Question about switches

[DaiShan]

If I have 20 computer I want to connect via ethernet switches, is there a way to use like 3 8 port switches? Or do I need some intermediary? Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Three 8 ports switches will provide you with 21 working ports.

 

[Lord Evermore]

Actually only 20. 🙂 7 on the 2 "end" switches, 6 on the middle one. And of course, there'd be no way to link those 20 computers to any other network.

 

[DaiShan]

Thanks for the replies guys, I really need to brush up on my networking. These will only be used to network the 20 computers to each other.

 

[WannaFly]

with 2 8 port switches (assuming you have an "uplink" port, if not use a crossover.)

C= Computer
U=UPLINK
X=PORT NOT USED
Switch one: UCCCCCCC
Switch two: UUCCCCCC
Switch Three:XUCCCCCC

Someone agree(or disagree) with me plz, this provides 19 ports.
Switch #1 uplink port to #2 port #1
Switch #2 uplink port to #3 port #1
Switch #3 uplink port not used.

I believe this is correct. On some(all?) switches if you use the uplink port you cannot use port 1 also. If theres not an uplink port, simply use a crossover cable and plug from port #1 to port #1 on each switch.

 

[Doh!]

Originally posted by: WannaFly
If theres not an uplink port, simply use a crossover cable and plug from port #1 to port #1 on each switch.

If there's no uplink port, most switches made in recent years are capable of using one port as an uplink port without the need for a crossover cable (can use a regular lan cable).

 

[WannaFly]

Originally posted by: Doh!

Originally posted by: WannaFly
If theres not an uplink port, simply use a crossover cable and plug from port #1 to port #1 on each switch.

If there's no uplink port, most switches made in recent years are capable of using one port as an uplink port without the need for a crossover cable (can use a regular lan cable).

OH yes, i forgot about that feature, havent used a switch with it yet.

 

[Lord Evermore]

It's 20 ports, not 19.

Switch 1) uplink port disables port 1, so 7 ports
Switch 2) regular port from #1 and uplink port, so 6 ports.
Switch 3) regular port from #2, so 7 ports.

Nearly every switch provides an uplink port that disables one regular port, or auto-switches one of the ports, or has a button to switch them.