Switch

[Cosmin-Coral]

Any thoughts on this (http://www.directdial.com/vs/item/prod.asp?item_num=SD208) as a switch?
I like the fact that it can handle crossover cable - it would save a lot of re-wiring if I do make the jump upwards from 2 comps networked.

I have considered a router rather than a switch/hub, but it would result in far more wiring! I think the router's only practical if I go wireless£££.

[Rick]

That would depend on how you connect to the internet

If you use ICS then it would work as is..

[classicsoftware]

How far apart are the 2 computers?If the wiring is not hard wired into wall sockrets you are only saiving a $5.00 cable? Need more information
to properly advise you.

[PrntRhd]

I agree with Classic on this one, it is nice to see hardware manufacturers give more goof-proof stuff in their switches however.
:)

[Cosmin-Coral]

Current setup (hope it makes sense):

Internet
|
Cable modem
|
USB
Comp1
NIC
|
| crossover cable, out through hole in wall, down wall, across wall, in though another hole in wall (holes only big enough for the wire, not for connectors)
|
NIC
Comp2

Comps 3 & 4 in same rom as comp2, but not connected.

So I think inserting a switch or hub just before comp2 would be the easiest way of adding comp 3 and/or 4. Even though it means comp1 has to be on for internet access.

But what I was most interested in was does that switch look like a good choice? It's not a piece of hardware I've looked into in any detail before.

edit: I use AnaloX's Proxy - it works well enough, and handles multiple computers.

[classicsoftware]

This is the way I would play it.

I would get a router in the room with the cable modem.

I would get a hub in the room with the three computer and hook tem up to the hub. I would use the cable you already have connectine the two computers and use up-link port on the hub and a port on the router. All will work ok with that setup.

IMHO, you do not need a switch a hub will be fine (read cheaper). If you can afford a switch get it, nut it's overkill

[Rick]

Having suffered from the UnderKill of a Dumb Hub.. Myself

Spend the few extra $$ for the Switched Hub

Less hassle and better performance network wide

[Cosmin-Coral]

classicsoftware: I hadn't considered both, I might just run with that idea. Thanks.

Rick: yeah, I'd rather go for the switch than the hub, even if it shouldn't make much difference right now.

[classicsoftware]

I know there is probably not much difference in price between a hub and a switch, especially when you are comparing good brands not a good switch against a junker hub. that being said, there is NO WAY he is going to notice ANY performance difference in a small peer to peer network with 3-4 computers whether he has a switch or a hub.

[Rick]

In The world of computers
Using the term NO WAY is the same as using Never
and You should not use the term Never when you are talking about computers


I have the exact setup he is Building ( 4 systems on line and 5th added as needed)
I can tell you for a fact
The Dumb hub is/was the cause of more data packet corruption
and performance lose

Dumb hub means packet collisions
Packet collisions mean data packet resend

Unless you use Only one system on the hub at a time
You will get collisions


BTW..
The price differnce between the Linksys 5 + 8 port switched hub and the 5+8 port unswitched is $4.00 and $6.00 at the local High priced var

[classicsoftware]

I have up to seven computers going on my little home lan. I have a 3com 8 port hub and as the LAN administrator here at Network HQ. I llok at the lights alot. I just don't see the collisons you are talking about. I'm sure it can happen, I just haven;t seen it sharing a cable connection and there are times we are going at it fast and furious.....
In fact the only time I have ever had a red light on my hub was whn I had a bad cable.