[SOLVED] LAN Party Router

Darnel_380 · 08-11-2009, 01:57 PM

I currently run three computers and my Xbox 360 from a D-Link 524 Router. This has worked great for smaller groups but now I would like to have a LAN party with 6+ people so here is my question:

Am I better off getting a new router with more ports and 10/100/100 or adding a 10/100/1000 switch. All the research I have done on this is contradicting, so any input is appreciated.

The budget is under $100 and Newegg is my preferred online store.

**TheOutcaste** · 08-12-2009, 07:06 PM

I'd go with just the switch, unless you will be using Wireless N clients. They can have speeds faster than 100 mbps so would benefit from a router with 10/100/1000 ports.

Plus with the switch, if you don't need local access, you can run the LAN Party on the switch by itself, without connecting to the router.

Darnel_380 · 08-14-2009, 02:56 PM

Thought so, but should it be managed or not? Here is the one I was looking at:
Newegg Link.

Darnel_380 · 08-18-2009, 03:05 PM

Also, I don't have cat6 cable, only cat5 and one cat5e (I think, it is hard to tell the difference), will that remove all the benefit of the 1000 part of the switch? I know it might slow it some.

**TheOutcaste** · 08-19-2009, 04:31 PM

I wouldn't think you'd need any of the advanced features of a managed switch.

For Gigabit performance you need Cat 5e or better, though short lengths of Cat 5 may work. Good quality Cat5 cable will generally be better than specification while cheap cable may barely meet the minimum requirements for 100 Mbps. The cable should be marked with what type it is, but the printing can rub off.

ebackhus · 08-19-2009, 05:02 PM

I also have the 524 with 4 computers and 3 consoles. How? I use spare routers as 4-port switches. I was using a 4-port dedicated switch but it was only 10Mb and there were so many collisions that speed really suffered.

Darnel_380 · 08-25-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebackhus

I also have the 524 with 4 computers and 3 consoles. How? I use spare routers as 4-port switches. I was using a 4-port dedicated switch but it was only 10Mb and there were so many collisions that speed really suffered.

I think I will do that too. I have a couple of older routers around, so it should work.

08-11-2009, 01:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Darnel_380 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 82 OS: Windows XP SP3, Vista	[SOLVED] LAN Party Router I currently run three computers and my Xbox 360 from a D-Link 524 Router. This has worked great for smaller groups but now I would like to have a LAN party with 6+ people so here is my question: Am I better off getting a new router with more ports and 10/100/100 or adding a 10/100/1000 switch. All the research I have done on this is contradicting, so any input is appreciated. The budget is under $100 and Newegg is my preferred online store.

08-12-2009, 07:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheOutcaste TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 824 OS: MS-Dos 6.22 - Win7	Re: LAN Party Router I'd go with just the switch, unless you will be using Wireless N clients. They can have speeds faster than 100 mbps so would benefit from a router with 10/100/1000 ports. Plus with the switch, if you don't need local access, you can run the LAN Party on the switch by itself, without connecting to the router. __________________ Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Of course I know all the answers; I just don't always match the answers to the right questions. Rated R for Violence -- When your PC flies through a window, that's violent, right?

08-14-2009, 02:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Darnel_380 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 82 OS: Windows XP SP3, Vista	Re: LAN Party Router Thought so, but should it be managed or not? Here is the one I was looking at: Newegg Link.

08-18-2009, 03:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Darnel_380 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 82 OS: Windows XP SP3, Vista	Re: LAN Party Router Also, I don't have cat6 cable, only cat5 and one cat5e (I think, it is hard to tell the difference), will that remove all the benefit of the 1000 part of the switch? I know it might slow it some. Last edited by Darnel_380; 08-18-2009 at 03:23 PM.

08-19-2009, 04:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
TheOutcaste TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 824 OS: MS-Dos 6.22 - Win7	Re: LAN Party Router I wouldn't think you'd need any of the advanced features of a managed switch. For Gigabit performance you need Cat 5e or better, though short lengths of Cat 5 may work. Good quality Cat5 cable will generally be better than specification while cheap cable may barely meet the minimum requirements for 100 Mbps. The cable should be marked with what type it is, but the printing can rub off. __________________ Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Of course I know all the answers; I just don't always match the answers to the right questions. Rated R for Violence -- When your PC flies through a window, that's violent, right?

08-19-2009, 05:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,312 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: LAN Party Router I also have the 524 with 4 computers and 3 consoles. How? I use spare routers as 4-port switches. I was using a 4-port dedicated switch but it was only 10Mb and there were so many collisions that speed really suffered. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.