Powered Hub or Switch

[JoHubb]

I run a large home/business network. Currently it supports 5 PCs (wired), two separate Music systems (DSM and Sonos both wired), a laptop (wired), a TV (wired), and a backup server (wired). In addition it supports up to three laptops (wireless), and a printer (wireless). It would be very unusual to have more than half of the computers online simultaneously. The network is mainly used for local file transfers during the day.

A variety of OS are involved - Linux (three different distros), Win 10 x64, Win 7 x64, and these co-exist very happily.

The network runs from a Virgin 'Super Hub', via a 4 port Netgear router, and an 8 port powered hub (Cisco).

I now need to make room for another two PCs (wired). I am not sure if I should add to, or replace the existing router/powered hub set up. I have used up all the available outputs so if I added I would have to 'daisy-chain' from the existing hub. Is this possible? If so is it advisable? Or would it slow the network to a crawl?

I'd be grateful for advice.

 

[JoHubb]

Thanks, it seems large to me!

I stand corrected, the Cisco is a switch. But I still think I will get a 16 port version - maybe sell the old one. Another advantage over daisy-chaining will be less clutter.

Much appreciated, thanks again!

 

[JoHubb]

Blast from the past.

That's me!

Thanks fellas! I will replace the old Cisco switch with a 24 port unmanaged Gigabit switch. That should future-proof the network for a while at least.