What is in a (network) switch?

JustAnotherSaver

My TV is connected via ethernet cable but since i've spotted a port on the back of the Sky digibox and i prefer everything to be cabled if there's an option i was considering adding a switch to the ethernet point on the wall & then from this connecting both the TV & the Sky digibox.

So i went on to eBuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/store/Networking/cat/Switches & there's really quite a range in prices.

£11.49
£20.49 being the first two listed on the page & both getting 5 stars.


Why would / should i opt for one switch over another?

paddyrg

Brand, reliability, build quality. They're all broadly similar but some people only buy one brand like Cisco for network monitoring/integration reasons.

Peter999_2

The £11.49 is only 10/100 speeds and the £20.49 is 10/100/1000.

If it is only to feed your TV and digibox, the 10/100 is plenty enough.

JustAnotherSaver

Oh there's an afterthought (usually i save my afterthoughts until i've parted with cash & it's too late so i'm actually doing quite well here) ........

what about a games console connected to it via cable? Would you go for the 10/100/1000 in that case?

Peter999_2

I take it you'll only be playing games and streaming with the games console? If yes, then I'd still get the 10/100 to save money.

The only reason I have gigabit is for copying files between PCs. Streaming is fine on 100.

Neil_Jones

Gigabit switches will future proof you but all your devices needs to be Gigabit capable to make the most of it otherwise they'll all run at the maximum speed they support.

Sky+ isn't Gigabit capable for a start. SkyQ is Gigabit capable. Most modern game consoles support Gigabit networking but your internet won't get anywhere near maxing out a 10/100 device and that will be the slowest point.

fenlander_uk

I recently upgraded my network and replaced my existing 10/100 switches with these. There's a metal-cased version if you prefer for a couple of pounds extra.

Don't buy 10/100 switches at this stage - they're essentially obsolete and sooner or later you'll need to replace them to get maximum benefit from new equipment. At £10 each for gigabit there's little to be saved on cost.