GigaBit Switch: Is this what I need?

[JamesE]

I need to set up a wired network between 2 Mac's so I can move files quickly and share an internet connection between them and an Xbox. I have a DSL Modem router that came free from my ISP, it has 1 ethernet port and wireless, and apart from the lack of ethernet ports, I'm happy with it. My plan is to buy this switch and connect my Modem/Router, Mac's and Xbox to it, my internet connection will then be shared/split by this switch between the other devices, and I can also move files from Mac to Mac over the GigaBit LAN.

Is my understanding correct or do I need a different networking device, maybe a router?

[Pleiades]

Your understanding is correct. You already own a router, which will handle the sharing of your internet connection between devices, and the switch will just relay that information.
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MacBook Pro 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, Dell 802.11n card, 1.4TB external
MacBook 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 60GB HD
iMac 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 1TB external, EyeTV Hybrid

[dungeon92]

I would like to do this when if I ever get a second Mac since they'll just use my wireless connection (it's been stable for 6 weeks straight now).
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"You must control your future by taking command of your present, and fixing and learning from your past."

"When history is forgotten people don't realize when it repeats."

Going to Missouri S&T!!

[JamesE]

Thanks. I should be able to get one today so I'll post back and let you know how it works out.

[JamesE]

Bought it this afternoon and I now have it up and running. I'm impressed how easy it was to setup, it really was just "Plug and Play". I had a problem at first with really slow transfer rates and after a bit of head scratching I found the problem to be and old CAT5 cable that need to be swapped for a CAT5e. So I had to buy a new cable and pull up the carpet, again.

It looks good and is smaller than I expected, I have it sat on top of my Mac Mini, its about 1cm less wide on each side and in white and silver it matches well.

Also (and I'm ashamed to say this but) I don't know how to do the math to work out my transfer rate. I moved an 8.32GB folder in 4.25 minutes, I don't know whether that is good, bad, or average for GigaBit LAN.

[Pleiades]

8.32GB in 4.25 minutes, is 8519.68 MB in 255 seconds, so 33.41MB/sec which is about 267megabit/sec. Chances are 33MB is the max your drives can output, so you're doing pretty well.
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MacBook Pro 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, Dell 802.11n card, 1.4TB external
MacBook 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 60GB HD
iMac 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 1TB external, EyeTV Hybrid

[JamesE]

Just what I wanted to hear. Now, how do I make it faster .

[Pleiades]

[JamesE]

Faster Hard Drives are just a dream right now. I'd like to try out ftp though, could you help me with it please. How do I set it up and use it (in a nutshell).

[Pleiades]

On the host computer, Sharing System Preference -> Services -> FTP Access

Then use an FTP client on the client computer (Cyberduck, Transmit, many others), and connect to the other computer using its IP address, or possibly its bonjour address, and your username/password.
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MacBook Pro 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, Dell 802.11n card, 1.4TB external
MacBook 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 60GB HD
iMac 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 1TB external, EyeTV Hybrid

[JamesE]

Thanks I'll check it out, hopefully it'll be faster but I'm not getting my hopes up.

[miniconvert]

[JamesE]

Thanks for the conformation, the speed will do just fine and at least everything is performing to the best of it's ability.