Spec me a switch

Tripnologist · 6 Dec 2007 at 12:11

I don't know too much about networking so hopefully someone will be able to help me.

I currently have a netgear 4port wireless router but need to give Internet access to a bunch more computers so I think I need to add a switch (16 port), yes?

I don't currently have a Gigabit network but that will be changing somepoint soon. I would imagine Gigabit switches are backwards compatable (someone correct me if I'm wrong) so would definitely like to get one.
Now, how does it work with cables? Does it still require Cat6 cables? If it's backwards compatable, are you able to use cat5e cables if it's only 10/100?

Any help would be appreciated.

So, in summary:
I just need a decent 16 port Gigabit switch.

m_cozzy · 6 Dec 2007 at 13:38

GB switches are pretty expensive, especially when requiring that many ports.
If you are only planning on internet access then I would be inclined to just go for a much cheaper 10/100 16 port switch.
If though you will be doing heavy filesharing between the pc's then gb is the way to go.

Tripnologist · 6 Dec 2007 at 14:03

Would I be able to find something decent for between £100-£200?

#Chri5# · 6 Dec 2007 at 15:37

A NetGear JGS516 (16 port GB) is around £130. The GS716T (again 16 port but with "Smart" web management) is around £160.

Tripnologist · 7 Dec 2007 at 17:38

Thanks for the suggestions.
I ended up going with a 3Com Baseline Switch 2916-SFP Plus.
Managed switch for a decent price.