______Router or Switch?______

[Blain]

My church is finally getting connected. 3 PC's and a shared printer.
Right now there is no internet service for the church. There may be in the future, but broadband or dial-up, I don't know.

My question: Is there any advantage in using a broadband router now or just installing a switch for networking?

Thanks

 

[kzrssk]

If only for the chance of getting internet in the future, I would get a router, because it would also provide a DHCP server for the computers.

 

[f1sh3r]

seconded. you can always add a switch on top of that if more 'puters are added.

 

[montypythizzle]

Another vote for the router for more future-compatibility.

 

[JackMDS]

Network Devices change frequently, by the time they would need a Router, what ever you buy mow would be old clumcker that was never really used.

Never buy a computer component that you do not need with the idea of using it in the future.

 

[engineereeyore]

Built in firewall on the router provides additional security. DHCP functionality is also nice. Wireless support is also nice in case you later wish to add laptops or anything, or use a wireless printer server for the printer. I'd go router, but that's just me.

 

[JackMDS]

What Firewall? Quote from OP: "Right now there is no internet service for the church."

What Wireless Router? Lame preN or 802.11g both would look silly when it come to use next year and 802.11n is out.

 

[Blain]

LoL... I get the picture. :laugh: A router it is.

Thanks for the help. :thumbsup:

 

[robmurphy]

With 3 machines DHCP will not save you much work. Allocating 3 static IP addresses would be quick. A switch is cheaper than a router.

As previously stated the firewall is not needed as you are not connected to the net. Wirless can be a pain, so if the cables are not a problem stick with wired.

I've setup many small networks like the one you mentioned, and I just used a small switch and setup the IP addresses staticaly. It only took a few minutes in each case.

I would go with a switch. If you ask about someone may have a spare small switch they are not using.

Rob Murphy

 

[Mogadon]

A router now is pretty pointless, as Jack said.

A switch will suffice perfectly and any ISP that comes along in the future will provide their own broadband router ... if they don't chances are you wouldn't want to get service with them anyway.

 

[kzrssk]

A lot of people made good arguments. I'm gonna go with a switch now too. The only problem I can see coming up is if one of their PCs crash, and you're not around to re-assign the network info. Definitely would be cheaper though.

 

[Mogadon]

The PC will have a static IP assigned in windows so when it's rebooted it will come back online with the same IP ... no problems there ... .

 

[engineereeyore]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
What Firewall? Quote from OP: "Right now there is no internet service for the church."

What Wireless Router? Lame preN or 802.11g both would look silly when it come to use next year and 802.11n is out.

The OP also said "right now". That would imply that this is likely/possible to change in the future. Buying any top-of-the-line router, regardless of what comes out next year, would be almost wasteful for such a small network. 802.11g is more than sufficient for such a small network. The wireless would simply be an added feature for easy expansion should such a need arise. Additionally, seting up the printer using a wireless printer server is almost always a better idea than using share printer on a computer as it introduces much less of a security threat if/when they ever get internet access.

If you're willing to pay a few extra dollars, it's worth it to have the option of expansion. At my local BestBuy right now, a wireless router is cheaper than a wired router.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
What Firewall? Quote from OP: "Right now there is no internet service for the church."

What Wireless Router? Lame preN or 802.11g both would look silly when it come to use next year and 802.11n is out.

agreed.

 

[kzrssk]

Originally posted by: Mogadon
The PC will have a static IP assigned in windows so when it's rebooted it will come back online with the same IP ... no problems there ... .

I mean total crash, having to rebuild system, etc...