Wired network hardware recommendations

[silverbullet555]

I now have two computers and have them networked together using my DSL modem which has a USB connection, Ethernet connection and wireless connection. It also has a built in firewall ( 2wire home gateway for anyone familiar with it).

I would rather have both computers networked together and then a single line going to the modem so that the throughput between the two computers will be faster. I also want to maintain the option of using wireless if we get a laptop.

Any specific recommendations on routers to use for this? Both computers already have NIC cards so that is not a problem. They are also close together so the cables are not an issue. My main things are throughput speed, security and stability.

Also thinking of adding in a print server so any one of the three printers can be used regardless of which computer is on.

I went to Dlink's website and was thinking about using a DI-624 4 port wireless router with 802.11G capabilities. I would add a DP300U print server for my three printers, though only one is on their list (that might pose a problem, but it might be resolved with a phone call). Or I could go with a 4 or 7 port router and add a wireless acess point when I am ready as I have no need to run wireless yet.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

 

[Goosemaster]

For simplicity, get a device with everything built in. You can get Linksys's top-of-the-line wrt54gs for about $89 after rebate at both Best Buy and Circuit City.

The reason I recommend an all-in-one device is that it reduces the unecessary complexity of using an external Access point for such a simple setup.

K.i.S.S= keep it simple stupid

 

[BML]

I agree with Goosemaster, you could also consider your dsl modem. You say it has ethernet ports, how many does it have? if more than one you could just use that.

 

[silverbullet555]

Goosemaster,

Simplicity is good and I agree. I had thought about all in one such as the D-LinkDI-624 which has the 4 ethernet ports and the wireless built in. What are your thoughts on Linksys versus D-link? The reason I am going with a seperate print server is that I have three printers and would like them all hooked to the print server. Otherwise a built in print server would be nice as well.

BML,
thanks for the sugestion of using the modem. Unfortunately it has only one ethernet port. It also has a USB port and a wireless access point. I have the compuers networked together using the modem now, but the throughput is slow.

Thanks for the input from both of you. Feel free to give me any additional advice.