Outgrowing SMC 7008BR...need suggestions for replacement

[XRdirtHead]

Hi,
I need to replace my SMC 7008BR router so I can add more computers to my home network. Its used mainly for gaming and sharing files. I found the SMC really easy to set up and would like to replace it with another SMC product. I found some of my choices and made links to them below. I'm not exactly sure of any drawbacks to any of the following products but would appreciate and advice you could provide.

A couple of 16 port switches and a 24 port switch

12 and 16 port hubs

 

[JackMDS]

Why do you need to Change a Router when you are just out of Ports?

The Barricade latest Firmware with SPI is still the state of the Art of Entry Level Wired Routers.

Buy a Switch and leave the Router alone.

I would buy the ?Does Not Matter Brand? Inexpensive Switch that I can find.

 

[XRdirtHead]

I'm sorry but I'm confused on your answer. I thought my router only will handle 7 computers and the wan port. Looking to add more computers to the network I thought I should sell the router and get a router that supports about say....12 to 16 computers. My buddy needs a router and I thought I'd sell him mine and pick up a larger one but when I looked at the SMC site I didn't see any routers that support more than what I already have......I'm still not sure the difference in hubs,switches and routers but I'm looking for some help from some people here on the Anandtech forum...Thanks

 

[mcveigh]

Originally posted by: XRdirtHead
I'm sorry but I'm confused on your answer. I thought my router only will handle 7 computers and the wan port. Looking to add more computers to the network I thought I should sell the router and get a router that supports about say....12 to 16 computers. My buddy needs a router and I thought I'd sell him mine and pick up a larger one but when I looked at the SMC site I didn't see any routers that support more than what I already have......I'm still not sure the difference in hubs,switches and routers but I'm looking for some help from some people here on the Anandtech forum...Thanks

no, all you need is a switch you plug into your router.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10333167&loc=412
8 ports $20

 

[mboy]

Your router will theoretically handle 253 PC's behind it, you just need the physical ports to plug them in to. Switch (or switches) will handle that just fine.

 

[XRdirtHead]

thanks...just bought one...