Ethernet switch Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it safe to set up a gaming network without Internet access?

Posted on August 23, 2023

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Question from Kevin: I have 3 computers that I’m planning to place in my bedroom and my two sons’ rooms. We’re going to use these computers for just one thing, and that’s for playing games over a private LAN.

After doing some research I went to Best Buy and bought a 5 port switch and three 50ft Ethernet cables to run up into the attic and then down into each of the rooms.

These computers will NOT be connected to a modem, only to each other through the switch. We won’t need (and I don’t want) to have these computers connected to the Internet.

Now, my question – Since there will be no Internet access we won’t be able to update our virus software. Will that be a big problem or do your recommend going wireless and connecting the machines through our router so they’ll have Internet access? [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the best way to connect 13 computers to create a classroom network?

Posted on November 5, 2016

Question from Carl B.: As the youth minister for my church, I’m in charge of our computer-based Bible training program. I need your help with a networking question.

We have a classroom that’s set up to allow 5 students at a time to use a popular Bible study software package and collaborate with the class in virtual discussions. The kids also take computer-based quizzes and tests.

We currently have 6 desktop computers connected to the network via two wired routers. All the computers can access the Internet, but we only connect the router to the DSL modem when we need to download Windows updates. The students are never allowed to use the Internet so that needn’t factor into your recommendation.

We want to add an additional 7 computers so that 12 students plus the teacher can be connected to the network at the same time. In order to do this, can we add extra routers to the network to connect the extra computers? Or perhaps you have a better setup that you can recommend?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it possible to buy an 8 port wired router?

Posted on January 11, 2016

tp-link-tl-r860-router Question from Michelle K.: I’m the office manager for a small local insurance agency, and I need your help in finding an 8 port wired router (if they even exist).

We have a total of 6 employees who need to access the Internet though our LAN. Right now we’re using two 4 port wired routers, one connected to the cable modem and the other piggybacking off of that one.

We’ve been having some intermittent connection issues of late and we’re wanting to replace the two routers with a single 8 port wired router if at all possible. I can’t seem to find one though. The only thing I can find are 4 port routers.

If hope you can help me find an 8 port wired router. Do you have any idea where we might be able to find one? We don’t want Wi-Fi, therefore the request for a wired router.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

How I added 4 wired Ethernet ports to my garage for only $21

Posted on February 15, 2015

A while back I found myself needing a wired Ethernet connection in my garage. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on the project, but I knew it would some work.

The problem is the garage is on one end of my long ranch-style house while my cable modem and wireless router are located in my office near the other end of the house.

After a bit of reflection, this is the solution that I came up with: [Read more…]