Internal ethernet switch?

TheLastMan · 9 Apr 2010 at 10:22

I am speccing up a SFF box to go next to the telly for iPlayer and general PC stuff. Even working on spreadsheets for my job is easier at 32" and 1920x1080 (I have to hook up a laptop for that at the mo).

Apart from all the usuals I would like it to act as a bridge to provide my Wii and PS2 with ethernet / internet. I could buy a separate bridge but was just wondering if there is such a thing as an internal PCI-E ethernet switch (or hub)?

Topology would be "N" Wifi to the SFF, ethernet connections to Wii and PS2. Internet connection "shared" from SFF to Wii and PS2.

That would avoid a separate box, plug etc. I already have enough boxes and cables on the telly stand.

Thanks for any help.

wij · 9 Apr 2010 at 10:37

Get a multi-port Ethernet card from the likes of Intel.

Best bet would be fleabay, though if it's going in an SSF be damn sure it will fit, most of them are reasonably large cards.

IMO it would be a lot cheaper to get a switch, less hassle too.

TheLastMan · 9 Apr 2010 at 10:54

Thanks for the advice - its just that a switch would be another (no doubt poorly matched) box, another cable and another power socket. At the moment it is all black boxes on a glossy black lacquered stand with black glass shelves. Want to avoid putting a tacky beige switch in there - although I could try hiding it among the nest of cables on the floor at the back!

Will look into the multi-port ethernet card option to see what prices are.

p.s. Thanks for moving this to the right forum!

TheLastMan · 9 Apr 2010 at 12:11

Gulp!
About £115 for a 2 port adapter and £250 - £300 for 4 ports.
Will buy a £30 switch and a can of gloss black spray paint!

Might also look at a bridge/switch combo as that would mean I would not need to have the SFF turned on if I need to use the intenet with the Wii or PS2.

Will also have to replace my 4 socket extension lead with a 6 socket one as have run out of power sockets.