Not Enough Connections On My Virgin Media Router

pinkfloydian · 15-11-2025 02:09PM #1

I've tried contacting Virgin, but gave up after 30 minutes in the queue, so hopefully somebody on here can help.

I have 500Mbps broadband.

My Virgin router only has 4 connections out.

I probably need to double that.

My first question is does anybody know if I can get a router from Virgin with, say, 8 out connections?

Secondly, if no to above question, what are my options.

If I add a network switch to one of the out connections and that supplies 4 new out connections, am I splitting the signal strength in 4 (as opposed to connecting directly to the router)?

If network switch is the solution, I have 2 further questions.

Do network switches generally require their own power supply?

If I need to buy a network switch (probably on Amazon), what are the key specifications I should be looking for?

Thanks,

Tommy

Spear · 15-11-2025 02:21PM

Just connect a switch with enough ports, that's it. There's no signal strength involved, that's not how ethernet works.

An 8 port switch supporting 1gb speeds is dirt cheap:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-Business-Desktop-Gigabit-Unmanaged/dp/B00GQAT07W?crid=28DCPBIHFHC4I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iGDPdi3kh0UOvy02lXkk6OJAO-gYsAWokeypUKXQIQmHUnMSqvHiF2DReDG2DWsyZCAMAs8yg1Xh1rDkc3PH70sNNgqEdhz-_maarN_rNQQQsWHqDVAXpS-pERAizlJKAR1DSMTOK1zksgGHdLod-xU-VbT6xBl9JnpU2-B7_RZ9du3q28ftL9QrxD8_Eem8DrcmeL3ogZYObXQSlTHGhBITrteETO6Pzt3g2FS4G1w.buJ0OdCWb-tTfUqrj0sSl8A9urqVt-zt-217GF0636E&dib_tag=se&keywords=linksys%2B8%2Bport%2Bswitch&qid=1763216444&sprefix=linksys%2B8%2Bport%2Bswitch%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-2&th=1

nuttyboy79 · 15-11-2025 02:27PM

I bought similar to this Switch plug it in connect it to one of the ports on your Virgin router and Bobs your uncle.

pinkfloydian · 15-11-2025 02:34PM

Many thanks Spear

Is it possible to get a switch that does not require power?

If so, would appreciate a link to Amazon item.

Thanks,

Tommy

Spear · 15-11-2025 02:40PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123990208#Comment_123990208

Technically yes, but that isn't what you might want.

Switches aren't passive devices, they're maintaining ARP tables and actively performing switching of packets between source and destination ports. The basic standard used for these is called Ethernet. And there's a variant on this called PoE, power over ethernet, whereby a fairly low amount of power is also sent over the network cable. It's fine for small devices, such as cameras in many cases, but there are switches that can take power that way instead.

But you'd need another device to perform the power injection, which the VM modem/router doesn't do.

So a switch without its own power adapter is possible, but means more expense and cabling, and would still need a power supply somewhere else.

pinkfloydian · 15-11-2025 02:45PM

Thanks for the comprehensive advice Spear.

I know what I need to do now

Tommy

CalamariFritti · 15-11-2025 02:56PM

Typically cat5 or 6 ethernet does not need amplification at 30 metres. I think it's specced up to 100m. In your case you'd probably get away with the most simple passive repeater.