[Nik7304]

I've finally joined the 21st century and got a modern TV, BD-player and new PVR. Of course, they all need to be connected to the internet somehow and Wi-Fi is out of the question. We only have the old BT Home Hub, and in either case I don't want masses of cables everywhere, so wondering if it's possible to run an Ethernet cable from the Home Hub to behind the TV, put a five-port Ethernet switch behind it and plug everything into that? Would they all sort themselves out and find the broadband connection for their updates, iPlayer, NetFlix, etc.?

[Chris Simon]

Absolutely, that is indeed the correct way of doing it and what switches were meant for.

[Nik7304]

Fantastic, thank you very much. Off to Maplins we trundle...

[grahamlthompson]

I have just that arrangement, sharing a single cat 5 back to the router are

Foxsat-hdr, Denon AV amp, Sony-blu-ray, PS3, HD FOX T2 , Medion Media Player and my laptop.

In fact the devices talk to each other directly via the switch, when net access or access to other kit isnt needed. For example the PS3 will stream directly from the laptop without the single cable back to the router being involved.

A similar arrangement is used in Grandsons bedroom, a single cable connects a smart TV, a PC and a XBox 360.

[gomezz]

The only point I might query is if a five port switch is enough? I need at least another three ports here if I wanted all my AV kit to be fully connected. At the moment I have left the TV, the Blu-ray player and one PVR unconnected.

[David (2)]

this is all good info and indeed i do similar with my setup. The main broadband modem router from orange has only 2 ethernet ports. I have a 8 port, 10/100/1000Mb Netgear hub plugged into one of the Orange ports. My laptops, freesat, and Bluray are all plugged into the Netgear unit.

Orange once told me that the max number of devices supported in this was was 8. I dont know wether the Netgear Hub its self counts as one (i expect it does).

[Nigel Goodwin]

Originally Posted by gomezz

The only point I might query is if a five port switch is enough? I need at least another three ports here if I wanted all my AV kit to be fully connected. At the moment I have left the TV, the Blu-ray player and one PVR unconnected.

You mean ALL your gear has ethernet sockets? - jesus!

I think I have one Freeview box that does (a Tesco HD one).

But is there any point in connecting them all anyway?, presumably copnnecting one or so would do all that you need?.

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

You mean ALL your gear has ethernet sockets? - jesus!

I think I have one Freeview box that does (a Tesco HD one).

But is there any point in connecting them all anyway?, presumably copnnecting one or so would do all that you need?.

Post 4

Bluray uses ethernet for updates and vod
PS3 has vod and media server capabilities
Amplifier has a web control interface, internet radio and back up of all settings.
Foxsat-hdr has vod and media streaming plus access to internal drive
Media streamer is obvious
Laptop talks to all the kit.

Pretty well all newer kit has ethernet capability.

Time to join the 21st century

[Nigel Goodwin]

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

Time to join the 21st century

I will when Internet speeds do

I do have my Xbox connected wirelessly, and stream from my main PC though.

[flagpole]

just one more thing.

your suggestion is fine. but if you don't want to run a cable you can get a wifi thing (i use the word 'thing' because the name is a wireless access point although you would be using it as a wireless bridge or wireless client,) that can then be connected to your switch. or just get one with 4 ports.

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

I will when Internet speeds do

I do have my Xbox connected wirelessly, and stream from my main PC though.

Lucky enough to be on Virgin, 20Mbps.

[Nigel Goodwin]

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

Lucky enough to be on Virgin, 20Mbps.

If VM was available I would have switched to them years ago

For TV as well, as VM do all the Sky channels I want anyway.

[gomezz]

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

But is there any point in connecting them all anyway?, presumably copnnecting one or so would do all that you need?.

The TV is the only one which there is no real point to having connected as it only gives you access to crappy Smart TV apps and can only have its firmware updated using a USB memory stick and not online. Other than that Graham has it covered except to say it is more convenient to access iPlayer using the PVR I am currently viewing rather than firing up one of the others.

[Chris Simon]

Originally Posted by David (2)

Orange once told me that the max number of devices supported in this was was 8.

Unless the Orange router is some strange crippled device then there is no (practical) limit to how you can expand a network via hubs and switches.

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by gomezz

The TV is the only one which there is no real point to having connected as it only gives you access to crappy Smart TV apps and can only have its firmware updated using a USB memory stick and not online. Other than that Graham has it covered except to say it is more convenient to access iPlayer using the PVR I am currently viewing rather than firing up one of the others.

I forgot the HD FOX T2

Really the big advantage is most of the traffic between the items on the same switch doesn't involve the singe cable to the router as it's interdevice.

[bluesguy]

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

I will when Internet speeds do

I do have my Xbox connected wirelessly, and stream from my main PC though.

I get 75MBits with BT Infinity 2.... previous connection rate was 3MBits!