Linksys equivalent w/ 5 ports? Alternatives?

JoeMac

Junior Member
May 10, 2000
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I live with 4 college roommates in separate rooms, each of whom needs a network connection. The Linux box we currently use to share an @home cable modem is being taken away from us, so we need a router pretty soon.

I've configured a Linksys 4-port router before and I liked it, it was something I could do and it seems to work great. Unfortunately, it's missing a 5th port I sorely need unless I want to piss off a roommate, which I don't.

Since I'll be buying this without assistance from my roommates, I need something to share an @home connection amongst 5 people that also networks them together, is relatively cheap (<$200) and relatively easy to configure. (Note: the Linux box, which used IP masquerading, was not my doing and beyond my ability.).

So, any recommendations? If there aren't any viable alternatives, is there any way I can use the Linksys 4-port router and somehow jury-rig the final 5th connection?
 

Russ

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
21,093
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You could buy the one port version, and an 8 port switch, still be under your budget and allow for future expansion.

Russ, NCNE
 

Quickfingerz

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2000
3,176
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I agree with Russ one port switch with 8-port switch will be the best thing for you. You could get a 8-port router but the 8-port swith will be handy after school ends and you go to a small LAN party or something.

for LAN parties on gamerzday.com you won't need the 8-port switch though.