Questions about unmanaged switch

TNGL · 13 Aug 2011 at 23:13

Ok, so say for example I buy this switch to extend the home network in one room:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-040-TP

How will I go about configuring this switch and giving it an IP? Or would I just get an Ethernet cable, connect it from the router down stairs to the unmanaged switch in the other room, and then that will connect the unmanaged switch to the network.

So now that the unmanaged switch has network access, I will obviously want to connect devices to it. Will these devices still get their IP from the DHCP server on the main router, and will they all appear under the same network still?

Ev0 · 13 Aug 2011 at 23:57

Yup just connect it up and it should work, there is nothing to configure as it's unmanaged and no IP address involved.

TNGL · 13 Aug 2011 at 23:59

Okay, thanks

I just needed some clarification before I make this hefty investment in this mission critical hardware

blueacid · 14 Aug 2011 at 15:25

Yep, If you connect two unmanaged switches together then any device on either switch can talk to any other device.

Since one of the switches is likely to be your router, its DHCP server will look after every device on the network.

The only problem is that you have the chance of bottlenecking the single cable between the two switches & with unmanaged switches you can't just add a second cable to double the speed (You CAN do this on some enterprise level switches, but those come at enterprise prices).

rexehuk · 14 Aug 2011 at 22:26

DONT buy that switch, get this instead.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-011-TP&groupid=46&catid=1626&subcat=

Futureproof baby

that is if you have a bunch of CAT5E patch laying around. You may find that cheaper elsewhere... who's to say that google shall behold. Ofcourse buying it from OcUK will keep the hamsters powering the servers, your choice!

nate922 · 14 Aug 2011 at 22:56

blueacid said:
Yep, If you connect two unmanaged switches together then any device on either switch can talk to any other device.

Since one of the switches is likely to be your router, its DHCP server will look after every device on the network.

The only problem is that you have the chance of bottlenecking the single cable between the two switches & with unmanaged switches you can't just add a second cable to double the speed (You CAN do this on some enterprise level switches, but those come at enterprise prices).

Agreed. Using more than one link to pass data. Etherchannel

The other advantage is that managed switches allow for speed changes, ie locking port at 1000/full etc. Sometimes useful for incompatible nics that don't work well with auto negotiation.