If you are looking for your first network switch, you may want to know if there are any switches that do not need power, especially if there may be no main power supply near the location where you want to place it.

All network switches require power to work properly. Most will use AC power, but some can be powered by USB or Ethernet. This is useful if there is no suitable power outlet nearby.

If you have no available power supply, or it is too inconvenient, using Ethernet power supply may be your best choice. Remember, you may need a PoE injector to provide the required power for the switch.

Does the network switch need power?

Network switches do need power to work properly, but most people usually use alternative AC power.

When it comes to power switch, AC power supply is the most obvious solution. It already contains a power supply, so you just need to plug it into an available wall socket and you can leave.

If you have an unmanaged switch, this is actually all you need to do to set it up. Charge it, and then start plugging your device in with an Ethernet cable.

Even the management switch may require some additional settings. Once you power it on, you can turn it on and start the setting process.

When there is no power outlet near the place where you plan to place the switch, the problem arises.

Most people don't have enough power sockets, let alone put them where you need them.

So, if you want to use a network switch, but there is no available power outlet to provide the required power, what is your choice?

What is the solution?

If you cannot use the main power supply to power your network switch, you still have several options.

These are network switches powered by USB or powered by Ethernet (PoE). Among the two, I strongly recommend taking the PoE route instead of having to rely on USB powered switches, which is not good enough for many people.

USB-powered switches are usually not very powerful, and you are usually limited to fewer Ethernet ports. In addition, you need to find a USB port as the power supply.

It is no good to find a USB port on the panel of the main power outlet. Otherwise, you might as well only use the available AC power supply.

You may not want to plug it into the back of your computer, because you probably want to plug an Ethernet cable into the back of your computer. Not to mention, it will eventually take up more space on your desk, and some sounds will be loud when the load is too heavy.

Power supply via Ethernet is definitely the preferred solution here.