how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

I have a new Sony Z series LCD that has widgets and netflix, a new PS3 slim and HD-DVD player and would like to wire all three via Ethernet cable.
I currently have one long cable (about 50 ft) running from my router around the room over to the TV area and it was previously hooked into a BD player only and worked great for my needs. I now want to hook up three devices, but not run two extra cables all the way over. What options to I have to use the current wire and split it between three devices... that doesn’t cost a bunch and is easy to setup with my existing router?

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

You can use a small switch to share the one cable run. One like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-EZXS55...488014&sr=8-13

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

^ what he said...
i've got a wallplate with a cat5 keystone jack (plus cable/phone) plugged into a mini switch on every room of the house.. fed by a bigger switch in the basement.. fed by a router...

theres nothing to set up... plug it in and everything just works..

cheap, and small.. but works perfectly..
http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Ether...5498666&sr=8-1

prettier, and more expensive.. works perfectly as well.
http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-FS605N...498666&sr=8-14

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

I would personally go with a gigabit switch because it isn't much more and you won't need to replace it later.

For example
http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-GS105N...dp/B0000BVYT3/
http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DGS-220...dp/B000FIVDIA/

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

Thanks guys, the switch sounds easy enough! If I have MAC Address filtering setup on the Router, will using a switch work with that?

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

Yep.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

You will also need a Gigabit Router to take advantage of this...although, the Gigabit is more future proof.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

My 0.02 is to stay far far away from Netcrap.. Go with either DLink or Linksys and you'll be fine

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

So I can make sure I understand before ordering a switch... If I have a Belkin 54G Router, I need to watch what switch I buy since some require better routers than my old school one?

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

Your switch won't be faster than your router, so basically if you buy a Gigabit switch don't expect Gigabit speeds on your LAN unless you have a router capable of that kind of speed.

Its not required, as the switch should work fine with your router, but recommended to get the most out of your network.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

BTW, 54G is a reference to the wireless speed. Gigabit is the wired speed.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

What about the cable in between? Is Cat5 capable of gigabit speeds or would it need to be Cat6?

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

Cat 5e is required for gigabit, Cat 6 is recommended.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

Thanks. Will it even matter if the hardware and or Internet connection can't give the information that fast? In other words, can normal desktop computers even spit the information out fast enough to take advantage of a gigabit connection throughput?

I have 7,200 rpm sata drives but even those have, what, a 40 mb burst rate?

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

I dont have gigabit throughout my network. I can only see if being valuable for moving very large files or large backup sets. I backup through online mozy.com my slow point is not my lan but my limited upload bandwith. I personally have no need for gigabit right now. Fortunately as I replace computers and LAN components most come with gigabit so eventually I will be gigabit capable whether I need it or not.

BTW You are comparing 1000 Mbits to 40 MB (Bits vs Bytes :) ) 40 MBytes ~ = 320 Mbits

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

^ that is pretty much correct. I have a gigabit switch to connect two PC, and the only use of the gigabit speed is when I'm moving large files. Even then, the speed won't reach 100% because there's a bottleneck on hard drive read/write and access speed. On average, you'll only get 30-40% of the network speed because of this factor.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

There are other advantages, for example reduced network congestion.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

Does Netflix thru the TV widgit require any special speeds to keep a smooth picture, or is there some sort of buffer built in as it comes over?

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

I don't think even blu-ray streaming over LAN requires gigabit speed.

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

I am checking out this switch right now for about 12.00 after rebate at Amazon- Netgear FS105NA Switch... any thoughts?
Linky

Re: how to hook up Ethernet to multiple devices?
 

Looks like a deal to me.