Configuring the Ethernet switch involves connecting cables and setting up network settings.
Configuring the Ethernet switch involves connecting cables and setting up network settings.
You're asking about connecting your router to an Ethernet switch with 8 ports. It doesn't really matter which port you choose—it's just a matter of selecting one that matches your router's port configuration. Make sure the port you pick is compatible and properly connected.
Generally for unmanaged switches... there isn't a dedicated "uplink" port. Every traffic must reach its destination. The switch doesn't distinguish between lan devices talking to each other or a lan device connecting to the router, which then sends the data to a server. Some switches have ports that perform better than others, but this is rare in typical consumer equipment ("8-port ethernet switch" sounds like a standard model).
If it's an unmanaged switch, the uplink port typically isn't crucial since the switch will identify the DHCP server device and manage traffic accordingly. Just ensure you don’t connect two devices that run DHCP servers at the same time, or your switch may struggle. Keep in mind, even most unmanaged switches include some logic to prevent Broadcast Radiation, so if you accidentally link two devices causing packet collisions, the switch should still prioritize the first device with a DHCP server, though this varies by model.