Using Router/Firewall with Wireless Router?

[pieman7]

Background:
I have a Linksys Firewall/Router BEFSR41, a Linksys Wireless-B BEFW11S4, and a Motorola SURFboard SB5100 cable modem. I've heard that having a hardware firewall is better than any software firewall (don't know if this is true or not). I was just using the BEFW11S4 from the SURFboard, but that meant no hardware firewall usage. When I try to connect the SURFboard to the BEFSR41, then use its uplink port to connect to the BEFW11S4, the wireless no longer works properly (the wireless PC detects the wireless network, but cannot send/receive anything that I can determine).

The question:
Reading the BEFSR41 user's guide, the uplink port is supposed to connect to a standard port on a "hub" or "switch". Can the BEFW11S4 serve as the hub or switch? If not, is there a way to use both such that my work PC can use the firewall, and the kid's PC in the other room can use the wireless?

Sorry if this is a repost.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JackMDS]

One Router?s NAT Firewall connected to the Modem protects all of the Network Computers, there is No need for additional Router?s Firewall for individual computers.

One type of Firewall is not necessarily better than the other you need both.

The content of the following pages might help you with more info about the issues.

Link to: Link: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link to: Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

:sun:

 

[pieman7]

Thanks JackMDS. Exactly the kind of info I was looking for! :thumbsup: