How do Ethernet switches work?

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kevinakerberg

kevinakerberg

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Oct 14, 2015
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Hi everyone,
I have multiple computers that I would like to have fiber optic connections, but my wifi extender only has one Ethernet port. Should I buy an Ethernet switch and plug in my wifi extender to it and then plug in my computers? This is an area I don't know much about so I just need to know what to get so these machines can be connected. Thanks.
 
Solution
ronintexas
An ethernet switch works similar to a splitter for an ethernet network. The major difference in a splitter and a switch is that the switch "routes" the traffic that is being requested instead of splitting the signal. So when computer A requests information from computer B, it connects the two computers to transfer the information. Computer C requests data from the internet, it is connected to that port. (this is a very basic explanation).

A fiber optic connection usually isn't practical for home use, as using category 5/5e/6 cable will give you 1GB speeds at a fraction of the price. Fiber optics are usually reserved for "massive pipes" of data transfer, like data centers. AT&T gigapower and Google Fiber provide you with fiber...
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Dec 10, 2012
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An ethernet switch works similar to a splitter for an ethernet network. The major difference in a splitter and a switch is that the switch "routes" the traffic that is being requested instead of splitting the signal. So when computer A requests information from computer B, it connects the two computers to transfer the information. Computer C requests data from the internet, it is connected to that port. (this is a very basic explanation).

A fiber optic connection usually isn't practical for home use, as using category 5/5e/6 cable will give you 1GB speeds at a fraction of the price. Fiber optics are usually reserved for "massive pipes" of data transfer, like data centers. AT&T gigapower and Google Fiber provide you with fiber optic cable to your home, and then they use Category 5/5e/6 cable to the computers.

It is recommended to go from your cable modem or gateway to your network using cables and switches, having wired connections to all computers. This gives you the highest speed and most reliable transmissions. Wired connections usually provide 1Gbps connections, where wireless is usually around 50Mbps (about 1/20th the speed). So if you are using a wifi extender to connect the computers, remember the max speed you will get over the wireless connection is about 50Mbps....
 
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Solution
jsmithepa

jsmithepa

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Jun 14, 2014
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No you don't. You just heard this Fiber thing from somewhere and you are just throwing it in there without knowing what all the implications. Nobody uses fiber at home or even office. Case closed.

Should I buy an Ethernet switch and plug in my wifi extender to it and then plug in my computers?
Click to expand...
Yes, it could be that simple. Consult the extender's manual to make sure you can do this.
 
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