Another router or a hub?

[incurablegeek]

What would you guys do without me and my on-going problems?

Anyway, I have:

1) Comcast Business Class with an SMC Networks modem - 4 LAN ports (only using 1 port now)

2) D-Link DGL-4100 4-Port GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit Gaming Router

Problem: I am out of ports on my 4-port router and need a "few" more.

Question: Should I put my printer, a 3rd computer, my AV surveillance, etc. through another router (since I have the available port (3 more LAN ports available) or should I add a hub to my existing Gamer Lounge D-Link router? (not interested in wireless)

I have a Netgear hub but it is older than most of the members of this forum, so I don't wish to use it.

Why am I even asking this question? Well, I already had the most highly recommended modem for Comcast internet. Even one of the "knowledgeable" Comcast tech reps recommended it for Business Class as well. Problem is it would not work when I upgraded from Peon Class to Business Class, so I had to lease a proprietary modem from Comcast.

That makes me somewhat concerned as to how to add ports without screwing up my Comcast SMC Networks modem.

Additional, and unsolicited, information: Those of you who actually believe we have "Broadband" in the U.S. are sadly mistaken. Internet in the U.S. is almost as slow as the U.S. Mail. And, No, Comcast is not a monopoly. It's just the only ISP available. )

++++++++++++++++
Edit: It appears that I'm still living in the past - ah, like about 15 years ago. What I believe should be the choice would be switch vs router. Why?

Switches work the same way as hubs, but they can identify the intended destination of the information that they receive, so they send that information to only the computers that are supposed to receive it. Switches can send and receive information at the same time, so they can send information faster than hubs can.

 

[Parman]

I'm going to take a stab at this.

Your getting your private (LAN) address from your Gamer Lounge D-Link router?

If this is the cause it would be best just to get a new switch (not a HUB).

but if you're getting your private (LAN) address from the Comcast Business Class with an SMC Network. Then you can place use up the 4 devices becuase your Gamer Lounge D-Link router would have to be setup like a switch.

Of the two its pretty much where your DHCP Server resides.

 

[whs]

I have used a Netgear switch and that worked perfectly.

And you are right - the internet connections in the US are stone age type and have Roman prices. I pay nearly $40 for a DSL 3000. In Germany I pay $20 for a DSL 6000. My son has a DSL 56.000 on glass wires. It's the copper that is the bottleneck.

 

[incurablegeek]

Been doing my homework like a demon. Things really have changed since the 90's. Yes, I know. That's pretty obvious.

Well, after doing tons of reading and finding out that I wanted more than an unmanaged switch but less control than I would receive with a fully managed (and really expensive) switch, I decided on:

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]Netgear ProSafe Plus Switch, 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet (GS108E)

[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]Now, please be advi[SIZE=-1]sed that if you tell me I just made a really dumb decision, I could become extremely depressed. I am going throu[SIZE=-1]gh so m[SIZE=-1]any prob[SIZE=-1]lems right now with my comput[SIZE=-1]ers that I am in [SIZE=-1]quite a fragile state.

[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]Well, go ahead anyway. Hit me with the truth - as you see it.[/SIZE]

 

[incurablegeek]

Whew! Just checked the reviews of this GS108E over at NewEgg. Not good.

Netgear ProSafe Plus Switch, 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet (GS108E) Newegg.com - NETGEAR 8 Port Gigabit Unmanged Plus Business-Class Desktop Switch - Lifetime Warranty (GS108E)

Did I make the best choice here - or should I have considered another switch?

 

[Parman]

Just read the review and go from there. This is my unmanaged switch


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122111

 

[incurablegeek]

Yes, Parman, the GS108 does get better reviews.
-but-
The GS108E gives you more control over the ports and is in a sense more of a "managed" switch, without the complexity and pricing of a fully managed switch.

Can anybody help me make a decision here as to which direction I should go?

1) GS108E

2) GS108

It seems to me that the GS108e is more for complex computer and AV networks whereas the GS108 is simpler and more for my business environment.

I think Comcast assigns me an IP Address (should be static?) but everything is coming through the D-Link DGL-4100 router, so IP configuration would not be changed by the switch. Correct?

One final note: I have 3 computers, 2 of which will be Win 7 and 1 of which will be Linux - all of which will be on the network along with the printer, the AV surveillance, and possibly the AV Amp/Tuner (internet radio, though I can connect that directly to the Comcast modem cause security is not a problem).

 

[Parman]

The only true features i see out of the GS108E is the QoS and possibly network monitoring for your environment.

your D-link router can also do QoS its called GameFuel.

Gigabit speed with QoS, VLAN and network monitoring
Simple network set-up on top of Plug-and-Play connectivity
Detects loops and prevents broadcast storm
NETGEAR Green, power saving features
VLAN support for traffic separation
Quality of Service (QoS) prioritizes traffic
Auto "Denial-of-Service" (DoS) prevention
Network monitoring and bandwidth control
Troubleshoot connection issues via cable test
Loop detection

I think they're both good routers i wasn't telling your not to get it. If you want to get it and play with the features i say go for it. I'm a big fan of playing with things. Thats why all my other switches are managed Cisco switches.

I only have to say if you're not going to use the features why spend the extra money?

 

[incurablegeek]

@Parman

Thanks for all the helpful advice. After reading reviews and contacting Netgear tech support, I did decide on the GS108 that you suggested Newegg.com - NETGEAR 8 Port Gigabit Business-Class Desktop Switch - Lifetime Warranty (GS108)

Got it from Ebay for about $35.00. Not bad, eh?

 

[Parman]

Not bad at all. Good buy the switch will do you good.

 

[incurablegeek]

I "upped yours" for all the kind help.

(Wuhaha! I just made a funny!)

Seriously,

Thanks Much!

 

[Parman]

No problem. Glad I could help you. Thanks for the rep.