Re-design of home "network" - Advice,

[BoomAM]

Hi.
Anyone got any input on this:
Currently the internet comes into my room, into a WAG354G, then two ethernet cable, one to PC, one to PS3, and WiFi to an iBook, N95 & iPod.
I want to get a NAS unit, and it'll be situated in a room next to mine.

I have several options here.

1. To consolidate all equipment, i could build a NAS out of PC parts, stick in a few gigabit NICs (can get from work), WiFi, and an ADSL PCI card. And have the NAS box be the gateway, access point, switch and NAS box all rolled into one.
That would require an extension of the phone line into the new room (would be done with Cat5e), then two Cat cables back into my room for my PC & PS3.
So 3 cable runs overall, and about £10's worth of cabling, tacks, stuff for that.

2. Build a NAS box out of PC parts, just as a NAS box, one cable coming back into my room into a gigabit switch, then into the internet.
One cable run.

3. Buy a NAS enclosure, then same as above.


Thoughts?

 

[m_cozzy]

1 is too much hassle for no real gain
2 is an option depending on funds & spare bits lying around
3 this is what I did, thecus 5200pro 5 bay nas. It just works

 

[NicNac]

if you have enough stuff laying about (it doesn't need to be expensive modern stuff either)

 

[BoomAM]

2 is an option depending on funds & spare bits lying around

Well 3 of my 4 current HDDs would go in it. And i can possibly get a few bits and bobs from work. Maybe.

3 this is what I did, thecus 5200pro 5 bay nas. It just works

This is the most attractive option as, as you say, it just works.
The 5200pro is a little expensive however.
I would be looking at a 4 bay+ enclosure, and iTunes server support would be a must imo. As is the ability for it to function without extra softwares.
Suggestions?