Switch/hub for home networking

[.geek]

Hi

Can you recommend what would be better for use in a home (small) network of 2/3 PC's and an ADSL router: a hub or a switch, 4 port sufficient?

Also, what make of hub or switch are considered "good" - cnet, linksys, netgear?

Thanks!

 

[killadoob]

i got a mecer router for 400 bucks from a pc shop in north gate and its work well

4 port

 

[Goobie]

For future expandibility I would go with an 8 port switch. For switches, I'll go with the cheapest branded one.

 

[supersunbird]

Doesn't your router include 4 network ports (that means it includes a switch)?

Switch is much better than a hub, infact I dont think you can get hubs anymore...

 

[.geek]

Thanks.

Nah, my router is a Netgear DG632 - no ports.

 

[Moederloos]

Get a 100mb/1gb switch - that way, all the PCs can share the 1gb ADSL line Telkom is coming to install tomorrow.

Oh, wait, its not April 1st yet - ignore the above.

 

[.geek]

This looks nice: Netgear GS105 ProSafe™ 5 Port Gigabit Compact Desktop Switch

 

[IanC]

Get a 100mb/1gb switch - that way, all the PCs can share the 1gb ADSL line Telkom is coming to install tomorrow.

Oh, wait, its not April 1st yet - ignore the above.

Nothing like planning for the future

 

[Goobie]

Unless all your computers have 1Gbs NICs this will be overkill and too expensive.

This is what I would buy:
http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?cPath=100_121&products_id=6405

 

[arf9999]

I have a spare one of these lying around at home.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=62

Make me a reasonable offer (like R200) and it's yours... (retail is R311 on digital planet)



edit: WOOOHOOO 2000 posts!!!!!

 

[mikef]

This looks nice: Netgear GS105 ProSafe™ 5 Port Gigabit Compact Desktop Switch

I agree - and I would definitly go for a gigabit switch even if you only require 100mb now as all new pc's now come standard with 1gb nic.

 

[gkm]

Do you really need a Gigabit switch? You should be fine with an 8 port 100MB switch which should cost you sub R150.

 

[.geek]

I guess I don't really need it - my motherboard [ASUS A8N SLi Deluxe] has a 1 GB NIC though, so maybe it's worth investing in. Might just go for something cheap & basic now!

 

[.geek]

I have a spare one of these lying around at home.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=62

Make me a reasonable offer (like R200) and it's yours... (retail is R311 on digital planet)

Thanks! But I'd prefer to buy a new one.

 

[.geek]

ProSafe™ 5 Port 10/100 Desktop Switch

Would something like this take care of DHCP? i.e. I could just plug in my PC(s) and my Netgear DG632 router (disable DHCP on it) and everything "should" work..

 

[Goobie]

No, it is a switch, not a router. Leave DHCP enabled on your Netgear modem/router and THEN this switch will take care of everything.

 

[.geek]

Ah. Ok, cool. Thanks!