What is the uplink port on my Linksys router used for?

[Nocturnal]

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zelmo3]

That's where other hubs or switches connect to your router.
You can use a cat5 cable to go from the uplink port in the router to a regular ethernet port on a hub or switch to expand the total number of ports available, or to use hubs/switches in different locations for convenience while keeping them on the same network.

 

[phisrow]

Uplink ports are just rewired versions of ordinary ports(in the Linksys routers that I'm familiar with, the uplink port will share with port4 next to it.) They are designed for connecting the router to an external switch or hub. Ordinarily you need to use a crossover cable to connect a router to a switch or two switches together. The uplink port essentially does the crossover bit internally, so you can use an ordinary cable instead.

Give http://www.aptcommunications.com/ncode.htm or most any other page that google dredges up for search terms like "cat 5 wiring" a look if you care about the details.

 

[JackMDS]

Up-Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

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