router or network switch?

[Bigbartguy]

hi folks

I just ran ethernet to my entertainment area and need to connect multiple sources to my single ethernet line.

the line is coming off of a router in my office ....and I'm wondering the best way to 'split' the line in the family room so the 3 devices can share the access?

can I just another router to split the line OR should I use a network switch instead? I'm not exactly sure on the differences between the 2 either.

thanks!

[Lowblazah]

You'll need a 5 port switch.

A router is used to segregate networks.

[upnorth]

Network switch would be the best route. But most home routers will act as a switch too.

[delcecchi]

You have to have a switch. Router won't work. If you can configure a router as a switch, that would work also.

[pureinsanity]

You can use an additional router as a switch, however I would highly recommend not doing that. It will just cause Ip conflicts down the road. The company I work for use to use routers as switches. They kept having issues with it until we switched to a switch.

you can convert routers into switches depending how knowledgeable you are with computers.

As Lowblazah said, switch is what you need and will be the best.

[Bigbartguy]

thank you all for your responses. and thank you internet for $9.99 switch! much better than $40 at BB

[Lowblazah]

thank you all for your responses. and thank you internet for $9.99 switch! much better than $40 at BB

NEVER buy stuff at BB. Their markups are insanely ridiculous...

the most expensive hdmi cable ever

[Scott K]

lol, but I bet it tranfers that digital signal, digitally

[Bigbartguy]

I love the link to that BB cable!

you have to read the reviews.....hilarious