What is the max number of computers I can put on?

[cpals]

I have a Linksys BEFSR41.... I was just wondering what should be the maximum numbers of computers I should put on it, without it crapping out?

Thanks.

 

[cpals]

Oh, and I'm talking about like adding hubs/switches to the router.

Not just: 4 is the max...

 

[LeadMagnet]

The DHCP server function in it can probabaly support 255 address, the your performace will start dropping off long before then. I would say when you start getting above 12 node then you would probably want to start using intelligent switches instead of hubs pluged into your BEFSR41 router.

Much bigger than 32 and you should start thinking about taking the step towards a real Cisco router in the center running the show, and you may be better off using equipment from the same manufacture.

And yes there will be tones of cheap geeks saying things like - "I just load one linux box to act as firewall/DNS/DHCP server and then I had 200 Netgear 24port hubs plugged into it and it all worked fine." and if these people ever darked the doorway of a real services company they would be laughed at.

 

[cpals]

Here is the setup kind of like I have... do you think the router can handle it? I probably have too many switches, but oh well...

http://www.baacktech.net/icr.jpg

 

[Markfw]

I would try to cut down on the switches to 2, but other than that, looks fine.....

 

[LeadMagnet]

your fine - if they are real switches and not just dumb hubs, then you will have plenty of room to grow. If they are just $40 hubs then I wouldn't go much more than 12 to 16 hosts.

 

[cpals]

I thought they were switches, but maybe the naming technique used on products is different than the actual product now...


They are similar to this: http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-201-201&depa=0

But that is way below your $40 mark, so maybe I'm missing something.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[footbal07]

how much do you want to spend, and what kind of bandwith do you have? you might want to look at some used cisco equipment.

 

[cpals]

It's relatively a small setup... we are only connected to a cable connection and it's used for just internet/email and they share a few files across the network.

I don't think know if they would think it was worth spending that much money on one. We'll see.

 

[cpals]

Thanks for the help. Any more suggestions?

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

For simple stuff at home it looks perfectly fine to me.