Would this switch work for my needs?

ng93 · 22 Jan 2012 at 18:17

I currently have a router which is plugged into (among other things) my desktop. I also have a laptop and am looking at getting a couple other computers too. Unfortunately there are no free ports on the router.

So if I got a switch and plugged that into the router, and then the computers into that, would they be able to access the internet?

I'd also like to be able to VNC from my main computer into the other computers which are connected to the switch, would this be possible?

This is what I'm thinking of buying:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-074-EX&tool=3

Cheers,
ng93

Tomsk · 22 Jan 2012 at 19:25

Yes.

However you might to consider getting a gigabit switch if you're getting a couple of new computers as they are likely to have gigabit network adaptors built-in.

ng93 · 22 Jan 2012 at 19:31

Cheers, I'll have a look at gigabit versions.

ots3go · 23 Jan 2012 at 08:04

Any gigabit switches with enough ports should do.

If your current router doesn't have gigabit ports, just use a crossover cable (or normal if A-MDIX is supported, which it probably is) to connect one router port to one of the switch ports. Then just hook EVERYTHING else into the switch. Gigabit for all.

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ng93 · 23 Jan 2012 at 09:23

Just had a look and the modem doesn't support gigabit ethernet and I don't think the internet is fast enough to take advantage of it anyway. Would VNC run faster/smoother on gigabit or would it still run fast enough on 100 megabit? Resolution is 1080p60 if that makes any difference. Thanks.

bledd · 23 Jan 2012 at 10:33

If you get a gigabit switch, everything connected to it will run at gigabit between those devices.

The modem will be 100mb, but your internet connection is probably about 10mb (guessing), so internet speeds will remain the same, but sharing files between machines will be running at gigabit speeds

ng93 · 23 Jan 2012 at 10:38

I'm just wondering if it's worth paying the extra for gigabit if vnc (which is all i'll use it for other than internet) won't take advantage of the extra speed? I may just get it anyway though for future proofing.