router/switch/hub for home

http://www.misco.co.uk/content/MODULE/NETWORKING/WHAT-IS-ROUTERHUBSWITCH.HTM?bp=1

My home requires at least 15 wired connections (at least 100, if possible 1000) for desktops and wireless for at least 5 notebooks (at least b/g, if possible n). So from what I gather from the above website, hubs are pretty useless. I'm thinking of getting a good wireless router then connecting a switch to the router for additional ports.

Is this the best way to set up my home network and will there be any problems with this setup (should I put all the wired connections through the switch)?

What brands/models should I consider for my home network and what features are important in picking a router/switch?

Thanks

 

Yes, you will need a switch, check the thread below, we have some suggestions about switches.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=267739

PS: I'm from Montreal too, but I live in Maryland.

 

thanks! current looking up each model people have recommended

 

Can anyone rate these switches?

NETGEAR JFS524 10/100Mbps Rackmount Switch 24 x RJ45 4000 MAC Address Table 320KB Buffer Memory $82 ($52 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122123

D-Link DES-1024D 10/100Mbps Rackmountable Switch 24 x RJ45 8000 MAC Address Table $75 ($55 after MIR) -> seems like the best buy but I'm not sure about the features that are needed/included? better than the netgear directly above?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817111015

SMC EZNET-24SW 10/100Mbps Unmanaged 24 Ports Switches 24 x RJ45 8K MAC Address Table 2560K Buffer Memory $71
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833129010

LINKSYS Instant EtherFast EF4124 10/100Mbps Ethernet Switch 24 x RJ45 $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817201106

 

...can't speak on the other models...but i have the JFS516...same switch only just has 16 ports...not even looking at the others...my pick...sturdy metal cabinet...plug 'n' play...doesn't have VLAN...you'll pay quite a bit more for a layer 3 VLAN switch

Edit: What type of ISP do you currently have...Cable...DSL...FIOS???

 

The Dlink DGS-1016T or DGS-1024T are good units both being managed GigE switches. I have the 16 port model and has been rock solid, supports Jumbo 9k packets. Smallnetbuilder tested the larger switches awhile back. May want to read up on there review.

I have a lot of drops and hardware in my house.

At this time and age I would only look at GigE switches and routers that have gige ports.

 

I can't think of any better ways myself.

Honestly, a switch is a switch. It is when you start paying for managed switches where the software inside them makes the choices discernible. I would just get one that matches the furniture. If I ran that many wires around here, the female would punish me.

 

Does the MAC table size matters? Is the buffer memory important?

 

for a 5 port switch? Doesn't matter.

 

Then since the OP is looking into a 24 ports switch, then the D-Link and SMC are good (8000 MAC table), although the Linksys doesn't say anything about.

What about the buffer memory?

 

Yeah, it helps if I actually click on the link when I'm skimming through the threads.......

 

Don't know what FIOS is but I have Rogers Cable.

Is it necessary to get a managed switch and GigE? GigE is much more expensive (3x price).

My house has ethernet cables through the walls into outlets in each room

 

FIOS is fiber to the house, it doesn't applies to you.

 

It's not necessary for managed, it just depends on your needs. I picked mine up for <$100 on ebay several years ago, new ones were in the $300 range at the time. Most all of my Hardware is SMB Class, more reliable than residential. I have a smaller Dlink DGS-2205 in one of the bedrooms connected to the main gige switch, it works just by plugging it in.

Another thing to consider is whether you want your cables in front or back. Front is more convenient but back is cleaner as long as all the led's are on the front panel. Something to consider if it will be in the open. All of my hardware is in a rack so I prefer front access.

Remember if transfering files between pc's a switch will by pass the router if on the same switch. Meaning the router will not handle the hand shank.

 

OMG, I hate you. Wireless bandwidth FTL.