Do I need an unmanaged switch?
 

I have no idea what networking system our offices use - you just plug one end of a standard network cable into the PC, and the other end into a socket in the floor, and the internet and emails and work magically appear. :)

We're planning a training tour of some of the offices, and it looks like we'll end up in some rooms that only have 1 or 2 network sockets. But we'll need to plug about 7 things into them :shocked:

So we need a box that we can carry around with us to share the ports.

Wireless isn't an option.

Am I right in thinking that the gizmo I need is an unmanaged switch?

Such as this Cisco 16 Port 10/100 Desktop Switch jobbie?

If it is, is there any real benefit in getting a gigabyte version? We won't be transferring big files or streaming video or anything like that?

Thanks :)

Re: Do I need an unmanaged switch?
 

No need to spend that much to be honest

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/35436

For example will do that job quite happily and give you 7 extra ports (1 for uplink from the wall socket)

Re: Do I need an unmanaged switch?
 

Thanks :)

Picked out the Cisco one as we already have complicated looking boxes from them and I figured it'd be easier to persuade the IT people that they were safe ;)

Re: Do I need an unmanaged switch?
 

A switch is a switch is a switch really, just like mains extension sockets.

I guess you can pay more for fancy names and maybe a few flashing LED thingys but there's really no need.

Re: Do I need an unmanaged switch?
 

Exactly :) Unless you're going for a managed switch then there really is no difference between a £10 jobbie and something that costs 100s