Comcast XFINITY → Adding more ethernet ports

I currently have a Motorola SBG6580 which I'm happy with. I currently have all 4 ethernet ports filled with things, but ai still have 1 desktop and 1 game console that I would still like to hook up with wires. I already have 1 CAT6 cable going into the room in question, I just am not sure what type of switch or something I need to buy so that I can have 3 ports in that room off of the 1 CAT6 wire. I looked at a few switches online but I am unsure if by using a switch the PC in that room will be able to connect to my home network, enter the config page of the gateway, or access the internet. Also I would like opinions on which would be the best quality device for what I need. Thanks!!

a simple switch will do.
remember the devices in that room will share the bandwidth of that one router port which COULD lead to a slight increase in latency if both are in HEAVY use at once.
IF that is a problem run a second line so the console has a direct line and put the 2 lowest demand device on the switch right next to the router.

If you have an old standalone router laying around you can turn that into a switch and save some money. Just turn off DHCP and connect it using the lan ports to the SBG6580. Also turn off the wireless radio(s) if provided.

Sounds great. Looks like I'll be buying a switch. Does anyone have any recommendations of brand/model number?

I don't know much about the best switches so don't really mind me lol.

But, I think these switches are really cheap on Amazon and seem to have good reviews.
»www.amazon.com/TP-Link-T ··· k+switch

If you're not doing gigabit, get this one for 10 bucks with free shipping from Amazon.

»www.amazon.com/TRENDnet- ··· t+switch

That's a great little switch for the price.
My son has one and it works great.
Can't comment on the longevity as he has only had it a couple months.

TPlink as Darknessfall showed or similar priced gigabit switch is fine. any of the name brands makes something similar and cheap
that sort of wired hardware is pretty simple and hard too far wrong (I prefer to buy local as I can quickly return it if it's transfer rates aren't close to Gigabit or whatever maxs out your computer/network.

For $20, I'd go gigabit, look for a deal like below and you can get one cheap.

Any name brand will do, they are dumb, simple boxes. Pretty much any device that you buy to attach to your network these days will be gigabit. Even if your network is not fully gigabit now, why add anymore old technology to it?

»www.newegg.com/Product/P ··· 33122363

$19.99 after the code

I'm pretty partial to the Trendnet greennet series with the metal cases, but that's just me. In general, a switch is a switch imho, go with what you're comfortable buying. I personally own 3 of the Trendnet switches, they've been nothing but solid (1 of the 10/100 5-port, 1 of the gigabit 5-port, and 1 of the gigabit 8-port).

If you do loads of LAN transfers, it's probably better to get something that's gigabit, and if not I still would, because it's not that much more money.

Agreed. Gigabit switches don't cost much more than their 10/100 counterparts. Also since the OP has Gigabit ports on his cable modem, it would be best to just keep it going and use a Gigabit switch.

They are not as "dumb" as ethernet hubs are.

Thanks for all the recommendations guys! I ended up ordering the TP Link TL-SG1005- NewEgg had it for $20 and shipping was free! My network is already all gigabit so I definitely wanted a gigabit switch- not to mention that for the price there's really no reason not to.

I prefer to keep most everything wired- the layout of my home made wiring tuings pretty easy, I only use WiFi on my cell phone and laptop, and though the wireless range of the gateway isnt as good as a real wireless router it's plenty for the small amount of WiFi I use. The switch will be used for my Slingbox, a PC, and an Xbox, and I rarely use them all at the same time, so everything should work well.

Thanks again!

I generally believe that fixed location devices should be wired. Leave wireless to portables like tablets, phones, etc...

That's exactly how I feel.

Certainly for the unmanaged variety. I like the TrendNet ones as well.

I wonder if hubs are even still made with how cheap a switch is now.

Double post.

I probably should have stated *are / were*.