Question about 1 and 4 port routers . ** Updated Question** Thanks for stopping inn :)

[BuckMaster]

I plained on buying a 1 port router and running it with a 8 port Hub. Reason being for when I have a lan party and have over more then 4 people I wouldnt beable to have more then 4 people on a lan with only a 4 port router right? But if I bought a 1 port router and used a 8 port hub I could get more the 4 people on the lan. Is it possable to buy a 4 port router and get more people on a lan then 4 some how? Maybe using a hub and some kind by uplinking the two togther? But with out having to do alot of configuring everytime. The 4 port would be fine just to get my other personnal computers out to the web. But it seems like it would hold me back from having a lan party with more then 4 people? If it can be done some how could someone show or tell me how I could hook up more then 4 PCs threw a lan with a 4 port router for gaming.

Thanks as always!
Buck

 

[ctowle]

I think if you are referring to the Linksys Cable/DSL router it has an uplink port that allows you to daisy chain multiple hubs/switches together. There is a theoretical limit to the linksys, I belive it is like 253 users for the 4 port model.

 

[Viperoni]

Just get the 4 port version, hookup 3 comps directly to it.
Now get a crossover cable, run that to your 8 port hub's uplink port.
Then plug everybody else into that hub

 

[striker99]

just realize that as soon as you start using a hub instead of a router you'll loose speed. I'd definitely go with a 4 port router and if you have a big ass party then use a hub realizing you'll lose speed.

 

[Braxus]

a router with a switched hub will work fine.

 

[BuckMaster]

Thanks for the replys guys! But heres another question for you
I got a FREE CentreCOM 3718FT Ethernet Swithing Hub 16 port today at work. Even though Ive never heard of it before today, hehehe. It will run at 10/100BT. Im running a cable modem to the router. What would you think about going with a 1 port router too save money and running 100BT network? I have 10/100BT networking cards now. This way I would have a fast network and could still get out to the internet. The only thing Im worried about it my cable modem. I know it wont run at 100BT but with everything else running at 100BT for the lan will my cable modem cause any conflicts running everything else at 100BT?

Cable Modem
Router 10/100 - 1 Port
Computer 10/00 Nic
Computer 10/00 Nic
Computer 10/00 Nic
ect..up tp 16 ports which the hub supports.
If I could this hardware to run at 100BT that would elminate the slow network going threw a 1 port router then to a 16 port hub, correct? This all considering that I still get good Internet connections for atleast 2 computers and all this supporting my cable modem.

Thanks!

 

[Wik]

Your Cable modem will run fine, the internet port on the router is 10 the local port is a 10/100. I have the Netgear RT311 which is a single port router and a 5 port Alfa 10/100 switch. Works beautifully. Wow a free 16 port 10/100 switch? nice, very nice. Should work fine. I find that for switchs brand names don't make a big difference.

 

[BuckMaster]

Wilk

I fired up the 16 port hub last night to test it. Yelp a 16 port 10/100 switch. Runs great! We got it free at work for ordering over $10,000 worth of hardware for work and we only use SMC Tigerstack hubs at work. So they didnt need it. Its a old model I think.

I just cant make up my mind on which router to get. But Im leaning towards the Netgear 311 like the one you have.


Thanks,
Buck

 

[Wik]

I don't even know what the RT311 goes for these days. I got mine a few months back when you could use great coupon combos at Staples. I think it was $70 plus tax.

 

[BuckMaster]

Hey Wilk,

I end up buying a Netgeat RT314, kinda a overkill with my hub. But someone had one for sale here on Anandtech. I payed $120.00 shipped. Not a steal but saved a few bucks from a new RT314 router.


BTW..I know Buy.com has the RT311 for $118.00 + shipping.
But if you look hard enough you can find a $20.00 of coupon for it or $30.00 off a RT314 at $158.00. Might be first time buyers though as of now.

Cya...

 

[Wik]

I should have sold you my RT311 as I am using an old 486 running a Freesco floppy in it. The Netgear unit has not been fired up now for several weeks. I have not decided to sell it or not. I am sure I can get what I paid for it but it is nice to have to take over to a friends house to have a mini lan part on his cable modem. It is nice and small.

Gee, now with the 4 port router, you could pass that switch on down to a nice guy for a cheap price! hehehe

No? ok had to try!