Gigabit Router? or Gigabit Switch?

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Aladdad

Aladdad

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Dec 10, 2014
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Alright so whats exactly the difference? is it only that a switch has no wifi? i need one so i can have 1 Ethernet Cable coming out from my Modem(internet) and then i can split it to go into my PC/Ps4/Xbox One.
now i had that working via a Linksys router but the thing is its not Gigabit and only supports up to 100mbit internet so i want to buy a gigabit router but i'm looking at a gigabit switch and its basically half the price. i don't really care for the Wifi since i won't be using it. all i need is to be able to use my PC/PS4/Xbox One via ethernet cable
 
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Rogue Leader


Ok its good you told us that, if your modem has 5 ethernet ports and wifi then it is a router as well. You need an ethernet switch at this point to split that cable to your multiple devices.

I recommend this one I have 2 of them in my home...
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greens

greens

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Jan 27, 2012
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A router manages multiple devices on a network.
A switch is a device that provides multiple ports on the network.

Most routers have switches built right in to them, that is why all routers have multiple ports in the back. (this changes in industry where a router is stand alone device and a patch panel takes the place of the switch)

You must have one router, and only one, on your network. You can add as many switches as you like, you can think of a switch as a splitter of sorts, while a router actively manages those ports.
 
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

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Dec 22, 2014
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Some modems do have routing capability, if your cable modem has wifi its likely a router as well (but you should double check with your provider). In that case a switch would do the job. However if your modem does not have a built in router then you need a router that will provide you both routing capability and additional ethernet ports.
 
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Aladdad

Aladdad

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So here is my current situation, i have a Modem that has 5 Ethernet ports/Wifi on it it provides internet. but the thing is its downstairs, i have 1 Ethernet cable in my room upstairs coming from that modem. So if i were to take that Ethernet cable in my room and plug it into a switch i will have more ports so i can plug in my Ps4,Xbox one and PC?
 
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
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Dec 22, 2014
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Ok its good you told us that, if your modem has 5 ethernet ports and wifi then it is a router as well. You need an ethernet switch at this point to split that cable to your multiple devices.

I recommend this one I have 2 of them in my home

https://smile.amazon.com/D-Link-Gigabit-Unmanaged-Desktop-DGS-105/dp/B000BC7QMM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470935837&sr=8-1&keywords=d-link+5+port+switch

 
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TJ Hooker

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Wait, are you trying to get a gigabit connection between your devices, or a gigabit connection from your devices to the internet? Because you said your router is 100 Mbit, so a gigabit switch won't change your connection to the internet. Of course, your internet connection speed is also limited by your ISP, so if you aren't paying for more than 100 MBit, it won't make a difference.

Do you do file transfers and/or streaming between your consoles and PC? Just wondering why you need a gigabit switch.
 
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Aladdad

Aladdad

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i have a modem that has built in router i guess, and another router(linksys) upstairs to split internet to my 3 devices using the Ethernet ports my modem has support upto 1000mbit and i have a 200mbit package but my linksys router only supports up to 100mbit so i need gigabit so im getting rid of the linksys router..

from my understanding instead of using another router i can use a switch to split the internet coming from down stairs via Ethernet cable.

So my current config is 1 modem that has built in router that provides internet and another router upstairs, but im switching to: a main router/modem internet and a switch upstairs instead of a router to split internet between my 3 devices (xbox/Ps4/PC) i only need to provide internet to these 3 devies not planning on moving/transferring files.
 
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