Switches - a few quick questions

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CerisCinderwolf

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Hey everyone! So I'm looking at improving my home network access speeds as I have a media server (Win7-based pc) with all of my media on it. I find the sharing/accessing/copy/pasting to and from other pcs on my network can be slow (regardless of gigabit ports on a Cisco/Linksys E2000 router).
I'm eyeing the Rosewill RGS-1024 (24-port unmanaged network switch) to help increase in-network sharing speeds among my various computers and consoles (and allow for LAN parties as well as my router is tapped out currently) and it's been getting great reviews. My question though - EVERY guide I've found concerning connecting a switch to a router states to connect the router to the switches UPLINK port. This switch doesn't appear to have one and I haven't been able to find a solid answer as to how this works. Is it a simple matter of connecting ONE of the data-ports on my router directly to a numbered port on the switch? This -will- allow anyone running on the wireless portion of my router to still see anything connected to the switch, correct?

Next, once the switch is in place, everything plugged into the switch should then have static IPs set by myself, correct? From there, everything should be accessible as it normally is?

One last question - the BEST cable-type to use to ensure maximum compatibility and speed - Cat6 or Cat5e on gigabit ports?

Essentially I'm trying to plan this out before I commit to anything and am INCREDIBLY rusty and not so knowledgeable when it comes to networking. :(
 
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Before you replace the Ethernet cable on your media server, try disabling ipv6 on your media server LAN card. Do the same on the laptop. On your laptop you will select the properties on the WIRELESS lan connection.

To disable, Go to control panel, click on network and internet, click on network and sharing center, click on change adapter settings on the right side. Right click on Local Area connection, go to properties, uncheck Tcp ipv6, hit apply and restart you machine.
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scoobydenon

scoobydenon

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Depending on how many devices are being used, depends on the speed. As well as all devices having gigabyte network cards. You may want to upgrade the router with something with more speed, (Depending on what you pay for from your ISP) will also depend on the speed. The Linksys EA4500 is faster. Cat5e is fine. This switch is all you need. - http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Unmanaged-Gigabit-GREENnet-TEG-S80g/dp/B001QUA6RA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1389146324&sr=1-3&keywords=gigabyte+switch
 
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CerisCinderwolf

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Thanks for the reply, however I still need the questions answered though! :)
While I appreciate the reply, the router is remaining in the mix until I obtain FiberOp through my ISP and is faster than the router they have provided for my 7mb DSL line (for in-home networking purposes).

I still have these questions...

Physically, which port am I using to connect from my existing router to the switch that I mentioned (Rosewill RGS-1024) as it has no uplink?
Does it connect to ANY ONE of the numbered ports on the switch?
Do I have to change any configurations within my router (forgot to ask previously)?
Do I set static IP addresses (on each respective device) that connects to the switch?
Will anything connecting to the wireless router will be able to see anything connected to the switch?
 
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dizzyh

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Your router can connect to any one port of the switch. This will activate the entire switch. No configuration changes have to be made on the router. Since it is running DHCP, you do not need to assign a static address to each device, the router will handle the ip assignments. In regards to sharing, it depends if sharing is enabled on each computer, they are in the same workgroup/domain etc...CAT 5e is good enough to support Gigabit connection.
Also, A 24 port switch will not benefit you in terms of sharing speed. First your modem and router needs to be capable of running at gigabit speeds. Your connected devices must have a gigabit network card and all connected with at least a cat 5e cable. If you are out of ports on your router, you can just get a 5 port switch.
 
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scoobydenon

scoobydenon

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All you have to do is plug your Ethernet from your modem to the gigaport, just use slot 1, that will power all other ports for use of all other devices. No changes to router are needed. No need to set static IP. Not sure of the last question, sorry...
 
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CerisCinderwolf

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The 24-port is partly due for LAN functions (gaming, etc) in the future.
My current router seems to only transfer from my laptop (100/1000 port on it) at 4mb/s from/to my media server, for example. As I understand it, the switch itself will allow for higher-bandwidth and throughput than the standard router I'm using now, correct? All devices have 100/1000 ports on them.
 
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dizzyh

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The switch you are looking at is an unmanaged switch meaning it has no configuration/options to manage bandwidth. This gives you no control over LAN traffic. An unmanaged switch simple allow devices to communicate with each other. It will not give you higher speeds than your router. You need to first troubleshoot why your transfers speed are so slow.

I would reset the router and reconfigure it. Also make sure the firmware you are running on the router is current. Make sure your media server and laptop is free from malware/viruses etc...
 
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CerisCinderwolf

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Hey Dizzy! I'm sorry about the slow response!
As for connections, it's been like this since day 1 - formats and connections all (I've also formatted several times over the years), both my "server" system and the laptop, not to mention my wireless tablet has trouble streaming even 300mb video files through the gigabit router.
What concerns me is all of the reviews on the switch I mentioned previously have all praised the access/transfer speeds (among networked devices - NOT internet speeds) since placing the switch within their network.
 
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dizzyh

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Hi Ceris, A switch will not increase your internet speeds it just allows Devices to communicate. In order to get higher internet speeds you will have to contact you Internet Service Provider and pay for a higher bandwidth package.
 
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CerisCinderwolf

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Dizzy, I'm sorry to have to say this (I'm not intending to be rude by any extent), but you completely missed what I said.
I know it won't increase internet speeds, but it's reported to increase IN NETWORK SPEEDS BETWEEN ALL DEVICES CONNECTED TO THE SWITCH (my last reply I specifically typed "(among networked devices - NOT internet speeds)".
My original concern I replied to is that you said "It will not give you higher speeds than your router." It made it seem like you were referring to EVERYTHING to do with the switch, so I brought up that people were reporting increases in in-house network traffic.
 
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dizzyh

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You are absolutely correct, after re-reading I did completely misinterpreted you last post. Okay, you have a router capable of 100/1000 connection. You are only getting 4mb/s via a wireless connection now. If you get the 24 port switch how would this increase you LAN speed? You router will still manage LAN traffic for all devices connected to your switch. If you buy that switch your connection will be from your router to the switch and from the switch to all your wired devices.
You first need to troubleshoot why your current transfer speeds are so slow with your current setup. It could be your router is not functioning properly, a problem with the media server itself, your wireless card or simply a faulty ethernet wire from your router to you media server.
 
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CerisCinderwolf

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As far as the router not functioning correctly, it's been replaced once before but always done this since day (on both the original and replacement, same models). The next logical step is the cabling to be honest.
As far as "how it would increase the speeds", I'm not entirely sure - however this is what all reviews point to which is why I brought it up.
 
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dizzyh

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Before you replace the Ethernet cable on your media server, try disabling ipv6 on your media server LAN card. Do the same on the laptop. On your laptop you will select the properties on the WIRELESS lan connection.

To disable, Go to control panel, click on network and internet, click on network and sharing center, click on change adapter settings on the right side. Right click on Local Area connection, go to properties, uncheck Tcp ipv6, hit apply and restart you machine.
 
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