such as the NICGIGA 18-Port PoE+ Switch, Davuaz switch, and Ztyuav switch all specify this 250W capacity. This total allows you to distribute power among multiple access points, VoIP phones, or IP surveillance cameras without overloading the switch power supply.
Are 18-port switches suitable for rackmount installation?
Many 18-port switches support standard rackmount installation in addition to desktop placement. Units like the TRENDnet TEG-3182WS feature a rackmount chassis with a 17.3-inch length, while models from NICGIGA, WAVLINK, and YuanLey explicitly include rackmount mounting support. These form factors allow you to secure the switch directly into a standard network rack or enclosure alongside your patch panels.
What is the benefit of a physical VLAN switch on an unmanaged model?
A physical VLAN switch provides hardware port isolation without requiring software configuration. On models like the NICGIGA 18-Port 250W PoE+ Switch and Ztyuav switch, flipping the VLAN toggle isolates downstream PoE ports from each other. This setup prevents broadcast traffic and blocks direct communication between connected client devices while maintaining continuous uplink communication to your router.
Is management software available on 18-port multi-gigabit switches?
Yes, web-based management is available on select models like the TRENDnet TEG-3182WS. While many 18-port switches operate as unmanaged plug-and-play devices, the TRENDnet switch provides web smart controls alongside a 120Gbps switching capacity. This architecture allows you to manage traffic parameters, configure virtual networks, and monitor link activity across its 16 2.5G ports and dual 10G uplinks.
Can you run an 18-port 2.5G switch in a silent environment?
Yes, select high-bandwidth switches operate silently without active cooling fans. The YuanLey 18-Port 2.5G Switch provides sixteen 2.5G ports and dual 10G SFP uplinks in a silent metal housing. Similarly, the NICGIGA 18-Port 2.5G Switch features fanless cooling for quiet multi-gigabit operation, making it suitable for home offices or desktop setups where fan noise is disruptive.