[ale] Semi-OT, inexpensive(ish) gigabit switches

[DJPfulio at jdpfu.com (DJ-Pfulio)]

On 07/21/2016 10:27 AM, Ken Cochran wrote:
> Hi folks, any wisdom/info/RTFM about suitable/recommended
> "extensions" to the typically only 4 Ethernet ports on home
> routers nowadays?  Would need gigabit of course.  Do the
> "rules of ethernet" still apply nowadays (e.g. the 5-4-3 rule)?
> I'm thinking a gigabit switch, say, 5 or 8 ports.  Managed or
> unmanaged?  Any makes/models to look for or avoid?  Or are they
> all so similar inside that it just doesn't matter anymore?
> Thanks, -kc

Have a few 8-port GigE unmanaged switches. Burned out a netgear and
d-link over the years. Have 2 metal-case Trendnets ($18 from newegg on
deals) which have been going for 5+ yrs now. Metal helps with heat
dissipation. They make a plastic case variant, so be certain to get the
metal one.