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1-port or 4-port cable router?

S

SDevil33

Member
I'm looking at the Netgear routers, model numbers RT311 and RT314. What are the advantages of having a 4 port router as opposed to a 1 port one? I have 4 computers that I want to hook together and allow them to use the internet at the same time. I already have a hub that these are set up on now. Can I just integrate the hub into it using the uplink ports? Also, what are the advantages of a router over using Windows' Internet Connection Sharing? For instance, using ICS, I am trying to run a small server over the internet off of one of the client computers and the address for the server is the private address for the client. Does a router change this so that the address is the public IP? Thanks for your help.

-Sundevil33-
 
If you already have a hub, get the one port version unless your hub is at capacity and you plan to add more systems. Yes, you can link the DSL router and the hub.

The router will allow you to "port forward" from your WAN address (external, assigned by your ISP) to your internal LAN address for serving purposes. I've never used ICS, so I don't know if it has this capability.

Russ, NCNE
 
You might save some money by going with the 1 port job since you already have a hub, but beyond the number of ports, the functionality of each router should be the same. The main advantage of having the standalone unit is that you won't need to leave an extra computer running to allow your network to access the internet. For those of us in CA, it saves $$$ on the power bill. 🙂 Also, I think the hardware products out there are more flexible and compatible than ICS. And to set up a server, the process should be the exact same. All you do is forward a port to one of the internal IP's and you're set.

~bex0rs
 
I had a 8 port intel switch and I still end up buying a 4 port router.. i didn't want to bother with the switch breaking and extra piece of eqipment lying around... so i got a 4 port and if i need more then 4, i break out the switch, it only cost a bit more..
 
ELP- how are they "the same" I'm very curious.

it could possibly have a larger processor but keep in mind it also switches 4 ports. please explain how is is faster?

robin
 
Get the 4 port. If you have less than 4 computers, you don't need to have two pieces of equipment do the job that a single unit can do. Also, the faster processer does not control the switch. That is handled separately. I don't think the faster speed is very noticable though.
 
Advantage of Router over ICS:

You wont have to have one computer on all the time and will not need 2 NICs in it.
Each computer is hidden behind the NAT/Firewall of the router.
Small



Disadvantage:

Some routers only allow so many port mappings.
ICS can handle a large amount of packets better (refreshing gamespy takes twice as long on a Netgear RT311 then Windows ICS)
Will cost $75 - $100

I would say if you do not have a problem having one computer on for the others to access the net and you have enough room left in it for a second NIC, I would just use it and try it out. The netgear will only let you map 10 ports where ICS you are unlimited.

If you want the most features for the buck, build a Freesco box. They work better then a Router or ICS.
 
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