Pls Help - More Network Woes!

[rscosworth]

Guys,

Ok, my current idea for my network in the new house had been settled on this plan, cable modem > router > switch > access point, this is 4 different devices, all online/powered at the same time - this is worrying me......how much will this cost!!!

My Network Plan

What i would like is to be able to cut this down to two devices preferably which is what i currently run, i would prefer gigabit connectivity as i noticed the difference when i switched from 10/100, i also need the wifi in the office as it will be used to share network connection with my parents (office is the closest point to their house - hence its need to be there) - all other devices will be in the cuboard under the stairs.

The NAS/Fileserver is a PC running Vista Business with a 10/100 and a gigabit card installed, this also runs a torrent client for downloads and storage for media centre shares - is there a routing program i can use on the PC - not sure if this would work??

One thing i really like about the WRT54GL running DD-WRT (i know its 10/100) is the many options/QOS i can enable on the device.

Please help me, cost of devices isnt a huge issue!

Cheers

 

[tolien]

The WRT350N and WRT150N both have gigabit switches built in and run the same/similar firmware to the WRT54GL, but there's no way you can reduce it to two device - you need the modem and router/switch (and can't combine the three), and want the AP.

For how much power a four port gigabit switch, cable modem, wireless router and wireless AP will draw, it's hardly worth fretting over.