router: but I... (Calling all Network geeks)

[danaeris]

So the Base decided that we want to buy a used router off craigslist to network our ethernet. And our gateway is scheduled to arrive today! *bounce*

Is there anything I should know about routers before I start shopping? There were some used ones last time I looked that were going for about $40

We have two desktops, my laptop, and would like to have an ethernet line for the living room and possibly the kitchen (for visiting laptops or for mine to roam) as well.

So that's 3-5 connected devices. Someday we might get an airport too.

Any advice?

Comments

[nathanjw]

I'm not sure it's worth buying a used one. New ones are already in the $40-50 range for a 4-port device, and hubs for more devices are also cheaper. If you want wireless as well, boxes that have that built in are more like $60-80, depending on the deals going on at any given moment... you don't want to buy an Apple-brand Airport box, because they're much too expensive.

router

[chrisla.livejournal.com]

Fry's has a good deal right now on a Speed Stream router: 5 port switch + router + print server for $29.00

I recommend Linksys

[billporn.livejournal.com]

Never had a problem with mine, and you can get el-cheapo ones for about $30.

-b, making plans for August...more later

[digitalsidhe.livejournal.com]

So, you want something with at least 5 Ethernet ports (on the LAN side, plus one WAN port). That means you'll probably need to get a 6- or 8-port device, unless you luck out and find something 5-port.

Many of these LinkSys products (http://www.linksys.com/products/group.asp?grid=34&scid=29) would work for you, though they won't replace the "DSL modem" itself.

Alternatively, the device chrisla mentions in her post might be just the ticket. If you can get a bit more information on it (like at least a make and model number) and shoot it to me, I can look up the specs on it and tell you if it's what you want or not.

I can do the same for anything you find on Craig's... just email me the URL, and I can tell you "yes, this will do what you want" or, "no it won't do X thing that you want."