Unmanaged mini-switch

[jmak]

I need an extra network point in the head's office. How bad an idea is it to buy a 5 port switch and put it somewhere convenient in the room?

 

Running a cable would be quite a big job.

[GuyJD]

I've got some 5 port D-Link eco switches in our PPA room and they have been fine, never had an issue with them, as long as they are not going to accidentally get switched off or kicked you should be fine.

[AJWhite1970]

For a small job like that they will be absolutely fine. Just make sure it's GB as some of the really cheap ones are only 10/100mb

[Norphy]

I agree with the previous posters. It's not something you want to make a habit of too much but to add a couple of extra points to an awkward location, its fine.

[jmak]

Thanks all. Pretty much my thoughts. It just feels......wrong?

 

I'll hide it so it doesn't get kicked - and document that it's there, of course 😎

[AJWhite1970]

and document that it's there, of course [emoji41]

 

Rookie mistake, takes all the fun out of finding it again in a few years time....

[AlanD]

Well I've done it. I keep promising myself to take them out again and run some extra cables...I've also added the odd network card to a PC and put it in bridged mode (saves an extra PSU and box with cables). Again my promise to myself is that its temporary. My concern is that their MAC tables are usually small - something like 2000 devices....which can you can very quickly get up to - especially if you have a relatively flat network. Not sure what happens when the MAC table is full, but I'm guessing that you might see (or rather not see) all the connectivity you expected.

[MatthewL]

I would always run a cable, hate mini switches causes no end of issues, especially when things stop working they plug in and then create a loop. Another point shouldn't cost any more than £100 to add in.