Is this a good 16 port hub for system linking Xboxes?

[Wheelman56]

http://www.cputopia.com/cputopia-speedstream-16port-10-100-ethernet-switch.html

Looking for a good priced hub (such as this, $30) to system link Xboxes... woudl this one be any good? The other thing I am considering is the Linksys 16-port hub.

 

[NordicNINE]

Originally posted by: Wheelman56
http://www.cputopia.com/cputopia-speedstream-16port-10-100-ethernet-switch.html

Looking for a good priced hub (such as this, $30) to system link Xboxes... woudl this one be any good? The other thing I am considering is the Linksys 16-port hub.

Shouldn't take anything fancy. Unmanaged switches are pretty much a commodity nowadays. I use a cheap 16 port SMC in the house for the kids. Handles their PC's X-boxes, etc no problem. I've had as many as 5 PC's and 4 X-boxes going at once on it and no issues.

 

[NordicNINE]

PS- I see you said hub, but I think you mean switch.

I def would recommend a 10/100 switch. Not a hub. A hub will probably be an issue once you get multiple X-boxes going and switches are so cheap now, there is no reason to get a hub.

 

[Wheelman56]

What's the difference between a switch and a hub?

 

[NordicNINE]

Hubs just take the "message" and pass it on to all ports. You get more collisions and retries, etc..

A switch is smart enough to know which port the message is going to and only transmits on that port.

End result is a switch will run better as you get more traffic on the ports.

 

[Wheelman56]

Hmm, sounds like switches would be more expensive if they are so much better. I guess I don't fully understand.

 

[NordicNINE]

Switches are pretty cheap.

I've bought 16port for less than $50 at Microcenter.

 

[Wheelman56]

I guess the real question is, why are hubs more expensive than switches?

 

[NordicNINE]

NewEgg 16 port switches

 

[NordicNINE]

Originally posted by: Wheelman56
I guess the real question is, why are hubs more expensive than switches?

They shouldn't be.

 

[InlineFive]

Here is a 16-port Netgear switch on sale for $37 AMIR.

 

[Nebben]

Any issue with switches that aren't Linksys/Netgear quality? I know Linksys is generally awesome, but the cheapest 16-port Linksys switch is $65+ and I'm seeing other brands for $25-30. Is it worth spending double? I do plan on using most to all of the ports eventually, for LAN parties.