Switch/Hub Recommendation

[tgxiii]

I don't know much about networking. Can anyone recommend a cheap switch or hub for me? It should be at least 4 ports and it automatically senses whether there is a regular cable or a crossover cable and sets itself accordingly.

[SeanC]

I *think* any brand should be able to do that. If you're trying to connect hubs/switches together, you should look for one for an "UPLINK" port. A port you can either use as a regular port or use as a connection to another hub/switch. You wouldn't need a cross-over cable for it.

Sean

[tgxiii]

I see. What's a good brand? I was looking at NewEgg and noticed a lot of brands that I've never heard before. The only ones I know of are Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear.

[Xtreeme]

I have netgear 100mbps switch. Its super fast and worked flawless for over a year now.Has 5 ports. It can use a cross-over as regular patch cable too. Senses what cable it is and if wired backwards it switches it-COOL. Uplink port there too. Neat little stand or wall mount and is the coolest looking little switch I ever saw. Grey and sleek shaped very small. Linksys would be my SECOND choice. Netgear seems to be the best switches Ive found.

"Switch/Hub Recommendation "

For gaming- no HUB EVER. go all out switch. Its faster. Cause a hub data requests ping ALL pc's on network. Not just pc needing to talk to. When data sent the pc sending it then AGAIN pings all pc's to see which got it and if it was sent o.k. Switch literally knows that persay IP 192.168.1.100 asked for data from IP 192.168.1.104 and then only communicates between the two pc's making network TONS faster specially for gaming.

linksys, netgear, gigafast (i just got my rebate from them, so i got a free 10 port switch) d link it all comes down to personal preference


i have a linksys switch and the gigafast both work great

the gigafast is a little better because all the ports are autosensing

[elroy]

At this point in time you might look for a wireless router that also has ethernet ports. That way you can use whatever you want now and in the future. I've been seeing them for as little as $25.

[tgxiii]

I already have a 4-port router with built-in wireless access point. It's just that I have more computers that need to be connected and all 4 ports are already taken up, so I'm looking for a switch or a hub in order to connect them.

basically hubs are of the past, (they are useful) but alot of home switches are cheaper than hubs. So just get a switch