CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

Phil Smith · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 7717

I'm changing software at my pawn shop and replacing the existing system (very old) with new stuff. I need a 10/100 hub with 5 ports. I don't know anything about network stuff. I need dependable equipment. Is this any good: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320447491409

I also need a good surge suppressor and possibly a UPS. Any suggestions?

Phil Smith · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 7717

This looks heavier duty: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170507692300

Zebu Fellenz · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 2567

I have a Netgear 5 port hub similar to the 6 port one you linked to, I think I paid less than $15 shipped for it used.

It's plug and play and has never caused me any problems.

greg_mitch · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 5320

I don't imagine you can go too wrong with any brand for something so simple. I would recommend getting gigabit for the little money you are spending.

I have a few Dlink and there isn't much that can go wrong....besides a port going out...never happened to me.

akajester · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 934 Location: Wisconsin

I've had some bad switches and hubs over the years. I think you'd be safe with most off the shelf stuff. I second Greg though, get a gigabit model with more ports than you need. I bought a 8 port dell gigabit switch for $100 years ago, I see now you can get something for about $25 that does the same thing. Netgear, dlink, linksys, all reliable brands. Get a switch, not a hub. for instance;

http://cgi.ebay.com/NETGEAR-PROSAFE-GS108-8-PORT-GIGABIT-SWITCH-4-/190414759964?cmd=ViewItem&pt=COMP_EN_Hubs&hash=item2c559aa81c

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Asus-GX-D1081-8-Port-Power-Saving-Gigabit-Switch-/270582146915?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3efff3e763

dale

Phil Smith · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 7717

The software company suggested a 10/100 hub. This is DOS based software. What's the difference between a hub and a switch? Will DOS software benefit from the speed of a gigabit switch? Sorry for the questions. Like I said, I know nothing about networks.

ecrabb · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 3:20 pm Post subject:

You're still using software that runs in DOS, Phil? Seriously? What is the software? POS? (I mean point-of-sale, not the other POS - Wink

)

Hub vs. switch... A switch isolates network nodes, and gives full transmit/receive bandwidth between pairs of nodes, whereas a hub must share bandwidth between all nodes. Think of a hub like a plain old intersection with a stoplight where the data has to stop/wait/go, and a switch more like an interchange with multiple exits and entrances where the data doesn't have to stop or even slowdown to get from one place to another.

No, DOS software will not benefit from a gigabit network. You need gigabit-capable network cards and better cabling for optimal performance, anyway. You really don't need a gigabit switch. If you can get one, fine - But, unless you're moving big/lots of files around, 100T is plenty fast enough for most users.

What's your network, look like (how many PCs, printers, etc. are you networking), and how new/old is everything?

SC

akajester · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 934 Location: Wisconsin

The other major difference between a hub and a switch but many times overlooked is the backplane. Typically switches have a much higher backplane than hubs. That's the total amount of traffic the unit can carry typically measured per second, like 8gb/sec, etc. Once you reach that maximum you drop packets.

For how cheap the stuff is... get a switch for sure. Even though you're running a DOS based app, it's probably still running on windows (or maybe not). If you transfer files between computers and they only support 10/100 you won't see a difference. If the computers are newer with gigabit nics you would see a difference transferring files between them, but probably nothing noticeable in your DOS application.

That being said, if you can get a gigabit switch for $10 or $15 more than a 100mb hub it sounds like a "no brainer" to me. That way when you upgrade computers you'll be all set and will run faster speeds without needing to invest in a newer switch.

I understand if you don't need gigabit, but at least get a switch. Hubs went out of style 10 years ago for a good reason, they're awful.

dale

Phil Smith · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 7717

Everything is new. 4 computers (I will add one more later), 2 label printers (one for tagging loans and inventory, one for jewelry tags), 2 tractor feed impact printers (one for pawn tickets, one for receipts). The printers are connected to a parallel switcher.

Pawn shops are highly regulated by Consumer Credit and the police. Consumer Credit audits each pawn shop every couple of years and can/will fine us or even shut us down if we're not in compliance with their many rules and requirements. We have to print and save 3 or 4 reports each month for Consumer Credit, and download online to Leads on Line (a country-wide database for police that looks for stolen goods) all of the pawns and purchases we did for the day, every evening before we leave. The local police pawn detail also comes by once or twice a week and picks up copies of all of our transactions. We also loan on and sell guns which requires a lot of record keeping, as guns are regulated by the ATF.

The point I'm getting to is pawn shop software is highly specialized to comply with the many regulations we governed by. There are many software options, but only a few are any good. Many are Windows based, which are more robust, but also cumbersome to use. Few shops use Windows software because of this. Pawn shop software is also expensive. The software I'm buying is $3,400 and it's not the most expensive.

You guys are disagreeing, which is not helping me make a decision. Wink

I did call the software company yesterday. They didn't think a faster switch would make any difference.

ecrabb · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 2:55 pm Post subject:

Ah, OK... That all makes sense Phil.

Nobody is disagreeing, actually. We're pretty much all in agreement: In your application, you probably wouldn't notice an iota of difference between a gigabit (1000T) and 100T switch, so don't spend any significant extra money on one... If, on the other hand, it costs little-to-no extra to get gigabit, then there's no reason not to. We're only talking about a few dollars, so why not?

Just grab either a Netgear GS108 from Amazon for $60 or, if money's tight, there's a Trendnet for $35. They even have a 5-port version of the Trendnet for $27 (same page).

I'd be inclined to go with the Netgear.

FYI, in my experience, all this low-end consumer/SOHO network gear should be good for about 3 or 4 years of 24/7 operation before it could start giving trouble and need to be replaced. The alternative is used commercial gear, but then you don't know age, how it was used, etc. Just get the Netgear SOHO piece and be done with it.

SC

akajester · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 934 Location: Wisconsin

I'm surprised you don't have any networking gear at the pawn shop. The one near us always has some linksys stuff for sale! Smile

Phil Smith · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 7717

I can't sell computer stuff unless it's a compete computer or laptop, with the exception of LCD monitors. So I don't take network or any other kind of computer gear.

I bought 2 (one for backup) NETGEAR GS108's that Dale and Steve suggested. I found a pretty good deal on ebay for new units. $41 free shipping: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230494852691

Thanks for the help gentlemen! Thumbs Up

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 10270

Phil, Ethernet 'hub' are a pretty dumb device and just about any manufacturer will provide more than what is needed for an unmanaged network.

Now, switches are another thing, especially the manageable ones.