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want to add switch to network

post #1 of 10
2/19/12 at 4:33pm
Thread Starter 
In the process of hooking up a Panny TC-P55GT30 to may network and since out of spots in router looking at getting a switch to connect it to network. I have the Linksys WRT54GL router but do I consider a switch that is 10/100/1000Mbps or just get one that is 10/100Mbps. Things in network will be 2 Panny plasma tvs, 2 Panny blurays, computer, Denon A/V receiver, so on fence if a 10/100 is way to go or 1000.
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post #2 of 10
2/19/12 at 4:37pm
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Also would it do me any good to update to a new router, like a NETGEAR WNDR3700 or would that be just a waste of money. I like the fact that I could use the usb out of it to add a share hard drive.
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post #3 of 10
2/19/12 at 6:48pm
If you want to update the router go for it. Especially if the existing one is more than two years old. Best thing to do, is use a good switch for expansion. I have a Netgear gs-108 for my network, and it works for what we use it for. Keep in mind, that depending on the wireless coverage in your home, is also dependent on what router will best serve your needs, or the need for a access point or repeater to cover all of the home.
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post #4 of 10
2/19/12 at 6:56pm
I have a trend net gig switch.....I love it
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post #5 of 10
2/19/12 at 8:16pm
I have an 8-port gigabit switch from monoprice.com. It was like $25 and works great.
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post #6 of 10
2/20/12 at 4:00pm
If your house is wired on Cat5e or 6 then 1000 would be the way to go otherwise the max you would end up using is 100 on regular Cat5. But considering that 1000 is pretty much the standard nowadays i would say go for a gigabit switch regardless your wiring. Switches are all auto sensing meaning that it will use w/e speed your network is working at.
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post #7 of 10
2/20/12 at 4:03pm
Thread Starter 
all wiring is cat5e. I have the Linksys WRT54GL router but do I consider a switch that is 10/100/1000Mbps or just get one that is 10/100Mbps. Also would it do me any good to update to a new router, like a NETGEAR WNDR3700 or would that be just a waste of money. I like the fact that I could use the usb out of it to add a share hard drive.

Note have DSL and ran speed on internet and around 949Mbps so, like middle of pack speed. Use network for sharing music, Netflix. Now I notice if trying to watch two movies off Netflix the Wii one buffers and the direct wire one on computer no problem. I realize that since one being hardwired will be faster but is possible to make both work with my connection speed? Do you have any suggestions on switch or if router upgrade with be good idea. Looked over weekend on trying to figure out 10/100/1000 advantage to 10/100 since price difference and not sure it spending more helps me a lot of just throwing money away.
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post #8 of 10
2/20/12 at 4:30pm
If the WRT54 isn't currently the bottleneck, it sounds like it will be eventually. At that point you'll probably be buying an "N" router with Gigabit ports. It only makes sense (to me, anyway) to get the Gigabit switch now and avoid an upgrade down the road. I have the Netgear N300 Gigabit router (cheap but effective) with a 4-port Netgear switch and routinely stream DVD & Bluray without a hitch.

Note: Cat5-E supports Gigabit (plain CAt-5 does not)
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post #9 of 10
2/20/12 at 7:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatorfreak View Post

all wiring is cat5e. I have the Linksys WRT54GL router but do I consider a switch that is 10/100/1000Mbps or just get one that is 10/100Mbps. Also would it do me any good to update to a new router, like a NETGEAR WNDR3700 or would that be just a waste of money. I like the fact that I could use the usb out of it to add a share hard drive.

Note have DSL and ran speed on internet and around 949Mbps so, like middle of pack speed. Use network for sharing music, Netflix. Now I notice if trying to watch two movies off Netflix the Wii one buffers and the direct wire one on computer no problem. I realize that since one being hardwired will be faster but is possible to make both work with my connection speed? Do you have any suggestions on switch or if router upgrade with be good idea. Looked over weekend on trying to figure out 10/100/1000 advantage to 10/100 since price difference and not sure it spending more helps me a lot of just throwing money away.

Im using the same router on a 6Mbps Dsl connection at the moment but i dont use any of the router ports except the one i use to hook up my 16 port gigabit switch which is where i have all my Lan attached to running at Gigabit speed.

Also buying a router with gigabit ports will run you around $100 bucks or so for a good one, and an 8 port gigabit switch goes for about 30 to 40 bucks give or take.

Now you say you have middle of the pack DSL which im gonna assume is 3.0Mbps connection which depending how far are you from the central office you might be getting only 2.0Mbps or maybe a little bit more then your router wont bottleneck that type of connection.

Running a gigabit switch will make your lan Gigabit speed all around , making file transfers and media sharing pretty good but when you try to go into the net thats when your connection will be the limiting factor. So unless you upgrade to something better than Dsl i would say keep the router add a gigabit switch and call it a day.
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post #10 of 10
2/20/12 at 8:32pm
Thread Starter 
thanks for all the input
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