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BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

WorriedParent — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:01:17 GMT

My BT Smart Hub 2 has 4 ethernet cable inputs but I'd now like to add a further 3 cable inputs.

I assume I need some sort of splitter with 4 inputs and 1 output to one of the router inputs?

Is there a BT branded splitter or perhaps a recommended one from another manufacturer?

Many thanks in advance.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

Les-Gibson — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:11:55 GMT

You just need an unmanaged network switch, they're easily affordable from Amazon

i.e.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

WorriedParent — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:17:36 GMT

Many thanks for your very quick reply.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

licquorice — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:15:47 GMT

Yes, but please delete the link, it is against forum rules.

TP-Link TL-SG105S, 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch is cheaper and probably better.

Just connect one of your hub ports to any on the switch to provide 4 extra ports.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

WorriedParent — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:18:46 GMT

Sorry, didn't realise, link deleted.
Thanks to both for your help.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

Les-Gibson — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:19:25 GMT

That would do but if you're going to buy one then why not future proof it by going for an 8 port one such as the one in my post.

The rules of the community forbid commercial links being posted and I expect one of the moderators will remove the link you posted in short time but there's nothing to stop you using the graphic I posted as the basis of a visual search

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

licquorice — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:28:32 GMT

Yes, I guess an 8 port switch is sensible. TP Link do an 8 port.😃😃

@Les-Gibson I just prefer TP Link to Netgear products, probably irrational

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

WorriedParent — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:33:06 GMT

8 port it is then!
I see there's a slightly more expensive version with "Easy Smart" technology.
What is this, please, and is it worth the extra?

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

Les-Gibson — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:34:28 GMT

Each to his own - I prefer the cheapest and have a selection of redundant 4 port ones, hence my suggestion to go for the 8 port version 😊

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

WorriedParent — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:37:19 GMT

Yes, agree go for 8 port, but what is this Easy Smart for an extra £4?

(you'll gather I'm not very technical...)

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

licquorice — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:45:16 GMT

I think they are all called Easy Smart. Are you looking at the 108PE versus 108E? If you are, the PE version has POE (power over ethernet) ports which you probably don't need unless you have cameras you can power via POE.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

Les-Gibson — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:47:15 GMT

I'm guessing that Easy Smart Technology is probably fancy talk for Power Management (where unused ports are shut down) and maybe QoS for data prioritisation but I'm probably wrong

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

licquorice — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:52:05 GMT

Just had a quick look, I think it just gives extra configurability such as port mirroring which you won't need.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

WorriedParent — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:54:04 GMT

Looks like I'll go for the cheaper one then!

Thanks again to you both.

Re: BT Smart Hub 2 expansion

Crimliar — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:27:31 GMT

The Easy-Smart switches are kinda layer 2.5! I've a faulty one hanging around that can still be used for port mirroring. If you don't need the switch interface for Vlans then the cheaper unmanaged layer 2 switches will do - and they can sometimes be faster too!