Home network

[me55iah]

hi all.
im setting up a home network and need a little advice.

here is my layout
front room = internet enable tv + cable box ( which requires ethernet connection)
games room = 1 pc + 1 ps3 + 1 xbox + 1 wii + internet enable tv
under stairs = 1 hp mediasmart server
bedroom 1 = 1 xbox + 1 pc
bedroom 2 = 1 xbox + wireless laptop
attic = 1 ethernet connection required

in total 10 ethernet cable connections required.

i have a linxsys wrt320n wireless router which at present supplies the house via me swapping cables around as and when needed.
i also have a old wrt54gs v4 router.
now what would be the best setup i was thinking of buying a 16 port network switch but after some more reading should i go for 2 8 port switches and daisy chain them? but i also require the mediasmart server to be seen by both tv's all pc's and the ps3 and xbox in the games room.

a little push in the correct direction is what i need which covers my best options as well as space for future expansion.

thx in advance.

 

[PhilFrisbie]

Yes, you can daisy chain those switches and all devices will be able to see all others.

 

[me55iah]

thx,
so is tht the best to setup up in the following manner

router = pc - tv - xbox - wii ( wireless connection )+ feed to first switch

first switch = tv - cable box - ps3 - server + feed to second switch

second switch upstairs = bedroom 1 - pc + xbox / bedroom 2 - xbox - laptop ( wireless ) - attict ( 1 feed)

would tht run ok i.e no bottlenecks etc. the 2 pc's are the main internet users but once the server is added tht will be steaming films or music most evenings though the network.

or

is it better to run 1 larger switch and have everything connected to that?.

 

[jamesunsworth]

Definitely just go with a switch. Just go for a 12 port. You can always add another 12 port in the future if needed.

If you have a few extra quid go for a 24 port. It should be cheap either way as you only need a simple switch and not a managed switch.