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View Full Version : Networking: Dumb Question (Probably)

skessel
10-20-07, 09:47 PM
I have a cable going from my router to my Xbox360 in my living room. My new HR20-100 is right there in the same piece of furniture. For various reasons, it is impractical for me to run another cable.

I need a piece of hardware that can "split" that cable into two (or more) so I can plug one in my xbox and another in my HR20. Is a switch what I need? or a hub?

Can somebody recommend a piece of hardware, preferrably not very expensive and preferrably from netgear (since all my networking equipment is from them, I assume that conflicts will be less likely this way). I really don't want to have to use crossovers or anything crazy like that... the more plug-and-play, the better.

Thanks!

PS: I Found this (http://www.netgear.com/Products/Switches/DesktopSwitches/FS605.aspx) and this (http://www.netgear.com/Products/Switches/DesktopSwitches/FS105.aspx)? Are they ok?
Stuart Sweet
10-20-07, 10:28 PM
I'm sure Netgear sells a cheap 4-port switch. I know the Linksys version is about $40.
skessel
10-20-07, 10:34 PM
I'm sure Netgear sells a cheap 4-port switch. I know the Linksys version is about $40.

How 'bout the links I put on my OP will they work?

PS: Thanks for the lightning-fast reply! :)
jtn
10-21-07, 05:42 AM
I have a cable going from my router to my Xbox360 in my living room. My new HR20-100 is right there in the same piece of furniture. For various reasons, it is impractical for me to run another cable.

I need a piece of hardware that can "split" that cable into two (or more) so I can plug one in my xbox and another in my HR20. Is a switch what I need? or a hub?

Can somebody recommend a piece of hardware, preferrably not very expensive and preferrably from netgear (since all my networking equipment is from them, I assume that conflicts will be less likely this way). I really don't want to have to use crossovers or anything crazy like that... the more plug-and-play, the better.

Thanks!

PS: I Found this (http://www.netgear.com/Products/Switches/DesktopSwitches/FS605.aspx) and this (http://www.netgear.com/Products/Switches/DesktopSwitches/FS105.aspx)? Are they ok?

what I mean is wired or wireless. A netgear Wireless Pre-N setup should be just fine for gaming and HDTV. Some report on other threads that Wireless G works with success, but I know that wireless pre-N can handle 270 mbps of capacity so it should be fine.
fwlogue
10-21-07, 06:02 AM
How 'bout the links I put on my OP will they work?

PS: Thanks for the lightning-fast reply! :)

Yes either one should work fine
wcampbell6
10-21-07, 06:37 AM
I have a (wired) Netgear 4 port Fast Ethernet Switch "FS605 v2" that works just fine. I bought it more than a year ago so they may have a new model number by now.
Spanky_Partain
10-21-07, 08:37 AM
I'm sure Netgear sells a cheap 4-port switch. I know the Linksys version is about $40.

I have a (wired) Netgear 4 port Fast Ethernet Switch "FS605 v2" that works just fine. I bought it more than a year ago so they may have a new model number by now.

Yep, just what these guys said. A simple 4 port switch. Plug the cable from the router the is plugged into the 360 into the switch. Plug a new cable into the switch to the 360, then plug a new cable in from the switch to the HR20.

Taa Dah! You are hooked-up!

You may want/need to take a look a the network help link in my signature!
CPO1
10-21-07, 09:48 AM
A dumb question of my own. What if I already have a switch, 8 port, located in the basement and I want to split the signal feeding my media closet. This line is attached to my HR20-100, but I want to have the ability to feed my HR20-700, my soon to be purchased Mac mini, Fireball and what ever else may come along.
i know the best way is to run dedicated lines, and I have drops in the wall, it's just a PITA to move the cabinet, weighs almost 300lbs.
If not a switch, then would a hub work.
gregk
10-21-07, 09:52 AM
Yes, you can feed that line into a hub uplink port, and then plug the devices into the hub.
CPO1
10-21-07, 10:38 AM
Yes, you can feed that line into a hub uplink port, and then plug the devices into the hub.

Tx. Is a hub uplink port a dedicated port on a special hub,or will any linksys hub work?
gregk
10-21-07, 11:07 AM
An uplink port is just a port that can be used to connect to another hub or switch without a crossover cable. Every hub has one (or one that can be switched from uplink to normal). If it has auto MDI/MDI-X it will automatically determine whether to act as uplink or normal.
Spanky_Partain
10-21-07, 01:13 PM
Switch(s) are very cheap these days and work very well. The uplink to other switch/router equipment is easy and does not take any thought at all, they just get daisy chained together. Use a switch, less likely to have problem. I have not run accross any new switch that does NOT have auto MDI/MDI-X, which eliminates having to use a cross over cable to uplink to other switch/router equipment.

For more network information, take a look at the link in my signature.
skessel
10-21-07, 04:22 PM
Thanks to everybody! I'll be getting it done this week!