Ran out of ports

[Killing2Live]

Hello again,

Just when you thought I ran out of questions I am back and this one should be pretty simple, I recently had to unplug the Media MVP from my router due to another more important (Telephone VoIP) adapter taking its place So I am very MVP debrived right now. So my question would be is how would I go about getting the MVP back up and running would I need to install a small switch or hub? I heard switches are better but I don't know about any of this stuff.

Thanks again guys

[GoodGuys]

Switches are better, because they could let 2 devices each talk to another (3rd and 4th) device without interfering with each other. A hub simply broadcasts each received packet to all of its other ports.

GGF

[Ferral]

Just pick yourself up a small 6-8 port switch if you just need another network port. Switches are manged whereas hubs are not.

Basically without going into detail a switch will provide better data throughput.

Or you may wish to use this as a good reason to head down the wireless route. A Switch is pretty cheap though, you can probably get one for under 20 bucks these days for a 10/100. A wireless access point will set you back about $60 or so.

Another way is to get two wireless cards, PCI cards or USB will do, and set them up as a simple peer to peer network. Otherwise knows as an "Ad-hoc" wireless setup.

I'm not sure if this is usefull for an MPV, I'm not familiar with them at all. But you may want to do some research into it.

cheers.

[Lindsay]

yep, a little cheapo switch will do the trick no sweat. Connect it from your router into the switch's uplink port (takes straight thru cable).

[bgowland]

I've got a 3Com OfficeConnect 8-way switch - it cost me around GBP20. They do them in 6-way and (I think) 4-way versions too. They get good reviews and I'm happy with mine.

Cheers,
Brian

[Killing2Live]

I would go wireless but one of the antennas on my WRT54GL broke and Its in a closet so I'm not so sure how that will work out? The other thing is that our home is all fully networked so its way easier (suprisingly) to just use cat5 cable for the internet and more reliable, although I haven't used wireless internet very much so I can't so much :p Thanks for the help guys just one more quick question, using the switch won't cause the MVP to not find the server and those peripheals will still be on the same network right?