How To Get More Ports From My Router


  1. Posts : 38
    windows 7 Pro 64 Bit /Dual Boot vista 64 bit Ultimate
       #1

    How To Get More Ports From My Router


    I have three computers (win 7on one and two on xp)
    My hook up is Modem to a Router. (Linksys 4 port)
    It comes out of my router to a 6 port expansion board where is wired to different room”s of my house. Using all 6 ports. Since I only have outlets ports from my router,It feeds 4 ports on my expansion board. Everything works find like it is suppose to.
    Now comes my problem, I had my TV system upgraded to HD.(Two new HD receivers) Each one has a Ethernet connection to download movies from the dish network to my HD DVR Receiver. I got one receiver hooked up and working, but I am out of ports on my router as it is only a four port router.
    Three computers and one DVR HD Receiver,so I am one port short. What do I do add a Access point or switch? or can a 5 port router.
    Anyone has any info on who has them ( makes,model #)
    I do not know anything about a switch or access point. I know wireless is not an option (to many cards to buy,installing, locking down,)

    Thanks any info you may offer
    John
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,427
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #2

    Hi john, this is your lucky day

    Personally, I'd get a cheap router and set it up as a switch, you may even be able to get one from your ISP, I don't know about where you are, but here they hand them out like sweets. I just phone them up, tell them my router's fried, and they send me a new one.

    To be fair, it can even be a broken router if the Networking functions still work on it, my 2nd router has ADSL connection issues, so I just use it as a switch.

    this tutorial will tell you how to set up a 2nd router as a switch: Multi Router Network - Configure

    It will show you how to configure a 2nd router as a switch (effectively 4 more Ethernet Ports, and extended Wireless range)
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 8,870
    Windows 7 Ult, Windows 8.1 Pro,
       #3

    I will have to disagree with you on this one severed, why on earth would you want to complicate something as simple as a switch by using a router? Switches are much cheaper and by far easier to set up than making a router work for this.

    To the OP, purchase a switch, it's the easiest and best way to do this.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,427
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #4

    chev65 said:
    why on earth would you want to complicate something as simple as a switch by using a router?
    As I said, for me, a new router is free, its literally a case of phoning the ISP, telling them its died, they send me a new one and a bag to send the old one back in, and I just throw the bag in the bin and they don't say any more about it.

    Its really not complicated to set up, you can do it in less than 2 minutes.

    However, you do have a point, if you can't get a free router, then a switch is probably easier to set up and cheaper. Most people I know who are into computers (and by the sounds of it the OP is) have a defunct router lying around somewhere that can be used.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,686
    Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64bit, Windows 7 HP 64bit
       #5

    A switch would be the easiest. Just plug it in and away you go. Don't know what Linksys router you have. I would stay with the Linksys brand for compatibility reasons, although that may not be a real problem. Here are a few from Newegg. They have lots of other brands also.

    Newegg.com - Linksys/Switches

    Jim
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       #6

    I have Linksys 5 port, 8 port, & 16 port Hubs & switches on my network, that work just great
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How To Get More Ports From My Router-linksys-600-x-450-.jpg  
    Last edited by DocBrown; 03 Sep 2010 at 18:22. Reason: added pic
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 38
    windows 7 Pro 64 Bit /Dual Boot vista 64 bit Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I bought me a D Link 8 port Switch, Hooked it up, and everything is running good, I never used a switch before
    Thank's for the help
      My Computer


 

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