Any suggestion of a router for home networking with 10 computers

[jjet67]

Hi.
Could anyone suggest what kind of router/firewall I should buy for a home networking that does not have any internet connection? My professor has more than 10 computers at his home and still copying files using floppy diskettes
It would be wise to ask to gurus before attempting anything. So here is what is needed.
1. There is no internect connection. He's living in a remote place that does not have a broadband connection. He may subscribe to dish internet service but I highly doubt it.
2. He has more than 10 computers. All he wants is to connect all these computers using router or firewall so that he can share his files.
3. I don't know exactly the locations of all computers. But I think that these computers are located in different rooms, floors, and basement. So, wireless connection would be needed.

I know that home router can connect up to 8 computers (4 wired and 4 wireless) or so. However, it would not be good enough for him.
I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks,

JJET

 

[RebateMonger]

A wireless router will give him a DHCP server to manage his internal network IP addresses and will give him a built-in WiFi access point.

He can connect as many Wireless PCs as he wants to any WiFi router. If he wants more than four hard-wired connections, he can simply buy a $10-$20 5-port switch and use it as an "extension cord" to give him four additional connection points.

The brand of router and switch is tough to specify. All brands have both good and bad models and their advocates and detractors. But they are dirt cheap (sometimes $20 after rebate). So if he has problems with one, it's simple and cheap to buy another.

For cabling, you'll find that places like ComputerGeeks (http://computergeeks.com) will save you a TON of money on Ethernet cables versus buying them at Staples or OfficeMax.

 

[JackMDS]

Router, and Firewall is needed when you use a broadband Internet connection in conjunction witk Local Network (LAN).

Local Network on its own can work with a regular Switch, NO need for a Router.

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

T oadd Wireless to a LAN you need tp plug an Access Point to the Switch.

The Access Point can support many Wireless connetions (usually more then 100).

:sun:

 

[jjet67]

Thanks guys.
I appreciate your advice.
JJET

 

[Goosemaster]

Although you only need a switch, you still need a dhcp server....unless he feels like setting all up with static ips.

If so, just plug in a cheap router to the switch and you are set....

OR....

Put a second NIC in one of the pcs and use windows ICS

 

[James Bond]

Getting a cheap router would definitely be the best choice so that you don't have to use static ip's on 10 computers, as already mentioned.

1. Find a cheap router (which will also be your access point, so wireless is handled and done for)
2. Plug a switch into it if you need more hard wired ports.

I would bet that if he has computers on different floors he isn't going to want cables running from the router, to the switch, all of the way to the basement or whatever though..
You might want to consider buying another cheap access point and putting it downstairs. That way he could bridge the connection between the router and access point, extend his wireless connection significantly, and just plug the switch into the access point in the basement so you have virtually no cabling.

 

[ktwebb]

THe wireless need is what makes a router/AP a good choice. As mentioned a router is not nessa for the scenario you've described but since he wants a wired/wireless combination a wireless router would be a cheap solution. Not sure where your getting the 4 wireless clients number from. Some wireless routers do have a limtation besided the subnet node limit (typically 254 for the /24 subnet used by most SOHO routers) but it would be well above 4 and that number is more than you would ever want to put on one access point anyway. So he could go wireless for all 10 clients if he wanted. You don't need a Consumer router to handle DHCP either but since it's part of the package for a cheap router/ap it's a bonus an fufills another need.

 

[TiziteLayinLow]

Id get the WRT54G from linksys.. 7db high gain antennas.. and a couple range expanders.. you might have $150 in everything and a nice wide open distance on range.

I have this same setup in a 20,000 sq foot house using the 5-4-3 rule and everything works ok... with computers in every bedroom (7).. and everyone having a laptop, sometimes all on wireless at the same time.. I have thought about the SRX router/AP from linksys but I am leaning more towards the cisco 871 to give a real firewall instead of just NAT.

ps.. a switch would be plenty but if you go that route make sure it is a layer3.. less overhead in the TCP area..

good luck!

 

[jjet67]

Thanks again for your considerate and helpful comments.
I purchased a US robotics wireless router with print server built in.
Once I visit his house and identify the location of all computers, I would purchase a switch as you guys suggested.
Again, I really appreciate your helpful comments. :thumbsup:
Thanks,
JJET