switch

Go for a switch that will handle 100Mb/1 Gigabit. 10/100 Mb are obsolete.

best

David

I run an optical switch that is only 10/100 rather than Gigabit. It has no problem handling anything I throw at it. The current range of Naim streamers are also 10/100, and can stream hi-res audio, so for music streaming, there is no need for more.

The vast majority of devices on the market now are gigabit, but of you have a switch that isn't I'd just use it anyway. 

Cisco Gigabit

.......  plus ..........  How big is the network,   or same question another way, how many devices with ethernet cables ?

Most home/small office switches have a model number with "GS"  (Gigabit Switch) look for those,  apart from that there is little to choose between them.  

As Mike wrote - the key is the number of wired connections at the moment PLUS some spare sockets.

Never plan your switch for your exact needs at the moment - some expansion is inevitable and it's better to be prepared.

Wiwa - just to put things in a bit of a perspective. If you are planning a larger network, it's better to put things into a 19" rack and mount as much equipment using that. Here is an example of my network rack:

If however you plan to use a small network, with just a few wired network connections, a small switch will be sufficient (example below).

I agree with Adam on the Cisco, but the metal equivalent Netgear is also an option.  The Key as also mentioned, is the number of ports you need now and any future expansion. An 8 port is really 7 devices as one port is used for the internet router/internet connection in most peoples set ups ( Adam's isn't most peoples, but is becoming more of the norm ;-) )

But if you are buying a switch now, get the 1000 Mb version so it is future proof for at least the next 10+ years.  Remember 100 or 1000 is 'theoretical' speed, not the 'realized' speed, and if a connected device is 10 or 100, that's as fast as it will consume network traffic, but 1000 is generally the norm nowadays.

Adam Zielinski posted:

Wiwa - just to put things in a bit of a perspective. If you are planning a larger network, it's better to put things into a 19" rack and mount as much equipment using that. Here is an example of my network rack:

If however you plan to use a small network, with just a few wired network connections, a small switch will be sufficient (example below).

Hi Adam,

Those ethernet cables are from Chord?..... all looks impressive .

My home network will be never so huge as yours  so in my case TP-LINK with 5 ports is absolutely enough.

Kacper

Adam Zielinski posted:

Wiwa - just to put things in a bit of a perspective. If you are planning a larger network, it's better to put things into a 19" rack and mount as much equipment using that. Here is an example of my network rack:

If however you plan to use a small network, with just a few wired network connections, a small switch will be sufficient (example below).

 

As someone who appreciates a tidy 19" rack - that's a good job there Adam. 

ChrisSU posted:

I run an optical switch that is only 10/100 rather than Gigabit. It has no problem handling anything I throw at it. The current range of Naim streamers are also 10/100, and can stream hi-res audio, so for music streaming, there is no need for more.

The vast majority of devices on the market now are gigabit, but of you have a switch that isn't I'd just use it anyway. 

Chris - indeed - 100Mbps is all that is required for Naim streamer devices. There are I say  electro magnetic interference reasons why  100BaseT is preferable to 1000BaseT (less twisted copper pairs used)- although a gigabit switch will negotiate down to 100Mbps for Naim.

Ultimately I suspect Naim will offer SFP transceivers for ethernet connections on their higher end kit, so the user can choose the preferable direct fibre (100BaseX / 1000BaseX )ethernet connection  or the traditional twisted copper ethernet wire  (100/1000BaseT) if they wish.

To the OP I recommend a used Cisco 2960 8 port Catalyst switch.. for the best performance on twisted copper pairs - but a regular non configurable Netgear Gigabit switch will be   fine for most if not all set ups... and very popular on this forum

Simon

Kacper posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

Wiwa - just to put things in a bit of a perspective. If you are planning a larger network, it's better to put things into a 19" rack and mount as much equipment using that. Here is an example of my network rack:

If however you plan to use a small network, with just a few wired network connections, a small switch will be sufficient (example below).

Hi Adam,

Those ethernet cables are from Chord?..... all looks impressive .

My home network will be never so huge as yours  so in my case TP-LINK with 5 ports is absolutely enough.

Kacper

Yes - Chord C stream is used for 'streaming' connections - I run 4 Naim streamers at home. The rest is connected using a regular CAT 6 cable.

It's not really a huge network as such - I had a unique opportunit of a total renovation of an old flat. Decided to add at least 1 LAN point in each of the rooms, with multiple sockets in several rooms. Hence the number of cables and a large patch-panel / switch.

Adam

james n posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

Wiwa - just to put things in a bit of a perspective. If you are planning a larger network, it's better to put things into a 19" rack and mount as much equipment using that. Here is an example of my network rack:

If however you plan to use a small network, with just a few wired network connections, a small switch will be sufficient (example below).

 

As someone who appreciates a tidy 19" rack - that's a good job there Adam. 

Thanks James - my compulsive / obsessive nature still finds the patch cables messy

Adam Zielinski posted:

Kacper posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

Wiwa - just to put things in a bit of a perspective. If you are planning a larger network, it's better to put things into a 19" rack and mount as much equipment using that. Here is an example of my network rack:

If however you plan to use a small network, with just a few wired network connections, a small switch will be sufficient (example below).

Hi Adam,

Those ethernet cables are from Chord?..... all looks impressive .

My home network will be never so huge as yours  so in my case TP-LINK with 5 ports is absolutely enough.

Kacper

Yes - Chord C stream is used for 'streaming' connections - I run 4 Naim streamers at home. The rest is connected using a regular CAT 6 cable.

It's not really a huge network as such - I had a unique opportunit of a total renovation of an old flat. Decided to add at least 1 LAN point in each of the rooms, with multiple sockets in several rooms. Hence the number of cables and a large patch-panel / switch.

Adam

"Decided to add at least 1 LAN point in each of the rooms" - that's clever! Unfortunatly I can't renovate (the way like new cables in walls etc.) my appartment. In my sleeping room I do have a very nice and fancy Tivoli Network Cappellini radio and the wi-fi connection sometimes it gives unexpected interferences - wired would be better!

Kacper

Hi Adam,

Just out of curiousity: what is that TP power supply used for?

many regards, Michel

Gigabit all the way, there is no logic in getting a 100

thanks everybody 

i thinking of buying 2   HP ProCurve 1410-8G Switch (J9559A) 

one in my homeoffice (2 iMac , etc) and one for the living (for tv and music)

from router to switch : cat6

wiwa

Klout10 posted:

Hi Adam,

Just out of curiousity: what is that TP power supply used for?

many regards, Michel

It's used to power the NAS. It came with a nasty switch-mode thing, so changed to a 'proper' one. QNAP is only used to stream music over the network.