Connecting multiple devices to router vs. switch

[douglasl]

Which approach should I take to connect my 6 or more Ethernet cables to router versus switch? (I've got a switch because the 4 Ethernet ports on my router aren't enough.)

Connect switch plus as many devices as possible directly to router. Connect only remaining devices to switch.

OR

Connect switch to router. Connect ALL devices to switch.


Thank you!

 

[USAFRet]

Makes zero difference either way.

ISP->Router->2 devices + switch->other devices.

The switch adds near zero performance impact. (assuming a non-crappy 10/100/1000 switch)

 

[Urumiko]

In most home situations this isn't going to make much difference at all unless you are really hammering your home network.

If you want to put some thought in to it i'd suggest devices passing intensive traffic on the lan, such as file servers or game streaming, are connected to the switch and keep load off the router.. Internet latency critical stuff (gaming machines) may do better connected to the router so they don't have to traverse 2 devices, and are kept away from the heavy file server traffic.

Frankly though in my experience what is far more important than this is actually the quality of the network equipment you are using.. In my experience cheap dumb switches of any brand, or basic home routers provided by an ISP can have way more negative impact on sensitive traffic than connecting half way across the country with premium grade gear.

E.g I can happily play my PS4 from 300 miles away with 2 premium asus home routers.. but i cant play in the next room reliably with a cheap tp-link or netgear switch.