MiniHub/Switch Recommendation

[brn2rnjk1]

Does anyone one have a recommendation for a minihub for my home office. Would need to connect one computer/one Slingbox and maybe one other device through a single ethernet port.

Thanks

[bendsley]

On newegg.com, they have a 5-port TPLink 10/100 switch for $15. DLink has the same for $24. Not really a recommendation because if all you're wanting to do is just let them have access to each other, then I would go cheap. TPLink and DLink are fine for what you need.

There's nothing magical or spectacular about basic switching so it's a commodity now.....go cheap for what you're doing and you'll be fine.

By the way.....don't use a hub.....ever.....ever..

[brn2rnjk1]

Thanks. Do you have a recommendation other than a hub if I need to let some equipment have access to one port?

[stevech]

Originally Posted by brn2rnjk1

Thanks. Do you have a recommendation other than a hub if I need to let some equipment have access to one port?

Do you mean you *must* arrange for one port to be restricted to access only by certain other ports? This is VLAN and it's in SOHO class switches. Like some of the Netgear Prosafe line - called "lightly managed". Others with low cost VLAN switches include Dell, HP and probably low end Cisco.

[brn2rnjk1]

I am being a newbie here. What I mean is that I have one ethernet port in a room and need to hook a slingbox and PC to the same ethernet port. So I thought a "mini" powered switch/hub that I could hook to the ethernet port and then plug the 2 or 3 items into it.

[stevech]

Ah, it's simple. Just purchase an ordinary ethernet switch. You probably don't need gigabit... so a $25, 4 or 5 port 10/100BT switch will do.

Pick one up at most any electronics store or on newegg.

And a couple of ethernet patch cables if you have no spares. Don't overpay for these. If you're near a Fry's Electronics, they'll assist.

It's just plug and play, no software or configuring.

[GregN]

Originally Posted by brn2rnjk1

I am being a newbie here. What I mean is that I have one ethernet port in a room and need to hook a slingbox and PC to the same ethernet port. So I thought a "mini" powered switch/hub that I could hook to the ethernet port and then plug the 2 or 3 items into it.

Where you located? I got a rag tag box of these, if you are nearby, save ya a few bucks....

[brn2rnjk1]

Thanks. Two questions. If one of the usages was a computer would I need a gig one. Also, since the ethernet homeruns to a 10/100/1g 24 port switch, I assume I lose the ability to go over 100 if I use a mini switch on the other end.

I think this is a long winded way of saying I shouldnt hook a computer up to the mini, but slingbox/tive etc. is ok?

[GregN]

Originally Posted by brn2rnjk1

Thanks. Two questions. If one of the usages was a computer would I need a gig one. Also, since the ethernet homeruns to a 10/100/1g 24 port switch, I assume I lose the ability to go over 100 if I use a mini switch on the other end.

I think this is a long winded way of saying I shouldnt hook a computer up to the mini, but slingbox/tive etc. is ok?

If you go with a gig switch, the bandwidth will be limited to the speed of the uplink (between the local switch and your 24 port switch).

If you have gig NIC on you computer, I'd go with a gig switch. The switch will moderate the communication between you and your upstream switch.

[stevech]

what you are calling a mini-hub is just a commonplace 4 port ethernet switch.
"Hub" refers to something similar, but no longer used, in favor of switches.