networking Ethernet Switch? Expansion? Splitter?

[NezBoppin]

Hello,

 

 

So we were given a new Modem/Router from Xifinity but it only has 2 Ethernet ports. One is used by my PC, the other by my roommate's Xbox. 

 

I recently got some Philips Hue bulbs and later learned I need a Hue bridge with Ethernet access to control them. (Guess I should have read the labels lol)

 

So how can I expand the amount of ports? I've heard of a switch, is that what I need?

 

What do you suggest?

[Donut417]

1 minute ago, NezBoppin said:

Hello,

 

 

So we were given a new Modem/Router from Xifinity but it only has 2 Ethernet ports. One is used by my PC, the other by my roommate's Xbox. 

 

I recently got some Philips Hue bulbs and later learned I need a Hue bridge with Ethernet access to control them. (Guess I should have read the labels lol)

 

So how can I expand the amount of ports? I've heard of a switch, is that what I need?

 

What do you suggest?

You need a switch.

[NezBoppin]

3 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

You need a switch.

How does it work, what's the right option for it? Don't need many ports at all

[Kiyometa]

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15762&gclid=CjwKCAjwvNXeBRAjEiwAjqYhFuwd95Ac6kmti4SILTNrBrFqoTZLCGYujlTNkq_H8DI8rsKgcUBcIRoCNPoQAvD_BwE

 

Please buy, make life easy for yourself.

[Donut417]

3 minutes ago, NezBoppin said:

How does it work, what's the right option for it? Don't need many ports at all

Most of the small units I have seen are 4 to 5 port. You connect it to one of the ports on your router. Then you connect devices to the switch. The only option that would matter would be having a switch that supports gigabit. 

[Kiyometa]

1 minute ago, Donut417 said:

Most of the small units I have seen are 4 to 5 port. You connect it to one of the ports on your router. Then you connect devices to the switch. The only option that would matter would be having a switch that supports gigabit. 

The one I linked above is the cheapest decent one around, I have been using it for about a year now without issue. Its an Unmanaged switch so your existing router will be the one assigning IP addresses and all that, but it should be plug and play. Just plug one port from existing router to the Switch, and the rest into the switch. It will work from there, no software configuration necessary.

[PineyCreek]

https://www.amazon.com/D-Link-Gigabit-Unmanaged-Desktop-DGS-105/dp/B000BC7QMM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1540776606&sr=8-4&keywords=dlink+switch+5+port

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FV12VSW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[mariushm]

Yeah, like everyone said, you need a switch.

 

I'm sure the one on monoprice works fine but if you're not comfortable getting a switch that's not made by a brand name or maybe you don't like having cables coming out of the thing from several sides (the dc in jack is on the side on monoprice switch) , then you can also find switches on Newegg.

 

They have a TP-Link for under 20$, probably around 15$ (they say see price in cart and I'm too lazy to login) : https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704042

This one has all the plugs on the back and it also has a nice design.

 

If you're really cheap, you could go with a 100mbps only switch, but then your Xbox would be limited to a maximum of 100 mbps. 10$ gets you a good switch like this one: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156066