Not enough ports on my Belkin router

DesperateDan2 · 28-01-2011, 21:03

Hi - I'm new to all this - so here goes....
I recently purchased a Panasonic 50" G20 Plasma and a Sony BDP-S370 bluray DVD player. (I also have had SKY HD installed).
I have read a similar thread whereby a member was planning to run 3 lan cables (I guess these are RG45 cables?) ,1 from each device to his router.
So i though to myself I'll do that too - however my Belkin Wirless Router only has 4 ports and I'm already using 3 of them (Priinter, Vodafone Sure SIgnal and PC) - therefore I only have one port left.
so my question is - is there some form of extension I can plug intio my router to give me even more ports? So i can then plug in my TV, SKY HD and Blu-ray DVD?
Also - Why would i need to plug in my SKY HD into my router - what do I benefit from by doing that?
Any / all advice greatfully received and appreciated .
Cheers Dan

gemma-the-husky · 28-01-2011, 21:09

buy a little switch

I have a couple of 5 port Netgear switches (1 in, 4 out)

really good little bits of kiit.

I would have got 8-port ones on reflection though.

pocatello · 29-01-2011, 02:06

Yup, switch is cheap and easy.

Chris Frost · 29-01-2011, 03:48

Sky HD network port - You might want to research this a bit more in depth yourself, but AFAIK it's just recently become possible to access selected Sky content using their Video On Demand service. I think it's called "Anytime+"... the "+" bit being significant.

With standard "Anytime" content is pushed on to your box. With the plus service you choose what to download rather than Sky making that choice.

There's some talk of needing a Sky router, and I've no idea how extensive the library is or if it's only available on certain packages. Maybe check out the satellite sub forum here or look at AVForums or one of the Sky user forum sites for more info.

RobAnt · 29-01-2011, 04:08

Buy a small 1Gbps switch - say 8 ports, and run all your devices into that (including the router).

The Router will still hand out/manage the IP addresses, but all your devices (except the router), if they have Gbps ports will communicate much more quickly between each other. This is the best way to handle different video streams going to each device.

As I said, it won't improve your Internet connection, so live streaming off an Internet source won't be any faster, but videos stored on a central server (and/or NAS) with a Gb network port on it will have a much improved performance even if your other devices can only handle 100Mbps (because it's a switch, rather than a hub - direct connections are made, whereas a hub doesn't discriminate between devices, all the data goes over an internal loop. It's boring and complicated trying to explain Network Topology, just take my word for it).

Chris is answering this part of your query:

Quote:

Also - Why would i need to plug in my SKY HD into my router - what do I benefit from by doing that?

But I think that would fall into the category of a set top box, Chris. A Router is a Router - there are some differences in how well they perform, but I can't see any type of Router being required specifically. They might just be bigging it up so that they can sell it as being some fancy doodad that isn't strictly necessary.

pocatello · 29-01-2011, 04:16

Well needless to say no affordable consumer broadband comes even close to saturating a 100mb switch

RobAnt · 29-01-2011, 04:20

Quite. But Virgin are testing 100Mbps circuits for consumer use, I believe, and have promised to roll it out as soon as they can. I guess the equipments up to the job, but it could be an enormous drain on their circuits out onto the 'net.

c4rv · 29-01-2011, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocatello

Well needless to say no affordable consumer broadband comes even close to saturating a 100mb switch

Did you write this post in the past before. OP maybe on sky but virgin are about to rollout a 100mb service and for those that need the bandwidth I would say £45 a month is very affordable.

Troy Tempest · 29-01-2011, 10:58

DesperateDan2

Yes as others have said all you need to extend your network is a network switch. I use a Netgear 5 port switch for exactly your position.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobAnt

. But I think that would fall into the category of a set top box, Chris. A Router is a Router - there are some differences in how well they perform, but I can't see any type of Router being required specifically. They might just be bigging it up so that they can sell it as being some fancy doodad that isn't strictly necessary.

Quote:

Also - Why would i need to plug in my SKY HD into my router - what do I benefit from by doing that?

To access Sky's Anytime+ VOD content you currently need to be on Sky Broadband (ideally their unlimited service), and therefore a Sky router. The Sky Broadband setup config is hard coded into the router, currently a Dlink, but can be "opened up" to access details to use your own choice of router but is of course against Sky's T & C's.

.

Chris Frost · 29-01-2011, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobAnt

Chris. A Router is a Router - there are some differences in how well they perform, but I can't see any type of Router being required specifically. They might just be bigging it up so that they can sell it as being some fancy doodad that isn't strictly necessary.

Well, I didn't go in to the detail because I'm not entirely sure of the how's and why's, and also because for most people the idea of hacking a router is beyond their willingness to get involved... but seeing as you've raised the point I'll fill in some of the blanks

Sky's Anytime+ service isn't available via any old router. You need a Sky router which will have been preconfigured for the service. That's not to say that a 3rd party router can't be configured, but since the higher features of most Sky routers are locked out to the layman then it's hard to get at the required info.

I'm sure that a determined user could find the info, set up a 3rd party router, and get the Anytime+ feature to run. But in doing so they would break the terms of the Sky User Agreement. In short they could be switched off, although that's very unlikely because Sky wouldn't want to lose a customer. Or Sky could withhold services until the user upgrades to the full Sky broadband package with Sky router. That would be the most likely sanction.

Sky is in business to make a profit. They don't want end users tinkering with the service or the delivery infrastructure and causing a load of service calls because they buggered it up.

Ragnarok · 29-01-2011, 13:10

If your router is no where near the AV gear( TV/Sky/blu ray), run a single cat5e or cat6 cable over to that area install a 5/8 port switch there.and use short patch cables to hook upto all your gear to the switch .

RobAnt · 30-01-2011, 08:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Frost

Well, I didn't go in to the detail because I'm not entirely sure of the how's and why's, and also because for most people the idea of hacking a router is beyond their willingness to get involved... but seeing as you've raised the point I'll fill in some of the blanks

Sky's Anytime+ service isn't available via any old router. You need a Sky router which will have been preconfigured for the service. That's not to say that a 3rd party router can't be configured, but since the higher features of most Sky routers are locked out to the layman then it's hard to get at the required info.

I'm sure that a determined user could find the info, set up a 3rd party router, and get the Anytime+ feature to run. But in doing so they would break the terms of the Sky User Agreement. In short they could be switched off, although that's very unlikely because Sky wouldn't want to lose a customer. Or Sky could withhold services until the user upgrades to the full Sky broadband package with Sky router. That would be the most likely sanction.

Sky is in business to make a profit. They don't want end users tinkering with the service or the delivery infrastructure and causing a load of service calls because they buggered it up.

As an ex-Network consultant that doesn't make sense to me. What could possibly be incorporated into a Router that makes it unique on an ADSL service.

If it does, than it takes on the form of a dedicated device, such as a set top box, similar, I suppose, to BT's Vision Box, which incorporates a Freeview receiver and access to the Internet via a separate router. I suppose, technically, it would be possible to incorporate a satellite receiver into an ADSL router. But Virgin (actually Telewest at that time) dropped their combined set-top box/cable modem years ago because the STB's modem quickly started to hinder access to the Internet - being limited in terms of speed and they found they had to start installing modems in addition.

c4rv · 30-01-2011, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobAnt

I suppose, technically, it would be possible to incorporate a satellite receiver into an ADSL router. But Virgin (actually Telewest at that time) dropped their combined set-top box/cable modem years ago because the STB's modem quickly started to hinder access to the Internet - being limited in terms of speed and they found they had to start installing modems in addition.

I know technology has moved on since the combined stb/modem (btw, I thought that was ntl as well who were using them). Tivo box from virgin is due to feature is own 10mb internet connection though that will be dedicated to Tivo and not for general purpose internet connection.

Chris Frost · 30-01-2011, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobAnt

As an ex-Network consultant...

Well you see that says it all really. You have a significant advantage over the typical layman.

niall campbell · 30-01-2011, 17:11

wireless is the way forward

get a USB wireless stick for the computer

grahamlthompson · 30-01-2011, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by niall campbell

wireless is the way forward

get a USB wireless stick for the computer

Not round here it's not, trying to find a free channel on N or G is near impossible at times.

Using InSIDDer you can see why. You can't beat a length of cat5/6 or homeplugs for a reliable fast link.

28-01-2011, 21:03	#1
DesperateDan2 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 2	Not enough ports on my Belkin router Hi - I'm new to all this - so here goes.... I recently purchased a Panasonic 50" G20 Plasma and a Sony BDP-S370 bluray DVD player. (I also have had SKY HD installed). I have read a similar thread whereby a member was planning to run 3 lan cables (I guess these are RG45 cables?) ,1 from each device to his router. So i though to myself I'll do that too - however my Belkin Wirless Router only has 4 ports and I'm already using 3 of them (Priinter, Vodafone Sure SIgnal and PC) - therefore I only have one port left. so my question is - is there some form of extension I can plug intio my router to give me even more ports? So i can then plug in my TV, SKY HD and Blu-ray DVD? Also - Why would i need to plug in my SKY HD into my router - what do I benefit from by doing that? Any / all advice greatfully received and appreciated . Cheers Dan

28-01-2011, 21:09	#2
gemma-the-husky Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK Posts: 17,858	buy a little switch I have a couple of 5 port Netgear switches (1 in, 4 out) really good little bits of kiit. I would have got 8-port ones on reflection though.

29-01-2011, 02:06	#3
pocatello Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 8,622	Yup, switch is cheap and easy.

29-01-2011, 03:48	#4
Chris Frost Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cheshire Posts: 6,462	Sky HD network port - You might want to research this a bit more in depth yourself, but AFAIK it's just recently become possible to access selected Sky content using their Video On Demand service. I think it's called "Anytime+"... the "+" bit being significant. With standard "Anytime" content is pushed on to your box. With the plus service you choose what to download rather than Sky making that choice. There's some talk of needing a Sky router, and I've no idea how extensive the library is or if it's only available on certain packages. Maybe check out the satellite sub forum here or look at AVForums or one of the Sky user forum sites for more info.

29-01-2011, 04:08	#5
RobAnt Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South West Posts: 10,218	Buy a small 1Gbps switch - say 8 ports, and run all your devices into that (including the router). The Router will still hand out/manage the IP addresses, but all your devices (except the router), if they have Gbps ports will communicate much more quickly between each other. This is the best way to handle different video streams going to each device. As I said, it won't improve your Internet connection, so live streaming off an Internet source won't be any faster, but videos stored on a central server (and/or NAS) with a Gb network port on it will have a much improved performance even if your other devices can only handle 100Mbps (because it's a switch, rather than a hub - direct connections are made, whereas a hub doesn't discriminate between devices, all the data goes over an internal loop. It's boring and complicated trying to explain Network Topology, just take my word for it). Chris is answering this part of your query: Quote: Also - Why would i need to plug in my SKY HD into my router - what do I benefit from by doing that? But I think that would fall into the category of a set top box, Chris. A Router is a Router - there are some differences in how well they perform, but I can't see any type of Router being required specifically. They might just be bigging it up so that they can sell it as being some fancy doodad that isn't strictly necessary.

29-01-2011, 04:16	#6
pocatello Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 8,622	Well needless to say no affordable consumer broadband comes even close to saturating a 100mb switch

29-01-2011, 04:20	#7
RobAnt Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South West Posts: 10,218	Quite. But Virgin are testing 100Mbps circuits for consumer use, I believe, and have promised to roll it out as soon as they can. I guess the equipments up to the job, but it could be an enormous drain on their circuits out onto the 'net.

29-01-2011, 08:56	#8
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	Quote: Originally Posted by pocatello Well needless to say no affordable consumer broadband comes even close to saturating a 100mb switch Did you write this post in the past before. OP maybe on sky but virgin are about to rollout a 100mb service and for those that need the bandwidth I would say £45 a month is very affordable.

29-01-2011, 10:58	#9
Troy Tempest Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Marineville Posts: 373	DesperateDan2 Yes as others have said all you need to extend your network is a network switch. I use a Netgear 5 port switch for exactly your position. Quote: Originally Posted by RobAnt . But I think that would fall into the category of a set top box, Chris. A Router is a Router - there are some differences in how well they perform, but I can't see any type of Router being required specifically. They might just be bigging it up so that they can sell it as being some fancy doodad that isn't strictly necessary. Quote: Also - Why would i need to plug in my SKY HD into my router - what do I benefit from by doing that? To access Sky's Anytime+ VOD content you currently need to be on Sky Broadband (ideally their unlimited service), and therefore a Sky router. The Sky Broadband setup config is hard coded into the router, currently a Dlink, but can be "opened up" to access details to use your own choice of router but is of course against Sky's T & C's. .

29-01-2011, 12:28	#10
Chris Frost Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cheshire Posts: 6,462	Quote: Originally Posted by RobAnt Chris. A Router is a Router - there are some differences in how well they perform, but I can't see any type of Router being required specifically. They might just be bigging it up so that they can sell it as being some fancy doodad that isn't strictly necessary. Well, I didn't go in to the detail because I'm not entirely sure of the how's and why's, and also because for most people the idea of hacking a router is beyond their willingness to get involved... but seeing as you've raised the point I'll fill in some of the blanks Sky's Anytime+ service isn't available via any old router. You need a Sky router which will have been preconfigured for the service. That's not to say that a 3rd party router can't be configured, but since the higher features of most Sky routers are locked out to the layman then it's hard to get at the required info. I'm sure that a determined user could find the info, set up a 3rd party router, and get the Anytime+ feature to run. But in doing so they would break the terms of the Sky User Agreement. In short they could be switched off, although that's very unlikely because Sky wouldn't want to lose a customer. Or Sky could withhold services until the user upgrades to the full Sky broadband package with Sky router. That would be the most likely sanction. Sky is in business to make a profit. They don't want end users tinkering with the service or the delivery infrastructure and causing a load of service calls because they buggered it up.

29-01-2011, 13:10	#11
Ragnarok Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: too close to Hell, Londonistan Posts: 4,570	If your router is no where near the AV gear( TV/Sky/blu ray), run a single cat5e or cat6 cable over to that area install a 5/8 port switch there.and use short patch cables to hook upto all your gear to the switch .

30-01-2011, 08:18	#12
RobAnt Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South West Posts: 10,218	Quote: Originally Posted by Chris Frost Well, I didn't go in to the detail because I'm not entirely sure of the how's and why's, and also because for most people the idea of hacking a router is beyond their willingness to get involved... but seeing as you've raised the point I'll fill in some of the blanks Sky's Anytime+ service isn't available via any old router. You need a Sky router which will have been preconfigured for the service. That's not to say that a 3rd party router can't be configured, but since the higher features of most Sky routers are locked out to the layman then it's hard to get at the required info. I'm sure that a determined user could find the info, set up a 3rd party router, and get the Anytime+ feature to run. But in doing so they would break the terms of the Sky User Agreement. In short they could be switched off, although that's very unlikely because Sky wouldn't want to lose a customer. Or Sky could withhold services until the user upgrades to the full Sky broadband package with Sky router. That would be the most likely sanction. Sky is in business to make a profit. They don't want end users tinkering with the service or the delivery infrastructure and causing a load of service calls because they buggered it up. As an ex-Network consultant that doesn't make sense to me. What could possibly be incorporated into a Router that makes it unique on an ADSL service. If it does, than it takes on the form of a dedicated device, such as a set top box, similar, I suppose, to BT's Vision Box, which incorporates a Freeview receiver and access to the Internet via a separate router. I suppose, technically, it would be possible to incorporate a satellite receiver into an ADSL router. But Virgin (actually Telewest at that time) dropped their combined set-top box/cable modem years ago because the STB's modem quickly started to hinder access to the Internet - being limited in terms of speed and they found they had to start installing modems in addition.

30-01-2011, 08:51	#13
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	Quote: Originally Posted by RobAnt I suppose, technically, it would be possible to incorporate a satellite receiver into an ADSL router. But Virgin (actually Telewest at that time) dropped their combined set-top box/cable modem years ago because the STB's modem quickly started to hinder access to the Internet - being limited in terms of speed and they found they had to start installing modems in addition. I know technology has moved on since the combined stb/modem (btw, I thought that was ntl as well who were using them). Tivo box from virgin is due to feature is own 10mb internet connection though that will be dedicated to Tivo and not for general purpose internet connection.

30-01-2011, 16:52	#14
Chris Frost Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cheshire Posts: 6,462	Quote: Originally Posted by RobAnt As an ex-Network consultant... Well you see that says it all really. You have a significant advantage over the typical layman.

30-01-2011, 17:11	#15
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	wireless is the way forward get a USB wireless stick for the computer

30-01-2011, 17:52	#16
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by niall campbell wireless is the way forward get a USB wireless stick for the computer Not round here it's not, trying to find a free channel on N or G is near impossible at times. Using InSIDDer you can see why. You can't beat a length of cat5/6 or homeplugs for a reliable fast link.

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Not enough ports on my Belkin router