Need Router and Switch

[Nameless_87]

Hi,

I am buying a Synology DS1511+ NAS and since it supports Gigabit speeds, I wanted to ask you some things.

First of all I need a Gigabit Router and Gigabit Switch.

Was thinking about these:

Netgear WNDR3700
Linksys E4200

Both have 4 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port. Which one is better? Cause I am really confused on what the difference is between them.

Now my house is a 2 story building so the router needs to be powerful enough to reach from every corner of the house. It will be placed upstairs, but downstairs I have the laptops, so range is an important factor for me besides gigabit ports.

Also about the switches (Gigabit as well). I was thinking of these:

D-Link DGS-1008D
Netgear GS108

I really like the GS108 because it is metal as opposed to the usual plastic. However the ports on the front are a bit of a problem. Any recommendations about these 2 or is there something better? Also I need an 8 port or more for my needs.

Final questions:

1. Since I will have Gigabit speeds on my network, do I need a Gigabit Network card for my PC (Mobo is the one in sig).
2. I will also build an HTPC which will take movies from the NAS. The Mobo will be the Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H AMD 880G (Socket AM3) microATX DDR3 Motherboard. Will I need a Gigabit network card for the HTPC as well?

I want transfers on the network between PC's to be super fast as when moving blu rays it will take a lot of time otherwise.

Thanks

 

[SupermotoMX]

your current PC and the HTPC you are building will / do both have 10/100/1000 network cards so will both run at gigabit speeds

 

[Nameless_87]

Thanks for that, I didn't know that

Any suggestions about the Router and Switch?

Thanks

 

[Ryan111]

Netgear WNDR3700 or Asus RT N16 for router
HP Procurve 8 Port Gigabit Switch

 

[Nameless_87]

Thanks for the input

After doing some more research, it seems the E4200 is the one I shall go with since it is still new and a lot of good reviews out there.

However I am still undecided on the switch.

Any idea? Does Linksys have switches?

Thanks

 

[Nameless_87]

Hi again,

As I said last time I am buying the new E4200 router. I need to buy a switch and have decided to buy the HP ProCurve 1810G-8 switch.

However since I am from Malta I am having a hard time finding a retailer from the UK that does delivery to Malta at a reasonable price.

Any ideas where to look? (If this is against the rules can you PM me please?)

The rainforest site does not deliver that product to Malta although it does deliver the router :/

Thanks