Need a DSL Modem and 8 Port Gigabit Router

[Alienwho]

I'm a little out of my game here.

I need a new DSL modem because mine is some old 10/100 POS that drops connections like crazy. A requirement is gigabit and ideally I'd like to have 8 ports.

One option is to get this Netgear RangeMax DGN3500 $125. But it has features I don't really care about like Wireless N (Already got one) and it only has 4 ports.

So I got to thinking maybe I'll just buy some general boring modem for $40 and buy an 8 port Gigabit switch for $40. But I can't do this can I? Don't I need a router? It does say that modem has routing capabilities but I don't know if it will work.

Any recommendations?


<edit>
I wanted to give an example of my network which is slightly complicated.
Main DSL Modem/Router downstairs in basement (4 ports). Port one goes to a switch that servers Wireless G and a few desktop computers in the office. Port 2 goes to a different switch that serves wireless N and the HTPC/PS3 etc. The rest of the ports go to rooms in the house. I guess my question is if my two switches need to be plugged into a true router, or if I can plug both those into the 8 port gigabit switch which would be plugged into the DSL modem.

 

[jalaj]

If the modem only has a single port then you will need a router.
Also doesn't matter if the DSL modem is only 10/100 if your broadband connection is only like 6Mbps. Having gigabit will only benefit your own LAN in ways such as transferring files quickly between local devices. You might already know this, but it's not inferred from your post.

The Netgear device you mentioned is a modem and router combined so it can elimate two devices. Not sure if there are any consumer modem/gateways with 8 ports. So you'll still need a switch to get more ports.

Otherwise if you get a plain modem, you'll need a router in between the modem and the switch for more ports.

I say try to troubleshoot the source of your disconnections first.
Do you also get disconnects transferring files locally between devices? If so, could be your networking device (router or switch) is bad.
If only disconnects from the WAN then it could be your modem or the wire connecting from the modem to the router is bad.
If you're experiencing wireless disconnects, then it could possibly be fixed with router firmware updates, wireless adapter driver updates, or changing radio frequency to a less cluttered frequency.
With troubleshooting, you can potentially reduce the amount spent on purchasing new equipment.

 

[chuck2002]

Get yourself a cheap 4 port wired router to replace the one you aren't happy with and a cheap 8 port gigabit switch and you will be all set.
You should be able to do this for 60 or so bucks with some smart hot deals shopping.

 

[Emulex]

yup cheap buffalo WZR-hp300gn high power 843mw 2.4ghz n-router - and $20-24 8-port gigabit switch. love it!