Switches for Dummies

[JimTurkey]

In our bedroom, wi-fi is the weakest in the house. Luckily, we have a hard-wired ethernet port behind the TV that I was thinking we could hook up. However, that is only 1 port and I'd like to hook up the TV, cable box, and computer which would require at least 3 ports.

Is a switch the best option? 

[plemans · Accepted solution]

A simple unmanaged switch is a great plan. 

Pretty much plug and play. 

I'd pay the little extra to get a gigabit one. 

usually you can get a 5-8 port gigabit for around that $20-30

[plemans · Accepted solution]

A simple unmanaged switch is a great plan. 

Pretty much plug and play. 

I'd pay the little extra to get a gigabit one. 

usually you can get a 5-8 port gigabit for around that $20-30

[JimTurkey]

Which one would you recommend? 

We have 1000 Mbps internet.  

[plemans]

Pretty much all unmanaged gigabit switches should do the job for you. Pick one that has the ports you need and the looks you want.

[JimTurkey]

What is the difference between the Netgear GS105 and GS305??

Thanks!

[JimTurkey]

can i use any unmanaged switch for my orbi rbk752 in AP Mode?

[plemans]

---

@JimTurkey wrote:

What is the difference between the Netgear GS105 and GS305??

Thanks!

---

Not a whole lot. One is business class and the other is consumer. Theres some cosmetic differences based on versions (v1-v5)

From the suppport site the GS105 is lifetime warranty and the GS305 is 3 year. 

Theoretically you should be able to use any unmanaged switch. Some have had issues with green features on the Orbi AC's. I didn't have a single issue and I've tried several unmanaged switches and a managed switch. And thats been tested on the AC versions and the SXK30 series.