Add a switch or new router

a1ex2001 · 11 Sep 2012 at 13:27

I currently store all my media files including my digital photos on a HP microserver and access them via the 100mb network on my o2 adsl router. This was fine until I got a new digitial camera and the file size jumped so jpgegs are 10mb and Raws about 25mb so now the network has become an annoying bottle neck especially when editing lots of files. this leaves me with two choices add a cheap 5port gigabit switch or buy a new router with built in gigabit switch.

This leaves me with two questions what would you do in the same situation and if you'd go with a new adsl router whats a good budget option with built in gigabit switch? by budget I mean cheap but not rubish I certainly don't want to be spending a three figure sum!

Thanks in advance!

bledd · 11 Sep 2012 at 13:33

If you don't want to get a decent router..

Asus DSL-N55U
Billion 7800N

Then I'd just buy a 5 port gigabit switch instead

ChrisD. · 11 Sep 2012 at 13:34

If you're happy with your router then just get a switch. If you fancy gigabit as well as better stability and better wireless (if yours has issues or is old) then get a new router.

a1ex2001 · 11 Sep 2012 at 14:54

bledd. said:
If you don't want to get a decent router..

Asus DSL-N55U
Billion 7800N

Then I'd just buy a 5 port gigabit switch instead

I had a feeling people would say that, It's not that I wouldn't like a top of the range router just that I can't really justify one when my free o2 box does the job. Is there really no budget option with a built in gig switch worth considering?

The thing making me lean towards a new router is the clutter and power draw that a new switch will needlessly bring, not that the power is really a big issue with a 5 port switch but the extra cabling is just more to add to the spagheti!

bledd · 11 Sep 2012 at 18:01

I run a gigabit switch + my gigabit router.

If you're happy with your router, then just get a £20 switch. They don't use much power, about 15-30w I think

PistolPete · 11 Sep 2012 at 18:36

Just get a switch. Your LAN will be gigabit for about £20-25, and I'd be surprised if a small desktop switch draws that much - I have a rack mounted Dell 16 port GigE switch and that draws around 20W from the mains.

Audigex · 11 Sep 2012 at 23:20

I'd go for the switch, too - no point replacing a fully working router and it never hurts to have a gigabit switch around. My theory is that you don't need more than the 100Mbps LAN on any ADSL router as they're not going to hit 100Mbps