Gigabit hardware recommendations???

sillared · Post by **sillared** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:18 am

Hey all, Just starting my search for a gigabit router, switch, or both..
What I plan to do is set up a gigabit hardwired network between roughly 8 computers spread throughout a large house.. Large file transfers will be the norm..
Anyone have recommendations for a router or router + switch that will handle this nicely? Just as a note, everything will be running on new cat5e, and not all machines will have gigabit nics, -yet-.
If I could get something that will run DDWRT or something similar would be great, I love DDWRT on my WRT54G.. Thanks,

E.

nanair01 · Post by **nanair01** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:23 am

I really cannot understand y u need a router. Do all these machines are supposed to be in different networks? If not bertter use a cisco catalyst switch. Thats enough and better avoid GB n/w if u have got more than 4 computers with 100Mbps nic....

sillared · Post by **sillared** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:03 am

I guess I really dont need a router, as long as I just use one port from the wrt54g to provide internet access. All machines will be on the same network or perhaps two if I get fancy. The idea is to have full gigabit to all computers for file xfers.
Anyone care to elaborate on why I wouldnt need a router? If I can save $$$ and still have the performance I want, then all the better..

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:08 am

Just pickup an 8 port or 16 port gigabit switch. Uplink your DD driven wrt54g to it.

The fact that your wrt54g isn't gigabit is not an issue..unless your internet connection is faster than 100 megs (I sort doubt this)

sillared · Post by **sillared** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 11:51 am

Yeah, just a 10 mbit connnection here, that usually feels like a 256k... Good old Charter..
I wasnt sure if all switches were smart enough now days to be able to work without going thru the wrt54g and slowing things down. My networking is getting rusty, need to hang around here more..

E.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 11:54 am

Switches treat each port independently.