We have a D-Link Router that has ran out spaces. ( only has 4 ports) I was wondering if it is possile to simply split one if the lines into 2. A few years back, before I got the D-Link, my friend loaned me a Hub with 4 ports. It worked fine. So, besides another or bigger router, is there any simple way to do this. Its only for short periods, say when the computers are on and I want to play PS3 online..?

All you have to do is install a 10/100 switch. Run a CAT5 or CAT6 (if you are using an old switch you may have to use a cross-over cable but almost all modern devices have auto sensing which let you use straight-through cables with no problems) cable from a port on the router to a port on switch - nothing to it.

It's usually better to run all your systems off the switch instead of the router so even if your low-end router freezes (which they love to do) all your internal systems can still communicate.

One port of a switch can be UPLINK. If they are auto-mdx (sp) then it doesn't matter.

And I agree to use a switch with enough ports to support your network with 1 reserved for the uplink.

An 8 port switch woud be able to support 7 devices and 1 uplink.

You can use a hub instead of a switch, but I wouldn't recommend it. It will slow down your network.

But the idea is to daisy chain the hub/switch to the uplink port on the router.

Uplink port of the hub/switch unless it's auto mdx to the LAN port of the router.

How much does a switch usually cost?

A 5 port switch costs about $25.

Newegg.com - LINKSYS EZXS55W 10/100Mbps Workgroup Switch 5 x RJ45 - Switches (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124005)

D-Link - 5-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switch - DES-1105 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7650357&st=switch&type=product&id=1134699430298)

Bestbuy also had the same Linksys switch for $24.99

But I think he should get an 8 port switch.

Sounds easy, thanks everyone... MAybe I go for the 8 banger...

Netgear - FS608NA - 8 Port 10100Mbps Network Switch at TigerDirect.com - $19.99 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=458461&CatId=2786)

Unmanaged 10 100 Ethernet Switch, Unmanaged 10 100 Network Switch, Unmanaged 10 100 Switchat TigerDirect.com (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Recs=10&Nav=|c:2786|&Sort=4)