Can I use a network switch with a router?

Grimley · 5 Sep 2009 at 10:52

OK Folks,
I've got a network cable running to my PC from the router in the room next door (runs under the carpet) for broadband.
I've now bought a blu-ray player & freesat, both have network ports for firmware upgrades etc. so I'll need to connect those to the internet when I use them.
I don't want to run 2 more cables from the router for that purpose, so can I plug a network switch into the existing cable & run 3 cables from the switch into the player, the freesat & my PC & get an internet connection (not all at the same time necessarily)
thanks (apologies if this sound like a stupid question)

csmager · 5 Sep 2009 at 10:59

Yes, and they'll all work at the same time.

Grimley · 5 Sep 2009 at 11:30

Good, thanks.

Grimley · 5 Sep 2009 at 12:11

Another question

Can I use any old (preferably cheap) network switch for this

like this one?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-099-NG&groupid=46&catid=1453&subcat=

tolien · 5 Sep 2009 at 13:09

EDDS · 5 Sep 2009 at 13:16

i have a quick question as im in pretty much the same boat, now this might seem a bit nooby but i literally know nothing about switches but....

can all devices connected to the switch be using the internet or network at the same time?

Daegan · 5 Sep 2009 at 13:22

EDDS said:
can all devices connected to the switch be using the internet or network at the same time?

Yes, as long as that switch is also connected to a router.

tolien · 5 Sep 2009 at 13:32

If it makes it any easier to grasp, think of the switch as a splitter like you get for telephone sockets. The switch is slightly cleverer than that, but it's near enough.