Expand ethernet outputs
- Thread starter jmed999
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BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Not to over simplify, but you could just get a switch or hub and plug one of the outputs to the router into it.
They have almost a limitless selection of port numbers. How many are you looking at? Mounting?
Hopefully, I'm not missing a key element in your post.
They have almost a limitless selection of port numbers. How many are you looking at? Mounting?
Hopefully, I'm not missing a key element in your post.
tmbrown97
Senior Member
When adding ports, a wise choice is often to add a switch - a nice netgear gigabit switch is usually a good choice with as many ports as you think you could ever need, plus a few... then plug critical but low-speed stuff (like security/automation) into the router directly, then run a cable from the router to the switch and run all your computers, wireless, etc - off that switch; it'll make communications faster between them.
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Great advice! Do you have any favorite models for this application?
johnboy70_99
Member
Netgear, Cisco, or belkin should all do well for this application. Given that these are frequently used in more business critical applications, it is likely that the ethernet switch would be among the most reliable pieces of gear in the system. Personally I hooked up my main family PC, my server, and my office PC to 3 ports on my verizon router, and then all of the other stuff in the house like the alarm, TV's, DVD players, etc to my 24 port switch. This way I get gigabit between the server and the two main PC's, and one less hop out to the internet from them.
linuxha
Active Member
I worked with high end Cisco and Juniper. Those spoiled me. But I hate the low end Cisco stuff (re-badged Linksys basically). Probably unfair as it does work well.
I've used Netgear and Allied (inexpensive). One thing to be careful of, I don't recommend going more that 4 switches from end to end. I know it's supposed to be 5 but I've heard a few people having trouble at 4. I've got 3 to simplify some cable runs (run 1 cable as a 'backbone' and break out at the switches).
I've used Netgear and Allied (inexpensive). One thing to be careful of, I don't recommend going more that 4 switches from end to end. I know it's supposed to be 5 but I've heard a few people having trouble at 4. I've got 3 to simplify some cable runs (run 1 cable as a 'backbone' and break out at the switches).
I use Netgear ProSafe Smart Switches, too...but, be aware that some models have very loud fans. For example, they recently introduced a V2 for 16 port model in the same family. The V1 had a very noisy fan. The V2 is fanless. Eight port model is also fanless. The fan noise can be very noticeable depending on the device's location.
The specs on the 48 port model shows a noise level of 52db. The V2 16 port and 24 port models are 34db.
Now if I can only get a clear,concise explanation of how and why to use the VLAN support for residential purposes in these devices, I can start utiliizing some of what I paid for.
The specs on the 48 port model shows a noise level of 52db. The V2 16 port and 24 port models are 34db.
Now if I can only get a clear,concise explanation of how and why to use the VLAN support for residential purposes in these devices, I can start utiliizing some of what I paid for.
wuench
Senior Member
I use the Cisco linksys stuff and they are ok. There are some typical Cisco bugs, eh I mean "caveats" but they are working fine after some firmware updates. It is nice to be able to SSH into them and use IOS-ish commands.
Whatever you buy make sure it works, upgrade the firmware and make sure you check to make sure you don't see any issues like choppy video, etc. If you do, don't rule the switch out, I had one unmanaged Gb Cisco/Linksys switch that had "Made for Video" stickers all over it that didn't work with my 100Mb Boxee for video streaming and it went back to Amazon....
I use VLANs but only to support a Guest Wifi access directly to the internet.... I do like having SNMP with my Cacti server running to troubleshoot issues mostly playing Bluray video....
Whatever you buy make sure it works, upgrade the firmware and make sure you check to make sure you don't see any issues like choppy video, etc. If you do, don't rule the switch out, I had one unmanaged Gb Cisco/Linksys switch that had "Made for Video" stickers all over it that didn't work with my 100Mb Boxee for video streaming and it went back to Amazon....
I use VLANs but only to support a Guest Wifi access directly to the internet.... I do like having SNMP with my Cacti server running to troubleshoot issues mostly playing Bluray video....
Neurorad
Senior Member
I haven't had any issues with a Netgear ProSafe 16 port gigabit switch, for a couple years.
http://www.netgear.com/business/products/switches/unmanaged-switches/unmanaged-desktop-switches/GS116.aspx
Silent (no fan), about 12 inches wide, fits neatly in an enclosure (thanks again electron).
http://www.netgear.com/business/products/switches/unmanaged-switches/unmanaged-desktop-switches/GS116.aspx
Silent (no fan), about 12 inches wide, fits neatly in an enclosure (thanks again electron).
tmbrown97
Senior Member
I really like the Netgear Prosafe Plus switches - don't have the exact models handy but it's been a good line and many support VLAN tagging, QoS, etc - and some with a simplified interface. That said, I have seen some instances where a switch that's been running for years gets flaky because of one new network item. Removing it fixes the issue.
I've been burned by linksys more times than I can count. They're out and I'll never touch another one even if it does have Cisco's name now.
I've been burned by linksys more times than I can count. They're out and I'll never touch another one even if it does have Cisco's name now.
I need to buy a switch too... so thanks for the discussion. I was looking to add IP cameras to our home eventually and I was wondering how this might work. Can you get a switch that has POE on a few ports, or is it better to get an independent switch that does only POE?
My switch is 15+ years old and i think it is time to retire since I have been having trouble getting it to work on my new setup. Maybe i need to do a firmware upgrade if it is even possible?
My switch is 15+ years old and i think it is time to retire since I have been having trouble getting it to work on my new setup. Maybe i need to do a firmware upgrade if it is even possible?
drvnbysound
Senior Member
I've had the same Linksys wireless router (WRT54G) for at least 10 years. This past year, I bought a new router, and converted the old one into an access point. I've had good luck with the Linksys gear - suggested them (at least the older models) to numerous friends and family and I don't know anyone of these which has had any issues - I'm sure I'd get phone calls if they did... since I get calls about computer issues.
Having said that, I also went with the Netgear unmanaged Business switches; specifically the GS108. I purchased mine from Newegg.
I went with the 8-port version simply because of form factor. I actually put these inside my structured wiring can. I could not find a small sized 16-port Gigabit switch from any manufacturer (at least none that I cared for), so I went with (2) of them which I stacked on top of each other.
Here's a picture of them which I took back in August before I got this cleaned up more:
Having said that, I also went with the Netgear unmanaged Business switches; specifically the GS108. I purchased mine from Newegg.
I went with the 8-port version simply because of form factor. I actually put these inside my structured wiring can. I could not find a small sized 16-port Gigabit switch from any manufacturer (at least none that I cared for), so I went with (2) of them which I stacked on top of each other.
Here's a picture of them which I took back in August before I got this cleaned up more:
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