Expanding home network

[MTA99]

Hi,

Currently got a BEFSR41 with a 4 port switch on the uplink port.

I need to add another 3 connections, two of which are in one room, one in another.

My questions are:

1. Am i right in thinking i can't add another switch to one of the ports on the SR41 as it only supports one uplink?

2. If i buy a Netgear FS108 v2, I can add a switch to any or all of the ports as the netgear blurb implies that all ports are auto sensing for speed and uplink?

 

[NathP]

uplink is a thing of the past as most new switches can sence if its crosscover or patch cable connected to it so it doesn't matter, I have belkin and d-link gbit switches connected to each other fine

 

[MTA99]

My understanding of uplink is the ablility of a switch/hub/router to be able to see a multi-address device. Have i got my wires crossed? *sigh*

 

[Solaris]

Uplink is simply a cable between two switches.....jus connect a new switch to your current setup with a network cable and it will work fine....

 

[MTA99]

Really?!?

So i can add as many switches to my current router and they should work even tho theres only one port labelled uplink?

 

[Solaris]

yup

 

[MTA99]

So as a test, when i get home tonight, if i unplug the current switch from its uplink port and shove it in a non-uplink port it should work fine? In fact i could "borrow" a switch from work so i can fully test it.

On another point......

Why have the uplink port in the first place?

 

[errata]

With the proviso that your old router & new switch may be fussy about cable types you should be able to add another switch (certaily daisychaining to your old switch) to other ports.

A separate uplink used to be handy when configuring systems very easy to see what the underlying structure was. Also different equipment types used to be distinguished by use of x over or not cables