Extending network

[Tony Williams]

I have a Linksys wireless ADSL router with 4 hard wire connections. All 4
are taken up because we log into a server using a VPN which for some reason
doesn't like wireless. We want to add more machines to the network, how do
we do that? Is there something that we can connect to the router that will
increase the number of hard wired connections we can have? If so what is it
and can anyone recommend a suitable device?
Thanks
Tony

 

[Chuck]

I have a Linksys wireless ADSL router with 4 hard wire connections. All 4
are taken up because we log into a server using a VPN which for some reason
doesn't like wireless. We want to add more machines to the network, how do
we do that? Is there something that we can connect to the router that will
increase the number of hard wired connections we can have? If so what is it
and can anyone recommend a suitable device?
Thanks
Tony

Tony,

There are several ways that you can add ports to your existing network. The
most obvious would be a switch. Your Linksys router uses a switch for
connecting the computers in your LAN, so adding another switch to that makes
sense. If you can't find a switch easily, get another router and connect it as
a switch.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-on-lan-with-two-routers.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-on-lan-with-two-routers.html

In an emergency, you could get a hub. Hubs are what were used before switches
were developed, and they are not good with multiple computers and lots of
traffic.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/02/set-of-simple-network-components.html#Wired>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/02/set-of-simple-network-components.html#Wired

 

[Guest]

Yep, you need a hub/switch, e.g. Netgear FS608 for 7 additional ports.

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/35436

The connection to the router should ideally be with an X-over cable (because
both units have hub-type socket wiring) however this model of switch
autosenses, so a standard cable can be used.

http://www.ukirlp.co.uk/documents/networking/xover-cables-explained.php

 

[Tony Williams]

Thanks guys that looks reasonably simple. Thanks for the model
recommendation too.
Cheers
Tony