Wired Network Equipment |
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Last Updated: October 13, 2007
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Today's Best Choice: Router + Switch (100Mbps)The Linksys BEFSR41 is a 4-port router, switch, and firewall all in one box capable of handling 10/100Mbps (megabits per second). You'll still want to install firewall software though. Consumers have rated Linksys the best in recent customer satisfaction surveys (see below). Linksys offers free 24/7 tech support for the life of the product, which is nice when you expand your network months or years later. Another nice feature is all ports will work with either straight through or cross over network cables. You don't have to worry about buying the wrong kind of cable. The Linksys BEFSR81 is the 8-port model with the same features. Read owner reviews from NewEgg.com (over 210 reviews, 4/5 stars). Buy the 4-port version for $50. Buy the 8-port version for $85. |
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Today's Best Choice: Router + Gigabit Switch (1,000Mbps)The D-Link DGL-4100 Gaming Router is a 4-port router, switch, and firewall all in one box capable of handling data at 10/100/1000Mbps (megabits per second). You'll still want to install firewall software though. Owners rave about the speed and reliability, which not only makes online games more responsive, but makes other networking activities better as well. D-Link offers free 24/7 tech support for the life of the product, which is nice when you expand your network months or years later. Read owner reviews from NewEgg.com (over 190 reviews, 5/5 stars). Buy it for $115. |
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Today's Best Choice: Gigabit Switch (1,000Mbps)The NETGEAR GS605 is a 5-port switch (no router or firewall) capable of handling data at 10/100/1000Mbps (megabits per second). You will also need a router/switch/firewall as the router assigns an IP address to each computer so they can talk to each other. Owners love the switch, but hate the mammoth power brick. The Netgear GS608 is the 8-port model with the same features. Read owner reviews from NewEgg.com (over 140 reviews, 5/5 stars). Buy the 5-port version for $45. Buy the 8-port version for $60. |
Consumer Satisfaction
Apple, Cisco and Linksys were rated the best companies for routers in PC Magazine (Sept 2006).
Gigabit (1,000Mbps) Home Networks
A network this fast seems to be an over kill for a home network. However, with TiVo, Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), and Microsoft Media Center PCs recording TV shows, it's nice to have the extra speed to move gigabytes worth of data from one hard drive to the next across a gigabit home network. PC World found gigabit switches transfer about 250Mbps over Cat5e cables, which is 3 times faster than a 10/100 switch.
Jumbo Frames with Gigabit Switches
Jumbo frames are simply Ethernet frames (packets) larger than 1518 bytes to make the data travel across the network faster. Jumbo frames are included with business class network equipment (over $500 for router and switch), but are difficult to find on home / home office equipment. See this article on jumbo frames for more detail.
4-Port or 8-Port Models
Ethernet switches have 4-port and 8-port models. A port is a network jack for the network cable to plug into. If you can immediately use 3 ports, then consider spending the extra money for a 8-port switch. You'll have enough room to add more computers and locations around the house where a computer can connect. If you have need a 24-port switch, consider buying one without a fan. It's quieter.
Ethernet Cables
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Cat5 or Cat5e ethernet cables are needed to connect all of the computers to the router/switch. Both Cat5 and Cat5e look the same, cost about the same, but Cat5e is capable of handling gigabit networks. Get a different color for each cable for easy identification. Make sure the cables are longer than you need so the computer and/or the router can be moved without drawing the cables tight. Get the cables with the snagless ends so the hook on the end of the cable doesn't catch on other cables. They can be purchased for $1-$12 each (before shipping).
Cat5 or Cat5e ethernet cables come in two flavors: straight through and crossover. The cables look identical but the wiring sequence is different. Straight through cables are used to connect a computer to a switch. Crossover cables are used to connect two switches. What's nice about the Linksys models above is if you accidentally buy the wrong kind, the switch will internally make the correction and the cables will work. The feature is called "auto MDI/MDIX." To learn more about cables, see LANshack.com.