I've run out of ports on my wireless router and would like to buy a switch to expand it. I have no idea what kind to buy/what features I need. Could someone please give me some suggestions? If you like, take a look at what geeks.com has at http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?Cat=649 and let me know the cheapest one I can get. A 5 port switch should be enough. My router is the Belkin draft N1. Thanks.

My impression is that geeks.com offer dated and no named items. Try looking at sites like buy.com and newegg.com for brand name hardware, often at low prices. Dealing with a rebate might be required.

All you need is a 5-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switch (if it says auto sensing or gigabit that's fine too). Any brand will do, but I suggest staying with a name brand like Netgear, Linksys, D-Link, etc. They're usually $20-$30 when not on sale or have a rebate. I'd buy in a local store.

I've used the cheap ones and my advice is to spend the few extra dollars and get something of better quality. You may not even need to spend more....this is B$ afterall

I agree with everything Alan said. Here is a list, any of these will work fine for you:

Newegg Netgear Switches

I've had some problems with Linksys switches like the image below, they'd get stuck all the sudden and stop working or work only at 10Mbps, have to powercycle them to fix it.

The Linksys switch you pictured is a very old model (pre-Cisco purchase of Linksys). You can tell by the style of the case, the 3 rows of LEDs, etc. Under Cisco's ownership, Linksys gained access to technology they didn't previously have. The one I've been using has been working flawlessly.

Here's what one of their more modern switches looks like:


Pictured above is the Linksys SD205 @ NewEgg.com for $27.99 (shipped free).
Out of 16 NewEgg reviews, 14 are EXCELLENT (5 out of 5), 1 is GOOD (4 out of 5), and the last is AVERAGE (3 out of 5) w/ that reviewer writing:


Diggler

P.S. Goos, if you didn't already notice, YGPM.

Thanks, guys. I'm good for a switch.

Netgear 5 port Gigabit Switch - 10/100/1000 - GS605NA

$14.99 AR and Google Checkout Coupon

how bout that one?

Thanks, Cron. I already bought one. That would have been the ticket.