router or workgroup switch

[Samdbugman]

i want to run a lan cable to my tv and blue ray player. since it will be wired, do i need a router, or just a work group switch? i dont want or need to go wireless right now, and if i do get a router does it have to bw a broadband router? thanks ahead of time for such a noobish question. and

 

[KieX]

Ethernet switch is all you need. A simple 4 ports one will do so you can connect each apparatus to it.

Something like this: NETGEAR FS105 10/100Mbps Desktop Switch 5 x RJ45 1...

 

[Samdbugman]

thanks! much cheaper that way. and as always this site rocks!

 

[KieX]

You might find cheaper ones though, I'm not too familiar with US prices. And CAT 5e cable should be quite cheap to buy too.

 

[IggSter]

If you are going to be watching HD content best get a gigabit switch, 10/100 will cause buffering issues at higher bit-rates.

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&q=d-link+gigabit+switch&psj=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4736487822477279479&ei=hDUiTfvGH8eHhQeY9Z23Dg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDwQ8wIwAw#


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[Samdbugman]

thanks to both of you, but looking at the pictures of both units, i dont see a port to plug in the modem so it can share the internet. do i judt plug it into any port and it shares it with the other ports? i know routers and work group switches have a boldly labeled in port, go im all confused. sorry, but im not the brightest bulb on the tree.

 

[temp02]

Basicaly a switch is just a smart repeater, connecting a device to a switch that is connected to the router is the same as connecting the device to the router directly. No need to configure anything whatsoever,

 

[Samdbugman]

ok, so i do need a router? im all confused. lol

 

[IggSter]

If you don't have a router already and your PC is connected directly to your modem then you will need a router not a switch.

Something like this would do the job...

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&q=netgear+gigabit+router&psj=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=3016497392264571879&ei=9jwiTfKcIZSxhQfVvti3Dg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEAQ8wIwBA#

 

[temp02]

You can always put static IPs and gateway adresses on all computers/devices manually, but getting a router would simplify the job yes, since DHCP assigns the IP address for each computer/device automaticaly. If you do get a router I would advise getting one that has all of the above: modem, "switch" (as in more than 1 port), router and wireless (you might need it latter on).

 

[Samdbugman]

thanks! i know what the hell i need now, lol. i appericiate not getting belittled for asking these sort of questions, and the patience everyone shows. im in the usa so i will start looking at newegg. that place is starting to be addictive. thanks and have a great day!