Do I need a switch? (Shaw Cable)

Malystar

Prominent
Jul 12, 2017
1
0
510
Hi internet

I'm currently a Shaw Cable 150 client. I believe the equipment i have is the Hitron CGNM-2250.

It has 4 ports for connections, which are 3 PCs mainly used for gaming, and an unused PS3. I'll be getting a Steam Link in the mail any day, and this will replace the PS3 wired connection.

I also have an external HD connected via USB to the Hitron that stores all our media so it's accessable by the PCs on the network.

There is no special setup. Everything is just plugged in and working.

The "tech guy" at my work seems adamant that i should add a switch to this setup. Other than "it will just work better" he can't seem to tell me why.

Is this true? Can i add a switch? Should i add a switch? If i should, how do i add it to the setup i have?

Thanks in advance, network gurus.
 
Solution
That combo modem/router has gigabit network ports. Adding a switch will not change anything other than then number of ports available. IF this router was equipped with 100Mbit network ports then a switch could speed up transfers between wired computers, but wouldn't change the access speed of the shared hard disk. BUT since you already have a gigabit network you can tell the "tech guy" that you will get no benefit from a switch.

kanewolf

Titan
Moderator
That combo modem/router has gigabit network ports. Adding a switch will not change anything other than then number of ports available. IF this router was equipped with 100Mbit network ports then a switch could speed up transfers between wired computers, but wouldn't change the access speed of the shared hard disk. BUT since you already have a gigabit network you can tell the "tech guy" that you will get no benefit from a switch.
 
Solution