Network switches are usually all you need; cheaper models can perform the basic functions just fine. Before you dive into the best sub-$100 switches, make sure to read my detailed guide on six essential things to consider first: # ports, port speeds, management, PoE, thermal/fan, and ISP/unlinks/NAS. After you're familiar with these fundamentals, come back here to find the best switches. It is amazing to see we spend $8000 on a STH lab switch from QCT back in 2016, and now we are seeing 8-port 10Gbase-T switches for closer to 1/40th the price. Our network is pushing at least 1tb in a 24 hour time span.