Setting up medium size hardwire and wireless network, need a few bits of advice... calling you network gurus

[TheGizmo]

Currently, I am using a simple D-link DI-624 wireless 802.11g home/small office router connected to a high speed cable modem.

Real quick background of what this routers current functions are:

This router includes a 4 port 100mbit switch from this,
1 port is going out to a server
2 ports are going out to workstations in opposite sides of the building.
1 port to a 5-port SWITCH which has 3 D-LINK 2100AP (802.11G) ACCESS POINTS
connected to it in various parts of the building, and 1 PC hardwired to that switch as well. (About 10 users total are connected to these access points in total)

Now, I want to add another switch where 1 of the 2 workstations is so I can add another 2 additional workstations in that same room.

Now with all the background out of the way... here are my questions/comments:

1) This router doesn't do that great of a job as it is, I need an upgrade.. any suggestions based on my current needs?

2) That aside, I am also wondering... is it advisable to to run a new 2 wires down to the workstations rather than adding a switch (of course this would mean upgrading my router to some 8-port router as well).. or is 1 CAT5-e cable capable of handling these speeds?
This same question I have for my 3 access points which currently are being run off a switch which is connected with 1 cat5 cable to my router

3) I already own a second DI-624 router.. is it possible to use this as a switch only so that I don't have to purchase another switch for the additional 2 workstations I want to add

If anyone has any comments, suggestions, advice please let me know, thank you much.

 

[melthemoose]

your router should not be the "core" to your network. Routers are usually edge devices.

My advice:

Get a central switch 24 port, a good one (Cisco, 3Com, HP) as this will be the lynch pin to your network. Connect everything to that as your central point. resist the temptation to daisy chain from central switch to router to something else. While it won't screw things up, it is not good practice, especially as you scale.

as to the router. That'll depend. Do you want to have it continue as wireless? or replace it with another AP and go wired only? that'll give you some direction there. At this level, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear and the like are all similar in performance, quality etc etc.