Ethernet Switch with WiFi

DiNZi · 9 Jul 2014 at 13:02

Hi there,

I'm in a 3 floor house, the master socket is on the middle floor and I've got my BT Home Hub connected there.

I've run a 25 meter CAT6 Ethernet Cable from that room, down to the living room where all the gear is, TV/AV Receiver/Blu-Ray Player/Xbox 360/Sky+ HD.

The Ethernet Cable goes into a Netgear Wi-Fi Router that I've made a Ethernet Switch which gives me enough for 3 devices, plus I've left WiFi on.

It isn't enough anymore, I need more than 3 Ethernet ports, maybe 6-8 will do, plus I need it to broadcast Wi-Fi as it's pretty weak on the ground floor from the BT Home Hub.

What can I do?

Cheapest option please, not looking to spend over £30-40.

Something that would give me enough for 6-8 Ethernet ports, plus has WiFi would be ideal. Or, maybe there is another method?

Get a bigger switch, and connect that Netgear Wi-Fi Router to the Switch to give out Wi-Fi? Will that work?

bremen1874 · 9 Jul 2014 at 13:21

Anything with wireless and more than four ports is rare. Just buy a network switch and add it to what you have.

DiNZi · 9 Jul 2014 at 13:28

bremen1874 said:
Anything with wireless and more than four ports is rare. Just buy a network switch and add it to what you have.

I'll just purchase an 8 port network switch.

Rather than adding this Netgear Wi-Fi Router, are there any other methods as to giving out a Wi-Fi signal - or is that the best I can do?

bremen1874 · 9 Jul 2014 at 13:38

Using the router as an access point for Wi-Fi is fine.

Craigius · 9 Jul 2014 at 14:29

8 port network switch and maybe a cheap router and set it up in the back of the network switch to broadcast Wi-Fi

DiNZi · 10 Jul 2014 at 11:05

I've got the Netgear DG834Gv3 at the moment, it's a white one, old little thing, the top has become a bit yellow.

Can someone just pick me out a cheap/reliable Wi-Fi router, will be used only for giving out a Wi-Fi signal. CAT6 cable will go from a 8 Port TP Link switch to this router you'll recommend.

It needs to be Black! and please recommend something like the one I'm using at the moment, that can be found for £10-15 on eBay, I'm not looking to spend over £20 on it.

DiNZi · 10 Jul 2014 at 11:22

So, I've found a Netgear WNR1000-100UKS for £20 and Netgear DGND3300 for £25?

Both are Black, shall I just go for the DGND3300 for the fiver extra?

Steveocee · 10 Jul 2014 at 14:00

Craigius said:
8 port network switch and maybe a cheap router and set it up in the back of the network switch to broadcast Wi-Fi

This.