Need new router or just hub/switch?

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brianosaur

New Member
I currently am using a home network router with 4 LAN ports. They are all full. I would like to add at least 1 more device on the network with the possibility of another in the future.

Currently on my network I have the following utilizing the four lan ports:
1. PC #1
2. PC #2
3. Xbox Live on kids basement tv
4. Internet video device (Netflix, Youtube ect) on living room tv


I would like to add another internet video device on a bedroom tv.
I thought I would jsut get a new router with 8 Lan ports but saw most were quite expensive.

Can I use an inexpensive hub along with my existing router?

The current #4 internet video device would more then likely not be in use at the same time as the new bedroom iv device.

Also I am considering a third pc/laptop connection in the future.

Thanks





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johnb35 said:
I would recommend getting a switch instead. Something like one of these.
Click to expand...

How would the connection be set up?

Modem>Router>Switch

and would I connect everything I listed to the switch?

or just perhaps the two internet video devices and leave the pc's and xbox on the router?
 
Exactly, as you described...

Modem--router--switch.

It doesn't matter what is connected to which one.
 
Im curious now as to why a switch over a hub. I kind of thought they were basically same anyway. Ive used a hub in the past and worked well. think about the same money. any other opinions?
 
tremmor said:
Im curious now as to why a switch over a hub. I kind of thought they were basically same anyway. Ive used a hub in the past and worked well. think about the same money. any other opinions?
Click to expand...

Hubs broadcast to anyone that is connected to it.

Switches only broadcast to the console the packet is meant for.

Theres couple other difference, but thats the main one.
 
think of it like a road.

Hubs are like if you drive down the road in rush hour traffic.
Switches are like driving down a road that is reserved for just you.
 
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