Networking (new router/media streaming)

[Tony Williams]

OK,

Ideally I would like a linux based one or something I can mess with (addons). As I would like to setup something like Peerblock (where I can prevent certain IP lists connecting to any of my comps) or I can monitor traffic better? Right now we connect ADSL but plan on FTTC second its poss.

We have phone line down stairs (main) and upstairs (broke - builders musta drilled into it or part of electrics out)

Back in the day the router was in the upstairs socket then ran up into the loft. Now its down here at the bottom and using DGN150 router, we've wireless problems on dam Acer E1 laptops (think energy thing, common problem)

I was looking at this: TP-Link TD-W8970 and a 8port switch which would be upstairs in my room. However I reckon setup right wireless would be really good as I've never got on with it.

4PORT it has so I plug in my 8 port switch. then assume 7 ports

Now do I just run a crossover out the router to another switch and it's in the WAN port of the other swithch? - my idea is a RASPBERRY PI on each TV(nearly all) to allow internet, streaming and media (smart tvage) so we've 2 tvs down here one is hd and would benfit from a mini keyboard but the other I aint 100% is staying and its 42" plasma (300W they USE!!!) so just count 1 TV which is doable on a powerline, I hope I dont need a WIFI repeater downstairs.

Now in my room I got 3 ports on Router and 7 on switch?

Router1: SWITCH
ROUTER2 SERVER
ROUTER3 HTPC (if I grab up mates/build)
Router4Powerline

Then sisters room and mums have a TV so skt 1+2. Then upstairs in the loft (in the end) should be my other sisters so desktop, tv thats 3+4. That leaves space for future destops, gaming consoles and tvs.

Now Should the server and HTPC be on the router or switch I was thinking? Cables I buy premade, flat (ideally) cat6. it's wires on main floor but downstairs, powerlines and up into the loft is easy burt a sep circut so run a cable up (theres an ariel anyway). Got a few weeks as the "lekky" guys are out and floorboards come up just cant wait for FIBRE TO THE CABNIET!!! \m/

 

[bremen1874]

If you're going to have a switch connected to the router then fill the switch ports first, and then the three spare ports of the router. It'll make very little difference (unless there's Gigabit involved that you haven't mentioned), but it's slightly more elegant.

You should be able to uplink between any reasonably modern network kit without needing crossover cables.

The power consumption of a Plasma TV is worth it (IMHO).

I'd trust a flat Cat5e cable more than the Cat6 equivalent. You're also unlikely to see any direct benefit from using Cat6.