Looking for a wireless router with 8 ethernet ports

[leglez]

Ok currently in my house I have 1 ethernet port in each room that contains a computer each room is on the second floor. We also are planning on purchasing a laptop soon, to use on the wireless, My sister currently owns one and she uses the wireless. The ethernet port runs to the basement where the router and modem are located. I am wanting to put 1 more ethernet port in each of the rooms that have computers so that they have 2 ports in each. Our current router is a Linksys WRT54G. We need a router with at least 8 ports, but it also needs to be wireless. I found one on NewEgg but it is $900, and I am wanting to spend a max of $200, since it is for a home network. Does anyone know of any Wireless 8 port routers for under $200?

 

[RebateMonger]

Just attach a 5-port or 8-port switch to one of your current router's LAN ports. Fast Ethernet switches are $10 to $25. Switches are the "extension cords" of the networking world.

 

[skyking]

yes indeed. The really nice thing about is the versatility. you can put that second switch all the way at the other end of the house near some of those additional ports you want to add, and connect it using the drop that already goes there.
Now, instead of making really long home runs you can make short ones to the second switch.

 

[leglez]

Is there any lag with a switch? And any suggestions as to models?

Also on a switch will the settings from the router rollover to the switch? Or do I have to configure the settings on the switch to be the same as the router?

 

[skyking]

Lag? All the wired connections will not sum up to 10 ms.
8 port gigabit for 53 bucks if you don't get the 10$ rebate

Pick a switch that supports auto Mdi/mdix.

Cable Recognition for Straight-through or Crossover Cables

Also on a switch will the settings from the router rollover to the switch? Or do I have to configure the settings on the switch to be the same as the router?

nothing to configure. read rebatemonger's post and apply it literally. The switch is to your network like a power strip is to your desk of electrical goodies. It is plug and play, providing you get one that does autonegotiation. All gigabit switches do, per the specifications. Most 10/100 switches do.

 

[leglez]

How is This it has the most reviews out of any on NewEgg for switches. And it has Auto-MDIX, and only $14

 

[skyking]

sounds like a winner! Find a place to put that so it minimizes your work, and you are set to go. It absolutely does not need to be in the same room as the router, and can be across the house or upstairs/downstairs as needed.

 

[leglez]

Ok thanks for all the help, and I will probably put it in the same room as the router just because I don't want to drill holes for cables and this way I can run the cat5 along with the current and then just put the clips on. I have a 1000' box of Cat5e cable so it isn't going to cost me any more than making 10' cables.

 

[Madwand1]

I would have gone with the GigE switch myself. The 10/100s are going to landfill before long.. if you're running multiple computers in an internal LAN, then sharing files and taking advantage of built-in GigE NICs are usually not far down the road.