Router Advice Please

richandzhaoyan · 14th April 2008, 03:29 PM

Hi Guys,

Completely noob question time I am afraid

In the office we have a "Addon" modem/router which connects three office computers to the internet and a HP printer. I have not needed to network the computers up till now.

I now need to add another computer but have run out of plugs on the router. If I buy another router can I plug this into one of the four ports on the original modem/router or do I need to go for a seperate modem and router.

Either way, Dabs has a Value 8 port switch at just £14.21.... Will this do the trick or would I need something more expensive?

I would like to keep things wired rather than wireless as all computers are in the same area.

Any advice much appreciated as ever,

Cheers,
Richard

red-defender · 14th April 2008, 03:55 PM

An 8 port switch would do the job OK. Just plug it into one of the ports on the router.

I usually use Netgear, but a Chinese one from Dabs will probably work just as well.

knapper · 14th April 2008, 04:08 PM

Quote:

"Addon" modem/router

Do you mean you have a switch and a seperate adsl modem plugged into that or one unit which is both switch and modem?

If you mean a what I think you mean, which is one unit that is both modem and switch then you could get the dabs value switch and just plug that into the existing router and it would be fine. Basically the more you pay the more certified things become and the more features you get. By the sounds of it you don't need anything fancy.

richandzhaoyan · 14th April 2008, 06:36 PM

Thanks for the reply guys. Yes it is a switch and modem in one.

Sounds as if the dabs one should do the trick then. At £14.21 I reckon its worth trying anyway. Will get it ordered and give it a go.

Thanks again,
Rich

MrBen · 14th April 2008, 08:05 PM

I was going to say check that either your router and/or new switch support auto-crossover (aka auto MDI/MDI-X) or that the new switch has an uplink port. If neither support cross over and if the switch doesn't have an uplink port, then you would have also needed an Ethernet cross-over cable to connect the router and the new switch - a regular straight-through Ethernet cable (that you would use to connect your PC to the switch) wouldn't do.

I've just looked at the Dabs site though and if I'm correct in assuming you've ordered this switch, then you should be OK without a cross-over cable. Their description states "Furthermore, each port can be used as an uplink, meaning that you can easily connect other hubs or switches to create an even bigger network."

Ben

richandzhaoyan · 14th April 2008, 08:59 PM

Yep, Thats the one Ben, thanks for confirming it should be ok...