Router And Switch Question.

This is probably a dumb question but I need to add a switch because I have run out of connections on the router. I am sure it makes no difference in performance but would you want one line coming from router and move all the rest of connections to the switch or just leave router alone with 3 connections and one to switch to run the other 2. Thanks

 

I would use the switch for things with lesser speed requirements, such as printers and, if possible, computers would be connected to the ports on the router.

 

The dumb question is the one not asked.

Actually, the performance can be affected by the number of devices using the same port. So if you move all your networked devices to the switch, then the switch connects to the router, ALL your networked devices are essentially sharing the bandwidth available through that one router port.

You don't mention what tasks your devices perform. If simple "office" type tasks like creating Word docs, email, surfing the Internet, updating social network sites, printing, then you probably would not notice any performance issues. But if performing tasks that consume a lot of bandwidth (streaming videos and some on-line gaming, for example), there may be a performance hit.

So I agree with DangitallRedux. Direct connect your 3 higher priority computers, and the switch to the router, then other devices to the switch.

And by the way, Ethernet cables (and their connectors) are flimsy, fragile, cheap but critical network devices. Factory made cables are rarely tested before they leave the factory. It is not uncommon for them to be poorly made and substandard. This is why I always make – and test – my own. These cables are also easily damaged. So to ensure maximum performance, don't overlook the cables.