Extending no of ports on existing router

Shelle

After having a new boiler installed which included Hive I had to remove my TP link powerline from the router due to not having enough ports to enable the Hive to be be connected.   Been trying to establish what the keywords are for a device to extend the number of ports on my router so that I can connect the powerline adapters back into the system.  A lot of what comes up mentions desktop - does that mean for connecting to pc/laptop only or can I use for the router as well?  Dont want to buy the wrong thing and risk breaking the router (if that is possible!) so would really appreciate some guidance what I need to look for online.  Thanks

The_Fat_Controller

Hi @Shelle, you need a network switch.

Here are a few from major retailers.

https://www.currys.co.uk/search?q=network+switch&search-button=&lang=en_GB

https://www.argos.co.uk/search/network-switch/?clickOrigin=searchbar:home:auto:network:network+switch

Shelle

Thank you so much @The_Fat_Controller, I really appreciate that as I was struggling to confirm the correct keyword   Thanks for the starting point too

Andy_L

The_Fat_Controller said:

Hi @Shelle, you need a network switch.

Here are a few from major retailers.

https://www.currys.co.uk/search?q=network+switch&search-button=&lang=en_GB

https://www.argos.co.uk/search/network-switch/?clickOrigin=searchbar:home:auto:network:network+switch

How may ports does your existing router have? It might be a similar price to just buy a new router (with more ports) rather than an extra switch 

The_Fat_Controller

@Andy_L a 5 port switch is under £11 at Currys, you won't get a decent modem/router for that !

k_man

The_Fat_Controller said:

@Andy_L a 5 port switch is under £11 at Currys, you won't get a decent modem/router for that !

And a lot easier to install, as no router reconfiiguration  required (I wouldn't wish the latter on any but the most techie of users, never mind the potential ISP support implications).

And even cheaper options (£8.40) are available (depending on choice of retailer):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-LS1005G-Wallmount-Ethernet-Splitter/dp/B07VWB347G

matelodave

You could have one tomorrow for less than £8 = https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-SF1005D-5-Port-Desktop-Ethernet/dp/B0766D8HZ3/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=ethernet+switch&qid=1653732963&sr=8-8&th=1 

or even more https://www.amazon.co.uk/ethernet-switch/s?k=ethernet+switch and you wouldn't even have to leave your house

outtatune

Argos and Currys are hardly the best places to get, well, anything.

More discussion about this very topic here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6359228/network-ethernet-switch-but/p1

Shelle

Thanks everyone.  I got a new switch for just over £10 delivered the next day from Amazon.  For information , my existing router has 4 ports and I only needed one more so was easier to get a switch.  Thanks again @The_Fat_Controller for your assistance

The_Fat_Controller

@Shelle thanks for your kind words, glad you got it sorted.

@outtatune I only added the Currys and Argos links as examples of what @Shelle should be looking for.

I do however disagree, there are times when the above two retailers are exactly where you need to go.

My smartwatch was cheapest at Argos and even more so when redeeming Nectar points and a small Topcashback reward.

Last month, needing a replacement washing machine, Currys were cheapest of anywhere in the UK on the base price, offered free delivery and also in a 10% Topcashback promotion the day I made my purchase.

No retailer can get it 100% correct all of the time and as this site is about money saving, never ignore the big boys with their buying power and pricing.