I used the new switch to replace older switches and immediately improved the speed. I added a wireless modem after the switch for our wireless connectivity. The one key thing is to check your cables. Cat5E or better is rated for GigaByte speeds but Cat 5 is not. Make sure all your cables prior to the switch are at least Cat5E. If not, it's like having a 1 inch water pipe feeding a new 8 inch pipe. The 8 inch pipe would not improve anything.