Easiest way to add extra ethernet ports to router?

Borden · 1 Dec 2008 at 19:19

Hey guys, networking noob here so bear with me.

We've run out of space on our Linksys router which has 4 ethernet ports. What is the easiest way to add more ports. I'm guessing that the answer is going to be a simple hub/switch but will an ethernet splitter not work just as well? Only need a couple more ports, which will be used at the same time.

Is a splitter not intended for this?

Cheers.

jak731 · 1 Dec 2008 at 19:22

another network noob here, but i would say get a switch, possibily the easiest way. i use one at home

Duke · 1 Dec 2008 at 19:51

You just need a switch, e.g. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...ame=Netgear FS605 5-Port Fast Ethernet Switch

Link the switch to a free port on the router with a cable and then plug any additional cables needed for PCs / Consoles into the other ports on the switch.

It is best to avoid any "splitter" devices.

Werewolf · 1 Dec 2008 at 20:01

Yup, a simple switch will normally work as most routers, (even ones with just a single lan port) will work with loads of PC's (I think my wrt54gs v1 can assign up to 200 or so IP's).

I've currently got my 4 port router set up so it's connected to 2x 8 port switches.

Borden · 1 Dec 2008 at 22:43

Cheers for the replies guys. That's what i thought. My dad was hoping that a splitter would be fine and is to tight to spend £10 on a switch.

So instead of getting the switch, he's going to constantly have to swap the cables round whenever he wants to switch pc

His problem, not mine lol

Cheers for the help though...maybe i'll get him one for christmas!

Skidilliplop · 2 Dec 2008 at 15:03

go to a computer fair and pick up an old 10meg hub or something, can get them for nearly nothing and they're perfectly servicable for internet access.