Increasing network capacity - is it a 10/100 switch needed

[TUS 373]

Numpty question for you, but want to make sure I am on the right track.

I am working at a small company at the moment that has run out of network points on the wall to run PCs, printers and lab equipment. The main switch box has no more points on it to allocate to the wall sockets.

If we just want to get a handful of extra sockets on the network, is it just a case of getting a 10/100 switch box so I can turn one socket into say 5? Looking at devices like these: www.microdirect.co.uk/productlister.aspx?GroupID=295 but would welcome specific recommendations.

Do these things usually come with some cables, or do we need to order this as required?

Sorry its such a numpty question, but I am not so au fait with networking as I am with PCs themselves.

Thanks.

[Plotloss]

Yes, in short.

Though you want a patch panel twixt wall socket and switch so you can repatch lines that arent in use etc.

[TUS 373]

Plotloss said:

Yes, in short.

Though you want a patch panel twixt wall socket and switch so you can repatch lines that arent in use etc.

If its the big Hewlett Packard thing on the wall, that's the jobby that has run out of sockets (whatever it is called). Just trying to avoid getting another one of those installed at the moment as it is only about another 3 points we need rather than another 24 that these boxes provide.

[Plotloss]

Thats fine, adding a switch of whatever size will increase the capacity.

Its more the relationship between wall sockets and their corresponding tails at the server, adding a patch panel adds flexibility in wiring design if you see what I mean.

[spitfire-ian]

A small switch would do the job fine, and yes you will need to buy the cables separately.

[docevi1]

if its a small business, you can just plug a small 10/100 hub into the wall socket and then your computers into the hub. It isn't advisable if you need to this on a large scale, or the machines are in particular heavy use, but it should be fine for some small extra capacity.

[TUS 373]

Thanks chaps - looks like I'm OK to go then. I appreciate the confirmation that I have my facts right before progressing!

[Plotloss]

docevi1 said:

if its a small business, you can just plug a small 10/100 hub into the wall socket and then your computers into the hub. It isn't advisable if you need to this on a large scale, or the machines are in particular heavy use, but it should be fine for some small extra capacity.

One switch in that scenario would need an autosensing uplink port as the horizontal cable wont be crossover (or one would hope its not)

Edited by Plotloss on Thursday 15th June 13:03

[TUS 373]

Eh...lost me there on that one!

Regarding networking cables, I am somewhat bewlidered by what Micro Direct have, e.g.: UTP, UTP X, RJ-605, RJ-610.

In short, what is the right type to go for please? 2m long and any colour is fine - but want to get the right cable type with the right connetions of course.

Thanks again.

[Plotloss]

Cat5e UTP is what you want.

When connecting two switches, if one doesnt have autosensing uplink ports (most decent new routers do) then you have to connect them together with a crossover cable which is distinctly different (different connections) to a normal straight through patch cable.

[docevi1]

Plotloss said:

docevi1 said:

if its a small business, you can just plug a small 10/100 hub into the wall socket and then your computers into the hub. It isn't advisable if you need to this on a large scale, or the machines are in particular heavy use, but it should be fine for some small extra capacity.

Both swtiches in that scenario would need autosensing uplink ports as the horizontal cable wont be crossover (or one would hope its not)

Most are nowadays though aren't they? I know I've never trouble when I've done this.