Need Help Choosing Gigabit Switch for Home Network

[Pyroflea]

I'm in the market for a gigabit switch. After [finally] making my server, I'm starting to get impatient with my 100Mbit network. I'm currently just living with a family member while attending University, but I'm wanting to get something that will still suffice once I get my own place. My only real requirements are that it be gigabit (obviously), it have more than 5 ports, and it not be too expensive. I'm reluctant to give a budget, as it kind of depends on how many ports the switch is. The 8-port switches I've looked at are all around/under $100, so let's say that. If it's a higher port-count switch, then the budget is a bit flexible. I am a poor student though, so as little money as possible would be fantastic

I'm still not entirely sure what the benefits of a managed switch are over an unmanaged one, but I'll assume that I'll probably never need any of the features anyways? Lemme know if I'm wrong

Right now, I've got my Desktop, my Server, and my PS3 on the wired network. I can pretty much guarantee there will be more once I move out. I also have numerous wireless devices, but that's not really relevant. I have a Wireless N router that claims 150Mb wireless connection (probably isn't, but I digress) which I'll set up as a wireless access point most likely.

I would prefer for the switch to be available from www.ncix.com, as there's 2 of them within driving distance. Newegg, eBay, or other online vendors are fine as long as shipping to Canada isn't atrocious.

I was looking at a couple of the following switches, but they're just kind of what I found right away without doing any research:

Netgear GS108T-100NAS: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=28903&vpn=GS108T-100NAS&manufacture=Netgear
TP-Link TL-SG1008: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=34463&vpn=TL-SG1008&manufacture=TP%20Link
Netgear Prosafe GS108NA: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=13562&vpn=GS108NA&manufacture=Netgear
TP-Link TL-SG1008D: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=34461&vpn=TL-SG1008D&manufacture=TP%20Link

I've had good luck with TP-Link products in the past, not sure what the general consensus is on them.

Anyways, lemme know if I left anything out.

Thanks,


- Jesse

 

[Catsrules]

Managed switches just have more smarts in them, like you can set up QOS and vlans stuff like that. I wouldn't think you would realy need it for a small network. Unless your in to networking and want to play around with it.


I just got a 24 port gigabit managed for $150 off eBay.

 

[Emerald]

all you need for now is

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=13562&vpn=GS108NA&manufacture=Netgear

 

[Pyroflea]

Awesome, thanks guys

 

[Pyroflea]

Best answer selected by Pyroflea.