Switch or a router ?

[nirvana_1959]

My home network usies Linksys BEFSR41 router to share cable interner. All the rooms in the house are connected to router's ports. In one room I need to use more than 1 computer. Should I use a switch or a router (both of them are comparably priced and one doesn't have price advanatage over the other) ?

Thanks,
Anil

 

[madmatt]

By a mini-four port hub for the room that you need multiple connections.

 

[omg its nlm]

small hub.

EDIT
I am to slow!

 

[muzikool]

Right, if you already have a router then all you need is a hub to connect to the router's uplink port.

 

[nirvana_1959]

So a router will be overkill ? I thought I will buy a router for 20C$ and use it as router (has more features) and use the existing 6yr old router as a switch.

Should I go for a hub or a switch. Both are priced about the same.

Thanks.

 

[madmatt]

You already have a router. All you need is a way to add more connections to it. A 4 port hub will do the trick.

Take your existing router and run the line from port 4 (for example) to the hub's uplink port.

 

[celticfan11]

never buy a hub, they are stupid layer 1 devices. Buy a switch. You do not need another router. Buy a simple 4 port switch.

 

[muzikool]

A hub isn't a big deal for a small network.

 

[madmatt]

Especially home networks. I used one for several years before I had wireless.

Worked fine for me.

 

[celticfan11]

A hub isn't a big deal for a small network.

no but for a tiny bit more money you can get a switch. Switches are cheap these days.

 

[muzikool]

If a switch could be had for the same price then I don't see a reason not to get one.

 

[nirvana_1959]

I am going with the switch!

I am buying Dynex 5-Port Ethernet Switch (DX-ESW5) for C$15.

Thank you all for your feedback!