Ethernet switch to connect PS3 and Xbox360 via 1 cable

Paranoimia · 26-02-2010, 17:03

I'm a bit rusty on my networking skills, so thought I'd seek advice before making any purchases.

I currently have a PS3 and have been considering getting an Xbox 360 as well.

The cabled part of my current network setup is:

Code:

                                 +----+
                            +----+ PC |
+-------------+    +--------+    +----+
| Cable Modem +----+ Router |
+-------------+    +--------+    +-----+
                            +----+ PS3 |
                                 +-----+

I was going to go for an Amazon 360 deal which included the wireless adapter. I know cabled is better for gaming anyway, but a friend who already has a 360 told me that the wireless adapter can be 'a bit flakey' (his words, not mine) and advised me to go the cabled route.

However, rather than running a second ethernet cable, I'd like to make use of the one I've already got in place, and was thinking of using an ethernet switch (maybe something like this or this), giving me this setup:

Code:

                                 +----+
                            +----+ PC |
+-------------+    +--------+    +----+
| Cable Modem +----+ Router |
+-------------+    +--------+    +--------+
                            +----+ Switch |
                                 +--------+
                                 |        |
                                 |        |
                              +--+--+  +--+--+
                              | PS3 |  | 360 |
                              +-----+  +-----+

The router is a LinkSys WRT54GS, which does handle some wireless devices as well.

My questions are...

(a) will this work, and
(b) would it allow me to use both consoles at the same time?

When I say 'at the same time', I don't mean for playing games, obviously. I mean would I be able to leave one system downloading something, while using the other.

Thanks in advance.

jem · 26-02-2010, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paranoimia

....snip....

My questions are...

(a) will this work, and
(b) would it allow me to use both consoles at the same time?

When I say 'at the same time', I don't mean for playing games, obviously. I mean would I be able to leave one system downloading something, while using the other.

Thanks in advance.

YES and YES

However doesn't the WRT54G have four lan ports? So why not use those instead of getting a switch?

Hom3r · 26-02-2010, 17:50

Or Get a wireless adaptor for the 360.

Doesn't the PS3 have Wireless?

Aragorn · 26-02-2010, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by jem

YES and YES

However doesn't the WRT54G have four lan ports? So why not use those instead of getting a switch?

At a guess the cable to the PS3 is long and the OP said he doesn't want to run another cable.

jem · 26-02-2010, 17:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

At a guess the cable to the PS3 is long and the OP said he doesn't want to run another cable.

I should probably read the postings a bit better, but it has been a very long day!

MovedGoalPosts · 26-02-2010, 17:58

I've successfully daisy chained three different switches off a WRT54GS to allow sufficient connections for computers and stuff during a LAN party. Your proposed setup will work just fine. After all the wired LAN network at 100mbps will remain faster than your internet speed. It won't be the single LAN cable between router and swtich that is any bottleneck, but your internet, even if both PS3 and Xbox were used together.

For gaming I'd always prefer a wired rather than wireless connection.

Paranoimia · 26-02-2010, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

Or Get a wireless adaptor for the 360.

Doesn't the PS3 have Wireless?

I was going to, until a friend told me it's quite flakey. (As I mentioned in my original post!

) I did originally have the PS3 wireless, but had some drop-outs mid-game, so went wired. Which is also why I want wired with a 360, if I get one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

At a guess the cable to the PS3 is long and the OP said he doesn't want to run another cable.

It's not so much the length of the cable... more the fact that a lot of heavy furniture had to be moved to install it, and I could really do without having to move it all again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I've successfully daisy chained three different switches off a WRT54GS to allow sufficient connections for computers and stuff during a LAN party. Your proposed setup will work just fine.

That's great to know - thanks!

Anyway, thanks all for the confirmations - at least I know I can do it if I get the 360.

Graham M · 26-02-2010, 18:38

My Network is something like

Cable Modem->Linksys WRT54GS with sporadically connected WiFi devices and hard-wired Media PC->Home Plug->Mains Wiring->Home Plug->Switch with 2 PCs, Laptop, XBox 360 and PS3->CAT5 through the ceilling into next room->Switch with 2PCs, VOIP Phone, PS3

So yes I think your scenario will work