What do I need to replace this with? Hub, router, switch?

[Sydwaiz]

Let's start off with me stating that I'm an idiot about this stuff. I'm looking for suggestions on what I need to replace a bad hub in the picture.

I have a small office with a single DSL line coming in to a stand alone modem. Modem then feeds to the Hub in the picture and then to 5 computers by wire. Computers are all static IP if that makes any difference. Recently, my connections have been going in and out every few seconds/minutes. When it gets really bad and annoying, I would unplug the hub for a few minutes and it seems to fix things for a week or so then start acting up again. At first I thought it was the modem but Megapath ran some tests and said it was okay. The hub is a good 15+ yrs old now too. Probably closer to 20.

I would really like something that is plug and play but if I have to configure it through one of the PCs, I guess I could figure that out too. We just use the computers for basic internet stuff. No talking to each other or sharing files or whatever. If something has wired and wireless capability, that might be nice too but not necessary. Would be nice to link up my iPad at work though sometimes. Is there anything user friendly that you guys can recommend? Thanks!

[bigbearbear]

I use Megapath too, formerly Speakeasy.net, they're pretty nice folks to deal with.

What you'll want is to replace the hub with a switch, which is more efficient (it doesn't broadcast IP packets all over the place). Get one of those "unmanaged desktop switch" which are essentially a drop-in replacement for the hub you have currently.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-5-Port-Gigabit-Desktop-DGS-1005G/dp/B003X7TRWE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1354309006&sr=8-3&keywords=D-link+switch

If there's a chance that you will need to connect additional computers, you'll want to get a 8-port switch instead.

[billofrights]

It would be hard to find a wireless router these days that WON'T do what you want. I prefer Linksys, this is what I have at home:

http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Routers/Linksys-EA4500-Dual-Band-N900-Router-with-Gigabit-USB_stcVVproductId145330245VVcatId543809VVviewprod.htm

I realize there's only 4 wired ports but if you have 5 boxes sharing a DSL line, making some/all of them wireless won't slow anything down.

[Sydwaiz]

So it sounds like a pretty straight forward swap then. I don't know why we ever went with a 16 port hub. An 8 port would still be more than enough. Thanks.

[odysseus]

HOLY CRAP! A 16 Port HUB! I haven't seen one in some time. Dude, move up to a simple unmanaged Gig switch! You don't have 15 year old PC's connected to it, do you?

[Casual_Shooter]

We have a similar set up at our office. DSL line into modem into router into switch (16 port..... ).

When our last router started acting funny, I didn't have the easiest time finding one that would fit my needs (need some security/ filtering options). It was either entry level which *might* have worked or more expensive that had WAY more than we needed.

Someone suggested the router we ended up with. So far, so good. Still does more than we need, but I really wanted address/ keyword filtering/ blocking per IP or group. This unit does that.

Router is a Netgear Prosafe FVS318G
Switch/ Hub is 3Com TP16C

Most of our computers are older macs without wireless. As we upgrade, we could use the wireless option, but the wires are run already so.....

And a pic just for Odysseus.

[Gryff]

Agreed about getting an unmanaged switch. You don't need a router since you would be paying for more than you need.

I prefer Netgear switches. This one is an 8-port, which gives you a few extra ports just in case:

http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-GS608NA-Giga-Switch-8Port/dp/B0002A9RFM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354312374&sr=8-1&keywords=netgear+gs608

[Ricky-Ray]

I have an old d-link 10/100 8 port switch that has been sitting in my storage box for the longest time. If you want you can have it.

[Sydwaiz]

I have an old d-link 10/100 8 port switch that has been sitting in my storage box for the longest time. If you want you can have it.

Thanks man! I'll give it a shot. PM inbound.

[Deadbolt]

if that doesnt work for you, as chinesse and corny as it sounds :

"TP LINK " ( no not that TP )

http://www.tp-link.com

I have an 8 wired port / wifi model that I bought refurbished from Newegg back in 2007. I have not needed to reset it in over a year. I think I paid about 13$ shipped. Overkill is nice, but frugality means extra beer and ammo

[odysseus]

And a pic just for Odysseus.

Mmmm...give me some of that 10base...

[Rivers]

I have a small office with a single DSL line coming in to a stand alone modem. Modem then feeds to the Hub in the picture and then to 5 computers by wire. Computers are all static IP if that makes any difference.

Unless I'm missing something, it looks like the OP is getting 5 IP addresses from his service provider. That's great if he will only EVER connect 5 devices (computers, iPads, phones, etc.) at any single time. If those devices are all static IP addressed (which is a good thing), even shutting off one of those computers won't allow a quick connection by a visiting laptop, etc.

The use of a ROUTER between the modem and the switch (hub) allows the user to create his own network with up to 254 devices. Plus the router allows the network to be much more secure than his current setup which allows direct access from outside his office. That's a cyber-BG's dream. And don't forget to secure the wireless too.

My recommendation is to get a decent router with both wired and wireless modes. It's worth the extra money to do this and learn how to do the setup yourself, or work with someone on CG to help you set it up. You can do this over the phone if necessary. It's not that difficult. Plus most routers have 3-5 LAN (local area network, think "the computers in your office") ports so adding the hub/switch will get you a few extra ports to connect other devices like printers, etc.

Before the router is set up, the OP needs to set one computer off static IP and to DHCP instead, so he can connect to the router. (So the computer "sees" the router in order to configure it.) Set up the router, then go to each computer that's connected to the router (or the switch that's connected to the router) and change the IP address to match the network established by the router. The router will use the static IP address that's currently used by one of the computers.

While I prefer the Apple Airport Extreme (yeah, costs way more and they last forever!), a good Netgear or Linksys will work too. Make sure the one you get allows you to save a configuration file that you'd keep on a computer or flash drive. That way, if the router ever needs to be reconfigured, you can simply import that old config file into the router and voila!, it's got all your settings now in place!

[sholling]

You should have a router if you don't already have one to act as a firewall and then if you need more ports you can add a switch like this Trendnet.

[maurice05]

If interested I have a netgear model Gs108 gigabit 8 port switch that I'm willing to part with for a low price I have a couple of them still factory sealed they retail for $50-$60 also a linksys router not sure of the model

[Bryansix]

Unless I'm missing something, it looks like the OP is getting 5 IP addresses from his service provider. That's great if he will only EVER connect 5 devices (computers, iPads, phones, etc.) at any single time. If those devices are all static IP addressed (which is a good thing), even shutting off one of those computers won't allow a quick connection by a visiting laptop, etc.

The use of a ROUTER between the modem and the switch (hub) allows the user to create his own network with up to 254 devices. Plus the router allows the network to be much more secure than his current setup which allows direct access from outside his office. That's a cyber-BG's dream. And don't forget to secure the wireless too.

My recommendation is to get a decent router with both wired and wireless modes. It's worth the extra money to do this and learn how to do the setup yourself, or work with someone on CG to help you set it up. You can do this over the phone if necessary. It's not that difficult. Plus most routers have 3-5 LAN (local area network, think "the computers in your office") ports so adding the hub/switch will get you a few extra ports to connect other devices like printers, etc.

Before the router is set up, the OP needs to set one computer off static IP and to DHCP instead, so he can connect to the router. (So the computer "sees" the router in order to configure it.) Set up the router, then go to each computer that's connected to the router (or the switch that's connected to the router) and change the IP address to match the network established by the router. The router will use the static IP address that's currently used by one of the computers.

While I prefer the Apple Airport Extreme (yeah, costs way more and they last forever!), a good Netgear or Linksys will work too. Make sure the one you get allows you to save a configuration file that you'd keep on a computer or flash drive. That way, if the router ever needs to be reconfigured, you can simply import that old config file into the router and voila!, it's got all your settings now in place!

Some modems do NAT. In that case he would have just one public IP and maybe not even a static one at that. Can't really say without knowing more.