Broadband router recommendations for 8 users?

[burnedout]

I have an interesting question regarding broadband access, a router and a switch.

Some background. My company is located at 4 different locations. At one of the locations, the DSL went down and has been inoperative for 8 days now. The provider is incompetent, showing no resolution. Phone company checked the lines today and found them good.

The old system was a DSL modem hooked up to a Dell Poweredge Win2K server for 8 users. The primary use of the server is for broadband access.

Next week, we should receive cable modem access as we have had enough of the DSL provider. The group doesn't require heavy broadband use. Basically light e-mail and occasional internet access.

My question: Would a Netgear, Linksys or D-Link broadband router suffice? I believe the little D-Link router I have can accomodate 16 or 32 users. Couple this with a quality 8 or 16 port switch. Any recommendations on a good 8 port stackable switch?

Personally, I use a D-Link router here at home and have had good success with three simultaneous users on the cable connection.

Recommendations and feedback welcomed! I value the collective knowledge and experience on AT considerably.

Thanks

 

[Russ]

<< My question: Would a Netgear, Linksys or D-Link broadband router suffice? >>



Yes, it'll be just fine. I have 22 systems/nodes plugged in to my Linksys here, and I just setup a client's office of 14 stations using the same router. Six to ten of theirs are used at any given time, similar circumstance; light surfing and mail. Working like a charm.

In my case, I have several different switches and hubs scattered around. In their case, I used a single Asound 16 port rack mount switch.

Russ, NCNE

 

[Liquidity]

Netgear doesn't make an 8-port gateway. However, their 4-port (RT-314) ROCKS. I just received it today, and had it up and running with 2 computers on my pacbell PPPoE dsl in LESS THAN A MINUTE! I can't say enough about it. I didn't realize it was going to dial up my DSL for me...what a bonus. (sorry if that sounds naive but I'm used to cable...) You can always purchase a cheap hub to attach to it if you need more ports.
Netgear RT-314

At my old house I had a Netopia R9100, which has an 8-port hub built in. Quite a bit more expensive, but for a small office it will do it all. VPN, NAT, firewalling, static routes, you name it. Harder to set up, too, of course, since it's more complex.
Netopia R9100

 

[Batti]

Linksys has an 8-port version now, too. Look here

 

[burnedout]

Thanks Russ. Great insight. Thanks also to Liquidity and Batti.

Russ: Do you have the PCs at the clients office set up with a simple Windows logon or Client for Microsoft Networks logon?