Looking for 8-port gigabit switch that supports DLNA and Media Streaming

Socrates470BC · 4 Oct 2013 at 20:26

I have just got done with cabling my house with cat 6 cable and now need to find an 8 port gigabit switch.

I was looking at the TP-LINK TL-SG108 8-Port Metal Gigabit Ethernet Switch.

Some reviewers have said that this switch has problems with DLNA and media streaming.

I want to be able to stream media and also run a connection to my Sky box.

I would like to get some recommendations, please.

KIA · 5 Oct 2013 at 10:56

There's the Netgear GS608 if you're put off by the reviews.

Socrates470BC · 5 Oct 2013 at 15:57

KIA said:
There's the Netgear GS608 if you're put off by the reviews.

I not too impressed with netgear either, I'm afraid. Have used netgear modem/routers for years and, for me, they really don't deliver what they promise.

I am lookin at:

ZyXEL GS108S 8-Port Desktop Gigabit Ethernet Media Switch.

Anyone use this model?

zoomee · 5 Oct 2013 at 16:00

yup - got one of them zyxel's running off my main router, and then got a TrendNET GreenNET 5-port baby running off that in the tuther room.

All seem to do their job perfectly mate.

I've also read about issues with netgear switches so have steered clear even though I wanted a managed one for link aggregation (for use with my NAS), but in the end didn't think it was worth the extra cost.

Energize · 5 Oct 2013 at 16:48

Try Cisco?

Caged · 5 Oct 2013 at 17:22

A Layer 2 switch shouldn't touch DLNA and media streaming. If people are having issues then either the switch has a lot more features than it claims to but only exposes them in order to break certain features, or the fault isn't with the switch.

pdw8 · 7 Oct 2013 at 11:38

I have a HP Procurve 1410-16G and its superb. I have over 20 devices (have another 8 port in another room) running through it to my router.
HP do an 8 port version that can be had for around £50 i think.

xGBHxPegasus · 7 Oct 2013 at 12:55

Energize said:
Try Cisco?

Ive got a Cisco small business switch at home and works perfect with both DLNA and media streaming. Can't fault it really.

Looks like they've changed the design but still perfect for an unmanaged switch.

Socrates470BC · 8 Oct 2013 at 17:13

Bought the ZyXEL.
Plugged it in and it worked straight away.
Using LAN speed test:
1.wireless 8Mbs
2.Cat 6 cable through DG834 10/100Mbs modem 75-90Mbs
3.Cat 6 cable through ZyXEL switch 320-400Mbs

Looks good for backups and media streaming and connection to Sky box.

GoogalyMoogaly · 8 Oct 2013 at 17:23

I'm using an Edimax ES-5800G switch connected to my Billion 7800.
I'm not sure about DLNA or Media Streaming, but the transfer speeds seem pretty good on it.

I currently do my streaming via wireless, which reminds me, I need to sort out a network cable for my XBOX...

KIA · 8 Oct 2013 at 18:16

Socrates470BC said:
3.Cat 6 cable through ZyXEL switch 320-400Mbs

Where's the bottleneck?

It might be worth giving iperf a shot.

Socrates470BC · 8 Oct 2013 at 21:07

It could be the old dell laptop I am sending it to.

I will test it between the desktop in my sig and one of these when I get the chance.

Sin_Chase · 9 Oct 2013 at 22:27

Caged said:
A Layer 2 switch shouldn't touch DLNA and media streaming. If people are having issues then either the switch has a lot more features than it claims to but only exposes them in order to break certain features, or the fault isn't with the switch.

This was my exact thinking - A L2 switch will be content agnostic. If it breaks DLNA then it's not built 'to spec'.

Stu · 27 Oct 2013 at 01:55

I also have the ZyXEL GS108S switch linking my PC and ProLiant server together, and serving DLNA around the house... no problems here.