whats a good router to buy for a 5PC house?

Question

I want to set and configure download limits for each PC via the router any advice on make/model software etc much appreciated

by the way all machines are stand alone PC's and are not connected via a server...and im willing to go midway on pricing

Answer 1

Go with Linksys for home use, Cisco for business use.

For home use, regardless of brand, if you want wireless, make sure it is "WiFi Certified" and supports WPA2 security, and the rest is mostly marketing hype. I would suggest Linksys, a division of Cisco, they generally win in terms of performance, ease of use, and support, according to PC Magazine and similar mags. So the extra 10 dollars for a Linksys is justified. This has been my experience as well. As for what makes a router a good one: ease of use, good web interface, complete feature set, good security options, good help available both online and if you need to call for tech support.

Again, if going wireless, consider getting one with a built-in 4-port 10/100 switch for example. I'll mention some specific models below. This just gives the extra flexibility of having both wired and wireless connections.

For WiFi routers, beware going with the new 802.11n and all the hype surrounding it about higher speeds and longer distances, it's not even a finalized standard yet. In some cases you'll get great results with a pre-N product but the final standard can and will change which might make it junk sometime next year.

The home user norm is a b/g router or access point such as the Linksys WRT54G, while the small business norm is an a/b/g such at the Linksys WRT55AG. I'd spend the extra few bucks and get the a/b/g model so you have more flexibility down the road in case you need to use 802.11a channels for certain reasons, like interference.

Grab a "Computer Shopper" or PC Magazine or similar mags and look up their wireless router product reviews, that'll give you a good idea and more details on what to look for and what NOT to fall for in terms of marketing hype. They should confirm most of what I've stated here. Finally, don't believe everything you read online in terms of product reviews from other users! One good (or bad) review/experience usually means very little regarding what you'll experience yourself. I recommend Linksys, as do thousands of others, but of course you'll also find people who've had bad luck with theirs.

Answer 2

We have the same number of PC's in our house.

The setup is as follows: Netgear DG series router with wireless connects everyone to the internet.

I have a Bufallo wireless switch to connect just my PC as I use Voice over IP which when connected to the same Wireless LAN as everyone else proved a bit problematic - especially when the kids are gaming.

If you went to a 108Meg wireless you probably would not have the same problem as I'm only running at 54Meg.

Answer 3

BUY a CISCO router go to http://www.cisco.com or http://www.belkin.com and select the router you like. Consider 802.11g for faster wireless networking or down load .If your computer is equipped with a net work interface card (NIC) you can use up to a 64 computer in home or elsewhere.

Answer 4

try linksys, they are created by cisco but do not cost as much as a cisco router.
http://www.newegg.com
http://www.linksys.com