More devices than ports on router. Do I need a bridge?

[Matt_Stevens]

Hi gang. I'm clueless with networking, wireless, etc.

Right now I have an old Belkin Wireless G Router, which has four ports in the back. One is for my PC. But with the DirecTV, PS3, wife's Mac and our printer, we do not have enough ports available. I am constantly playing musical chairs.

Do I need what is called a Bridge?

What I would like to do is have just one 50 foot cable running from the router to my equipment rack in the living room and have that cat5 cable plug into something that allows me to them go to my PS3, DirecTV, DVR and Canon printer (which is not wireless, unfortunately).

I'd appreciate some advice on what I am supposed to do. Reading stuff on CNET and elsewhere has me a bit confused.

Also, can I get any wireless repeater or do I need to stick with a Belkin? We can't run a cat5 cable to the bedroom, but would like to have stronger wireless down there so I was thinking of placing a repeater in the hallway.

Thanks!

 

[alfa147x]

You need a switch

 

[tomt4535]

Nope, you need a switch. Plug one of the ports on the switch to any of the LAN ports on the router, and you are good to go.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...&name=Switches

 

[alfa147x]

Don't cheap out on the switch... I'v had way too many problems with cheap switches :\

 

[Matt_Stevens]

Ok, a new term!

Can I buy pretty much any switch? Or do I need to stick with a Belkin to match my router?

Just got an Amazon.com gift certificate for $15 too. Looks like I know what I can use it for.

I'm looking at the TRENDnet 8-Port Ethernet Switch (8 x 10/100Mbps Auto-MDIX RJ-45 Ports) TE100-S8 (Blue).

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Ethernet-100Mbps-Auto-MDIX-TE100-S8/dp/B000M2UZBK/ref=sr_1_5?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1286125736&sr=1-5

 

[Matt_Stevens]

OK, I gotcha. Thanks for heads up. Now I know what I need.

 

[Emulex]

get an asus or rosewill 8 port gigabit switch. trust me on that. the $10 to futureproof you for next 3-4 years - worth it.

plus they have a port for QOS so you can send more bandwidth to a device.

use both - they are both awesome and reliable. come in 5 port too. but 8 port is better choice since you lose one.