Switch / Hub questions not covered in the Anandtech FAQ . . .

[Inayat]

1. Is there any advantage in using a switch over a hub when networking four Xbox?s? I understand that switches are more efficient, broadcasting information only to the appropriate computer instead of to all other ports, but would there be any advantage to this when linking Xbox?s?

2. When plugging a switch or a hub into a router?s (say a Linksys) uplink port, is there any cable length limit? Can the switch be plugged in at the end of a 100? cable, or is this discouraged?

 

[ScottMac]

The current limit for solid-conductor Category-Rated UTP is 100meters (about 328 feet). Stranded UTP (like jumpers) is significantly shorter .... 100 feet should be OK, if the path has no sharp bends, kinks, or jacket compression (and is terminated properly).

A minor correction: Switches propagate broadcasts (and multicasts), just like a hub.

To connect four X-Boxes, a switch should do better than a comparable hub, especially if all devices are configured for full duplex. Whether the difference is noticable, well, maybe or maybe not depending on what the protocol stack on the X-Boxes look like. I dunno, I'm a PS2 kinda guy.

FWIW

Scott

 

[Inayat]

Thanks ScottMac!