Advice for my Home network

[mitchgixer6]

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice for a noob when it comes to networking!

I am having to install a second network switch in my loft in order to get a Cat5 cable into the back of my new PC. So the setup will be, Sky Router with one Cat5 into switch #1 downstairs. This feeds my Sky box, Xbox + PS3 and another feed off switch #1 into the loft feeding switch #2. One Cat5 from switch #2 into the PC.

So my question is, is one feed from my Sky (ADSL) router into the first switch good enough to be feeding all the conected devices? My router is in the kitchen to give my a better WiFi reception, so it's actually quite hard to get another feed via another Cat5.

Cheers.

[peterb]

From what you say, it doesn't sound as if you have much choice. But it isn't the number of PCs that is going to cause a problem ,it will be the use they are put to. Web browsing probably don't be a problem, but if all the connected PCs were downloading a large file at the same time, then the available bandwidth will be shared between all users and under those conditions, each used might notice a slower connection.

[mitchgixer6]

OK thanks for that. So theoreticaly, if each device had it's own Cat5 into the back of the Sky router then this would help the bandwidth issue?

As I said it's not an easy option, but could be done. Just means I'd need to get my big drill out! :-)

[art vandelay]

There's no problem with that setup. Are you using gigabit switches? If you are and the Sky only has 100Mbps ports then there is an advantage to the setup you are suggesting since your LAN will be gigabit. Of course that makes no diffference to your broadband connection since the ADSL speed will be the limit.

[mitchgixer6]

There's no problem with that setup. Are you using gigabit switches? If you are and the Sky only has 100Mbps ports then there is an advantage to the setup you are suggesting since your LAN will be gigabit. Of course that makes no diffference to your broadband connection since the ADSL speed will be the limit.

Hi Art. Yes I'm using Gigabit switches, mainly for transferring files between the PC, X Box and PS3. Just out of interest what is the advantage you refer to in terms of using gigabit swithches even though the Sky router is only 100Mbps?

My main concern was if all the devices could share essentialy one output from the router.

Oh and another point, can Cat5e cables support 1000Mbps signals?

[art vandelay]

Hi
If you were connecting to the 100Mbps ports on the router your LAN would be limited to that speed. By connecting a gigabit switch into the router, you bump your LAN up to gigabit speeds .
Yes CAT5e is fine for gigabit(1000Mbps) - you can go CAT6 for future proofing if you like.
Cheers
Art

[mitchgixer6]

Thanks for all the help guys. I can go ahead and get my second switch + cabling.