Avoid using the input port.
Avoid using the input port.
Network switches typically don’t include physical input jacks. The ports labeled 1 through 8 are usually for management or power connections, not for connecting devices directly. If your network isn’t working despite using a switch, it might be due to configuration issues, cabling problems, or interference rather than the switch itself lacking ports.
We're discussing an average "ethernet hub" (unmanaged switch), correct? That's accurate as long as one port handles internet traffic, the other seven provide it. Be aware you're limited by the port receiving data. For instance, on a Gigabit switch all ports operate at 1Gbps, so you can only absorb up to 1Gbps. This implies you get just 1Gbps in total for the remaining ports. If someone uses 900Mbps, the other six ports have only 100Mbps left to share. Similar situations arise.
Observe carefully. The change will aim to allocate each connection a fair share of time on the incoming (to/from) port. For example, if one user downloads at 900 Mbps while another starts at 50 Mbps, both will receive comparable speeds. Should the second user's rate rise to 300 Mbps, the first will drop to roughly 650–700 Mbps. If a user switches from port 1 to port 2 and another moves from port 5 to port 7, both will achieve nearly 1 Gbps since separate routes are used. This also relies on packet types and concurrent connections, but even basic 8-port switches can manage heavy traffic and large data flows. A router features a WAN port that splits the link into paths for wireless and internal networking, often linking to an Ethernet switch that builds the physical ports. Some models even connect the wireless module directly to the Ethernet switch chip.
Back in the day, Ethernet hubs had special uplink connections. They didn’t automatically know which pins to flip when switching between connectors, so swapping hubs with ordinary patch cables could fail. Today’s unmanaged switches treat every port the same, letting you connect any uplink port and the switch will handle it. (I often choose port 1 just for easier cable handling.)