Choice of router or switch?

[SF]

Hi,

I have 3 PCs at home using Windows XP and two printers. I plan to install a
small network to host these 3 PCs and 2 printers together. I am still
undecided whether to go for switch or router (I plan to have internet access
in the future).

Could anyone advice.

SF

 

[Richard G. Harper]

Your choice would depend on what type of device your ISP will provide. If
they're providing a router or modem/router or wireless/router then you'd
need only a simple switch.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
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[Barb Bowman]

You would want a router for Internet use. Some providers supply
routers as part of the package. Who would be your provider?

Hi,

I have 3 PCs at home using Windows XP and two printers. I plan to install a
small network to host these 3 PCs and 2 printers together. I am still
undecided whether to go for switch or router (I plan to have internet access
in the future).

Could anyone advice.

SF

--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Hi,

I have 3 PCs at home using Windows XP and two printers. I plan to
install a small network to host these 3 PCs and 2 printers together.
I am still undecided whether to go for switch or router (I plan to
have internet access in the future).

Could anyone advice.

SF

A more appropriate question might be, "Should I get a switch or a hub?"
....otherwise it's apples-->oranges.

Switches and hubs are what you use to create Ethernet LANs. A router
*connects* one network (such as your LAN) to another network (such as the
Internet). And nowadays, hubs make no sense, because switches are so
inexpensive and so much better.

Most consumer-grade firewall/router appliances come with an integrated
Ethernet switch. I'd get one of these now, because it will mean you don't
need anything else when you get broadband access. NetGear, Linksys, D-Link
are the major players in the consumer market. Some come with integrated
wireless, too. Just be sure that whatever you get isn't just a simple NAT
device (network address translation) but offers as much security as you can
get for the price. Figure about $100USD or so.