Top 10 Must Have Devices On Your Home Network

Creating a robust, secure, and efficient home or small office network requires careful selection of devices. Whether you’re building a smart home, setting up a lab for learning, or ensuring your office has a reliable network, having the right devices can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll go over the top 10 must-have devices that will optimize your network performance, security, and functionality.

1. Network Switch

A network switch is the backbone of your wired network, allowing multiple devices to communicate with each other. Unlike a router, which directs traffic between different networks, a switch manages data packets between devices on the same network.

Why You Need It:
If you have multiple wired devices—such as desktops, smart TVs, NAS units, and security cameras—a switch helps expand the number of available Ethernet ports, providing high-speed, low-latency connections.

Recommendation:

• TP-Link TL-SG108 (Unmanaged, 8-port Gigabit switch): Ideal for home users.

• Cisco SG350-10 (Managed, 10-port Gigabit switch): Great for small offices with advanced management features.

2. Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is a small, versatile computer that has a variety of uses in networking. From acting as a Pi-hole for network-wide ad blocking to running a VPN server or monitoring network traffic, the Raspberry Pi can be a valuable addition to your network.

Why You Need It:
This affordable device can handle small-scale networking tasks such as home automation, media streaming, network monitoring, and more. It’s also a great platform for learning about networking and software development.

Recommendation:

• Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB RAM): The latest version offers ample power for various applications, including running lightweight server tasks.

3. UniFi Router

The UniFi Router from Ubiquiti is an enterprise-grade router that’s suitable for advanced home users and small businesses. It provides top-tier network control, security, and Wi-Fi management with centralized control via the UniFi Controller.

Why You Need It:
The UniFi Router offers robust routing, VPN, firewall, and DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) features, as well as high-performance wireless access points (APs). Its intuitive interface allows even non-experts to manage complex network settings with ease.

Recommendation:

• UniFi Dream Machine (UDM): All-in-one device that includes a router, switch, and access point with built-in network security and monitoring.

4. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

A NAS device is essential for storing, managing, and backing up files across the network. NAS allows users to access files from any connected device, which is particularly useful for media storage, document management, and sharing.

Why You Need It:
Having a centralized storage solution provides both convenience and security. NAS can also serve as a media server (e.g., Plex), backup server, and even a personal cloud.

Recommendation:

• Synology DS220+: A 2-bay NAS that’s perfect for home or small office use with extensive app support for file sharing, media streaming, and data backup.

• QNAP TS-453D: A 4-bay NAS with excellent performance and options for RAID configurations, ideal for users with large storage needs.

5. Wireless Access Point (WAP)

A dedicated Wireless Access Point (WAP) ensures optimal Wi-Fi coverage across your home or office. While many routers come with built-in Wi-Fi, adding a separate WAP can help eliminate dead spots and improve performance.

Why You Need It:
WAPs help ensure fast, reliable, and secure wireless connections throughout large areas. They can be used in conjunction with a central router to create a mesh network or improve coverage in specific areas.

Recommendation:

• Ubiquiti UniFi AP-AC-Pro: A high-performance access point with enterprise-grade features, suitable for large homes and small offices.

• TP-Link EAP225: Budget-friendly but still powerful, great for smaller spaces.

6. Firewall Appliance

A dedicated firewall appliance adds an additional layer of security to your network, beyond what standard routers provide. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and enforces strict security policies to protect your network from unauthorized access.

Why You Need It:
Cybersecurity is critical, and with more devices connected to your network, the risks of intrusion increase. A firewall appliance offers features like intrusion detection/prevention, VPN capabilities, and advanced traffic filtering.

Recommendation:

• pfSense SG-1100: A popular open-source firewall with a wide array of features, suitable for home or small business networks.

• Firewalla Gold: A powerful yet user-friendly firewall with advanced network security options, designed for home or office use.

7. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch

A PoE switch is a type of network switch that supplies both power and data over Ethernet cables. This is particularly useful for powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points without needing separate power supplies.

Why You Need It:
For convenience and cable management, a PoE switch reduces the need for additional power sources for devices like cameras and access points, while also streamlining the setup of your network.

Recommendation:

• NETGEAR GS308P: An 8-port PoE switch suitable for small setups.

• Ubiquiti UniFi Switch 8 PoE-150W: A more powerful option for larger deployments, perfect for advanced networks.

8. IP Security Camera System

A network-connected security camera system is a must for home or office security. Modern IP cameras connect to your network, allowing you to monitor your premises in real-time and receive alerts for motion detection.

Why You Need It:
Enhanced security is a top priority for any network setup. IP cameras provide peace of mind by offering remote access to video feeds and integration with other smart home devices.

Recommendation:

• Arlo Pro 4: A wireless system that integrates easily with your network and offers excellent video quality.

• Reolink 4K PoE Cameras: Wired for power and reliability, offering high-resolution video and built-in storage options.

9. Network Monitoring Device

A network monitoring device or software gives you insight into the performance and health of your network. It helps identify bottlenecks, potential issues, and security breaches.

Why You Need It:
Proactively monitoring your network ensures that everything runs smoothly and allows you to troubleshoot problems before they escalate. Tools like Pi-hole (which runs on a Raspberry Pi) can also block unwanted ads and malicious traffic across the entire network.

Recommendation:

• Pi-hole (run on a Raspberry Pi): Blocks unwanted ads and improves browsing speed by acting as a network-wide ad blocker.

• Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500: Includes built-in network monitoring and optimization for gaming setups.

10. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A UPS is essential for keeping your network devices running during power outages or surges. It ensures that devices like routers, NAS units, and switches remain powered during unexpected outages, preventing data loss or damage to hardware.

Why You Need It:
Network downtime can cause data loss and disruptions in service. A UPS provides a reliable backup power source that allows for safe shutdowns or continued operation during short-term outages.

Recommendation:

• APC Back-UPS Pro BX1500M: Provides reliable power backup and surge protection for your home or small office network.

• CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD: Another high-quality UPS with excellent reviews for small to medium-sized network setups.

Conclusion

Building a reliable, secure, and high-performance network requires thoughtful selection of devices. From core infrastructure components like routers and switches to specialized devices like NAS units and firewall appliances, each device plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth network operation.

Whether you’re setting up a home lab, running a small business, or just looking to optimize your smart home, these 10 must-have devices will help you achieve a well-rounded network that meets your needs.