Problems with too many switches?

[theanimala]

I recently ran a gig-e network with some cheap D-Link gig-e switch and cat-6 cables to connect my home pc, imac and PS3 for media sharing. Working great, no issues. But now I am looking at getting a TV which has an ethernet connection, as well as maybe another computer, and a potential Wii. Rather that going through the painful process of running more cables (through walls, under floor, etc.), I was thinking of buying two more cheap switches to place at either end. This would give me 3 switches total. Am I asking for issues doing this and would it be better to go through the pain of running more cables instead? I just want it to be reliable, performance is really not much of an issue as I know I am not pushing things as it stands right now...

 

[Tarrant64]

Adding more switches shouldn't be a problem. If they are all gig-e then it should be fine, however if one device is not gigabit capable then you'll only get 10/100 speeds (I think only with devices communicating with each other). I personally would just run more cables or find the cheapest switch possible if performance isn't an issue.

 

[imagoon]

I doubt there would be an issue. Most modern (even home switches) will support 10 / 100 / 1000 without dropping the other ports. There are limits on the number of layer 2 segments but for low stress home network it will unlikely be an issue.

 

[theanimala]

Thanks, I will just buy two more switches then. 50 Foot cat-6 cables cost about $9 after shipping, and I would need two of them. Each 5 port Gig-E switch is only $15 after rebate, so not much more to save myself a few hours of work.