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JoHubb

JoHubb

JoHubb

Associate
Joined
23 Dec 2008
Posts
71
Location
UK
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.
 
Not that it matters but that isn't a large network.

If you really are using a network hub rather than a network switch it's time to bin it.

Ideally, buy one network switch (Gigabit) with sufficient ports for everything and plug it into the router. Then connect all of the wired devices to that switch.

Daisy chaining will also work. There could be times when this would cause some bottlenecking but you would probably never notice (it certainly wouldn't slow the network to a crawl).
 
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!
 
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Switches are pretty straightforward devices. Unless you need managed features (and if you don’t know if you need them then you don’t) I would save a few quid and not replace it with Cisco. Any 16 port gigabit switch from a reputable provider will be sufficient. 16 port (sometimes 24) is the limit before they all start getting a bit pricy and noisy.
 
Hub? Blast from the past.

I'd just go for a solid 16-24 port unmanaged/smart Gig switch and swap out the Cisco.
 
Blast from the past.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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