No, it is not mandatory to use Gigabit switches; however, we highly recommend their use because they offer significant benefits in terms of both performance and scalability. Gigabit switches provide faster data transfer speeds, which can greatly enhance the efficiency of your network, especially when handling large files or multiple simultaneous connections. Additionally, they offer better scalability options, allowing your network to grow and adapt to increased demands over time without requiring a complete overhaul of your infrastructure.