Access Point!
 

Hello,

I am going to ask a really dumb question but.....

Currently my home network consists of a wireless 4 port router. I have one of those ports going to my computer on a different floor. I am guessing I need an access point to connect that port to allow my other wire connections to plug into. I need an 8 port access point. Everything I see is 4 port or one port and wireless. What am I missing here?

Basically, you only need a hub for more hard wired connections.

All you need is a switch (not a hub, those are obsolete).

5 port: TRENDnet TE100-S5 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch - Newegg.com

8 port: Rosewill RC-406X 10/100Mbps Switch - Newegg.com

Connect it to your router with a cable, then you can connect wired devices to it.

I agree, he needs a network switch. My experience with network switches is that the individual ports sometimes go bad. Therefore, if you actually need 8 ports, buy a switch with more than 8 ports. This way, when 1 port goes bad, you simply move the cable to one of the spare ports and put tape over the bad port.

---pete---

I've had switch ports go out occasionally - and rebooting the switch *usually* takes care of it.

Okay so I found myself a 16 port 10/100 Ethernet Switch manufactured by Black Box. I put the wire hooked to my router in port 1 and plugged all the other open ports with cat5 cables I need. Problem still remains where my pc does not connect.

This is racking my brain....

Does that particular switch have a MDI/MDIX switch and/or a dedicated crossover port? Not all switches are auto-sensing on all ports.

What do the status lights tell you?

No it does not....guess I need to buy one you suggested....

It may be fully autosensing. Again, status lights............?

I would bet the farm on that. :)