Home networking: Router or Switch?

[Winky]

I need to upgrade my current networking setup and I need your recommendations. My current setup is Cable Modem > 4-port Linksys router > Four PCs. All connections are wired trhough patch Cat 5e cables.

I need to add two new PCs to the network and I was wondering if I should just replace the 4-port router with an 8-port router or connect the 4-port router to an 8-port Gigafast n-way switch (EZ-800S).

The hardware costs are same for both the options. What is your recommendation?

 

[Soybomb]

Connect the router to a switch. You should be able to pick up a 4-8 port switch dirt cheap, maybe check the deals forum here.

 

[Bleep]

I just use a hub on the backend of the router. I am the only one that uses my lan so dont worry about things bumping into each other.

Bleep

 

[Rich1234]

I have one of those EZ800s switches stacked with my D-Link D-704-p. Works like a champ. To answer your question, there's no real up/downside beyond more ports. The speed hit you'd take between the extra switching will be next to nothing...

If you have a group of computers that are a long distance from the others, you could run one long wire between the switches and run short lines from the switch to the computers..

Heads-up: If you look hard enough (Hot Deals Forum..) You might be able to find a $15 MIR... Net price on my 8 port was $10!



Rich