help setting up home network

[lunarwolf]

I am trying to set up wired home network since my wireless is not great since i get drops in signal sometimes.

I want to connect my BT hub to my devices (pc, xbox, ps3, blu-ray, amplifier)

i am no network expert and would like your input.

I was thinking of connecting BT home hub to 8port switch and devices to connected to switch

what cable do i need? i was thinking in getting cat5 patch cable to connect BT home hub to switch and the same type of cable from switch to devices. is that ok? (or do i need crossover cable?)

I was thinking of getting this switch from netgear http://www.netgear.com/Products/Switches/DesktopSwitches/FS108.aspx

thanks for your input

cheers

 

[wij]

You've got the right ideas with regards on plugging things together.

Technically you *should* use a crossover cable to connect switches together, but just about every modern bit of kit will do the pin-swap automatically for you so just get straight through cables all over.

If you've got a few devices to cable up you might want to consider buying a drum of cable, some RJ45 ends and a crimp tool as it could work out a lot cheaper than buying pre-made cables. You could also then run cables under carpets / floorboards etc. and put some wall boxes on them if you fancied making it nice and tidy.

Also consider running extra ports into areas you might only be putting one, never know what they might be uesful for in the future - VoIP phones etc. Every room in my house has at least 2 Cat5E connections in it and I have 4 IP phones now and a power over ethernet switch under the stairs for them all

I would also go for an HP switch over a Netgear one, and probably look at going Gigabit on it too - not that all your devices will support this at the moment but those that can will take advantage of it if you're streaming media / highdeff video+audio around the house.

I would recommend the HP 1400-8G this is an 8 port switch.

http://www.procurve.com/products/switches/HP_ProCurve_Switch_1400_Series/overview.htm

Better build than the netgear too.

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

Normal patch cables are fine, you only want to use crossover cables with ancient switches or if you're connected two PCs to each other without a switch.

Otherwise you should be fine.

 

[lunarwolf]

thx for the advice

PS - the HP is better, but costs a lot more . anyway will get netgear for now, can always change in future