Home Networking Opinions

[Fionn]

Hello,

I am attempting to setup a home network, with the following. I have 2 Dell PC's, each with dual monitors, which will be used for trading stocks from home (this is my full time office job, and I will be working from home two days a week). I also have a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo IMac, which is the home computer used for general internet use. In addition, I have an Xbox 360 unit.

Currently I have the Imac in the downstairs room, on a cable modem, wired to an old linksys router, and the xbox 360 wired up to the linksys router as well.

I need to run the 2 Dell's for business from an upstairs bedroom/office, and keep the mac and the 360 in the downstairs area. I'm assuming I want to run the 2 Dell's wired (as speed is of utmost importance) and then run the Imac and 360 wireless.

Any thoughts on which router might work best for such a situation?

thanks very much, as I've never setup a wireless network before.

 

[thiggins]

You need a router with routing speed at least as fast as your Internet connection. Hit the Router Charts to check routing speed.

Also try reading through How To Choose the Right Router for You and How To Choose the Right Wireless LAN for You.

At any rate, you are making the correct choice to have mission-critical machines connected via Ethernet and not wireless.

 

[Fionn]

At this point, I'm probably looking at the D-Link 825 or 655. My d/l speed is around 6 mb/s and upload around 510kb/s, so either should work well. I believe both have enough ethernet ports to cover me, so that should be ok. Anything else I should be aware of with these D-Links?

thanks

 

[thiggins]

Those are good choices. Another would be the Linksys WRT400N if you are looking at dual band.

Be aware that 5GHz range will be significantly less than 2.4GHz. So you might not get a benefit from dual-band.