A network switch connects multiple wired devices on a local network. In schools, switches are typically located in network cabinets in corridors or server rooms.

As schools move from desktop computers to laptops or tablets, fewer devices may require wired connections. This can result in unused ports on existing network switches. When reviewing network cabinets, schools may notice ports without cables connected or indicator lights showing that some ports are inactive.

As more devices within a school become wireless - for example when schools move from desktop to laptop computers - some of these network switches become redundant. You may notice when looking at a “bank” of network switches that either there are a number of ports with no cables in them, or that a number of the lights indicating which switches are active are no longer lit up.

A bank of switches may use around 80 W of electricity on average. If running continuously, this could use around 700 kWh of electricity per year. At an electricity cost of £0.30 per kWh, this would cost approximately £200 per year and result in over 100 kg of CO₂ emissions.

Schools may wish to periodically review their network equipment to identify switches that are lightly used. Where appropriate, and with support from IT staff, connections may be consolidated onto fewer switches to reduce unnecessary energy use.

When reviewing network cabinets, consider the following: