Switch vs. Router?

[dizzy1]

I'm wondering if i need a full router or just a switch? Because i was planning to go gigabit with my server when it get back from repairs because i could not find out the problem myself. And if i can't go with a switch, what is the model number of a cheap router with gigabit? Thank you.

[moredruid]

dizzy1, that really depends on your needs.
If you already have a router that opens your internal network to the internet, then you can add a switch. If not, you should consider a router.

A router is a more sophisticated device than a switch (in laymans terms at least, don't get me started ).
Basically a switch is used for traffic within 1 single network, and a router is used to connect different networks.

I have a Belkin N+ Wireless Router for a cable provider which has gigabit connections. Personally I'm very pleased with this router. Hardly any need to reset and some nifty features (eco mode, it will disable the WIFI radio between 00:30 and 6:00 hrs (a limit you can set yourself), a Wifi guest network mode).

[dizzy1]

Thank you for your quick reply. I would go with your recommendation but the Canadian version of the Belkin n+ router does not have gigabit Ethernet ports. So i have decided to go with this Netgear router unless i find a better one beating the price.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... =N100-2170

[cpg]

what i do it have my old router, but then a gigabit switch (found at Fry's electronics, 5-port one for like $20 or so) and put my main machines in there.

i don't care about much performance on wireless (which is also hanging off the switch and it's also old).

[moredruid]

I needed the upgrade because my old router couldn't handle the internet speed properly... maxed out at around 32Mbps... the new one works flawlessly with the 60Mbps connection.

[cpg]

60Mb is obscene.

i think i mentioned that. however, i thought i'd say that, just for the record

[rampage537]

Damn I can't even get that in the house

[moredruid]

It's currently the 3rd highest speed on cable here in NL.
they also offer 90Mbps and 120Mbps

60Mbit is plenty fast for me though, I hardly ever saturate the link (except when downloading linux ISO's or updating my linux systems).
We actually chose this because of the 6Mbps upload since my GF needs to upload/mail large files for her business on a daily basis.

[rampage537]

what kind of speeds do you get on your internal network, the most i have achieved is 12 MB a second on a 100 MB network, average is about 6 MB a second.

[pjcrux]

I'm barely getting 3Mbps download with a 300Kbps upload and I have to pay an arm and a leg for it.

maybe I should move to the NL.