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MovedGoalPosts · 12-09-2013, 15:26

Think of a switch as a junction box, allowing multiple cables to interconnect. In most cases the switch is a dumb device as it doesn't know what is on each end of a cable and will send data down all wires (you can pay a lot of money, often for big size networks for more sophistication and management controls, but that isn't necessary for domestic use).

A router will usually include a switch, for example, the four LAN ports will allow data to pass around a local network, without going to the internet. The router is intelligent as it has the ability to send an identity to each connected computer (the IP address), and also offers functions to pass traffic between the local network and internet. Router's can be used just as a switch, but that is overkill.

If buying a switch, you can usually get 5 port, 8 port, and higher multiples. Look for something with gigabit (1000) speeds, which can usually drop down to the 10/100 if the connected device doesn't support it. For the smaller switches there is such a small difference in cost it's not worth just getting a 10/100. After all you want to be able to shift your data.

As for switch model, any reasonable brand should do. Consider TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link. To be honest, you can look at price, more than the branding.

12-09-2013, 15:26	#5
MovedGoalPosts Inactive Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: 127.0.0.1 Age: 60 Posts: 15,868	Re: Do I need a switch instead of router Think of a switch as a junction box, allowing multiple cables to interconnect. In most cases the switch is a dumb device as it doesn't know what is on each end of a cable and will send data down all wires (you can pay a lot of money, often for big size networks for more sophistication and management controls, but that isn't necessary for domestic use). A router will usually include a switch, for example, the four LAN ports will allow data to pass around a local network, without going to the internet. The router is intelligent as it has the ability to send an identity to each connected computer (the IP address), and also offers functions to pass traffic between the local network and internet. Router's can be used just as a switch, but that is overkill. If buying a switch, you can usually get 5 port, 8 port, and higher multiples. Look for something with gigabit (1000) speeds, which can usually drop down to the 10/100 if the connected device doesn't support it. For the smaller switches there is such a small difference in cost it's not worth just getting a 10/100. After all you want to be able to shift your data. As for switch model, any reasonable brand should do. Consider TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link. To be honest, you can look at price, more than the branding.