Advice on ethernet switch

The computer I use is connected to an ADSL router with a single ethernet
port. I would like to set up a small LAN by connecting two more
computers, so they can communicate with each other and all have
broadband internet access.

I think what I need to get for this is a 5-port 10/100 ethernet switch,
but there seem to be so many to choose from, of different makes and at
different prices, ranging from under £10 to over £40.

Is there really much to choose between them all, other than the look of
the case? If so, which way should I go?

Any advice appreciated.

--
Alec McKenzie
(E-Mail Removed)

ngle ethernet
> port. I would like to set up a small LAN by connecting two more
> computers, so they can communicate with each other and all have
> broadband internet access.
>
> I think what I need to get for this is a 5-port 10/100 ethernet switch,
> but there seem to be so many to choose from, of different makes and at
> different prices, ranging from under £10 to over £40.
>
> Is there really much to choose between them all, other than the look of
> the case? If so, which way should I go?
>
> Any advice appreciated.

I just npurchased an 8 port 'Dabs Value' switch for about 15 quid... Does
the job and no complaints..
http://www.dabs.co.uk

On 29/5/04 21:47, in article
news.x.armck-(E-Mail Removed), "Alec McKenzie"
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> Is there really much to choose between them all, other than the look of
> the case? If so, which way should I go?

None at all.

On Sat, 29 May 2004 21:47:50 +0100, Alec McKenzie
<(E-Mail Removed)> strung together this:

>Is there really much to choose between them all, other than the look of
>the case?

Not for home use. I use Netgear ones because I like the colour!
--

SJW
A.C.S. Ltd

"Alec McKenzie" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:news.x.armck-(E-Mail Removed)...
> The computer I use is connected to an ADSL router with a single ethernet
> port. I would like to set up a small LAN by connecting two more
> computers, so they can communicate with each other and all have
> broadband internet access.
>
> I think what I need to get for this is a 5-port 10/100 ethernet switch,
> but there seem to be so many to choose from, of different makes and at
> different prices, ranging from under £10 to over £40.
>
> Is there really much to choose between them all, other than the look of
> the case? If so, which way should I go?

I use a couple of these (Netgear 5 port switch)

http://shorterlink.com/?QZ8QAQ

at home and never had any problems. Only £21 and a good solid metal case
(and 5 year warranty). Also has plenty of nice flashing LEDs. Network is
very fast all the time.

Dominic

------
ICBroadband Tech Support - working for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
www.icbroadband.com/support (E-Mail Removed)
24 hour service status information telephone: 0870 760 5933

On Sat, 29 May 2004 21:47:50 +0100, Alec McKenzie
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>Is there really much to choose between them all, other than the look of
>the case?

More expensive ones might do logging, allow bandwidth throttling etc.
I suspect you'd have to jump to a serious switch for that tho - think
a couple of hundred quid starting point.

>If so, which way should I go?

Get a cheap one, and if its no good, swap it for an expensive one. My
8-port one cost me abour 15 quid from dabs, works perfectly.

On Sat, 29 May 2004 21:47:50 +0100, Alec McKenzie wrote
(in article <news.x.armck-(E-Mail Removed)>):

> The computer I use is connected to an ADSL router with a single ethernet
> port. I would like to set up a small LAN by connecting two more
> computers, so they can communicate with each other and all have
> broadband internet access.
>
> I think what I need to get for this is a 5-port 10/100 ethernet switch,
> but there seem to be so many to choose from, of different makes and at
> different prices, ranging from under £10 to over £40.
>
> Is there really much to choose between them all, other than the look of
> the case? If so, which way should I go?
>

I always use 3Com stuff (routers, hubs, etc) if I can - a bit more expensive
perhaps but lasts for ever, and looks quite good. And doesn't need a wintel
PC for firmware upgrades.


--
regards
hugh
hugh at clarity point uk point co
(by the sea) (using Hogwasher)

On Sat, 29 May 2004 21:47:50 +0100, Alec McKenzie
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:


>I think what I need to get for this is a 5-port 10/100 ethernet switch,
>but there seem to be so many to choose from, of different makes and at
>different prices, ranging from under £10 to over £40.

I just got one of these from Ebuyer :-

http://tinyurl.com/2hcdq

It's amazingly good for £14 and works really well.


Rufus
--
The Reply-To: address is valid.

On Sun, 30 May 2004 07:52:54 +0100, Rufus Stone wrote:

> On Sat, 29 May 2004 21:47:50 +0100, Alec McKenzie
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>
>>I think what I need to get for this is a 5-port 10/100 ethernet switch,
>>but there seem to be so many to choose from, of different makes and at
>>different prices, ranging from under £10 to over £40.
>
> I just got one of these from Ebuyer :-
>
> http://tinyurl.com/2hcdq
>
> It's amazingly good for £14 and works really well.
>

I have seen problems with one of these. Every so often the speed
drops to pitiful values, lower than a 10BaseT hub.

JAB.

--
Jonathan A. Buzzard Email: jonathan (at) buzzard.me.uk
Northumberland, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1661-832195

On Sun, 30 May 2004 09:46:35 +0100, Jonathan Buzzard
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>I have seen problems with one of these. Every so often the speed
>drops to pitiful values, lower than a 10BaseT hub.

Faulty unit?

Have hammered mine and it seems fine.


Rufus
--
The Reply-To: address is valid.