Posted: 1/5/2010 6:36:47 AM EDT
|
I'm the designated IT guy at work....which means when the software isn't working, I suggest they restart the computer, and when hardware isn't working...I check the cables in the back. That's the limit of my IT training.
Now, we need an 8 port router. We have a 4 port hooked up to a cable modem. The system at the office (for accessing billing on the front computers, and looking at porn continuing medical education on the computers for the docs in the back) is pretty basic. One "main" computer (the 'server' for the billing/scheduling software), one printer up front hooked to one of the two scheduling computers, and two computers in the back for the docs. They had someone wire in a few extra network jacks and have another computer to run.... So, they want me to order a router that will work. I need suggestions on a router that is basically plug and play (so the scheduling computers can talk to the "main" server computer without a lot of configuration problems). Any suggestions (preferably fairly inexpensive)? Thanks! AFARR |
|
Keep the existing router. Add a simple unmanaged switch. Plug the switch in to one of the ports on the router, then plug any additional computers into the switchports.
Like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833316076 |
|
Quoted:
Keep the existing router. Add a simple unmanaged switch. Plug the switch in to one of the ports on the router, then plug any additional computers into the switchports. Like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833316076 Unless the practice is growing by leaps and bounds, I think this is the way to go. |
|
Quoted: Keep the existing router. Add a simple unmanaged switch. Plug the switch in to one of the ports on the router, then plug any additional computers into the switchports. Like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833316076 That should work fine. Any plug and play switch will work to supplement your additional devices on the network. |
|
Not too many "cheap" 8 port routers. Be easier/cheaper to link some 4 porters together (depending on whether you actually need all 8 ports or just 7)
That said...this will be your best bet. Rest of the 8 porters there are Cisco and start at about $350. How are you getting wired connections to the ports/jacks that were installed? Probably be easier to get one of these, plug your cable modem into it and run the Cat5 from it to the proper ports/jacks. If that makes any sense 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Keep the existing router. Add a simple unmanaged switch. Plug the switch in to one of the ports on the router, then plug any additional computers into the switchports. Like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833316076 That should work fine. Any plug and play switch will work to supplement your additional devices on the network. This +1. Always plan for expansion!! If you have enough devices to fill all 8 ports start looking in the 16 port range 
And you can get fairly inexpensive 8 ports from the likes of Netgear or the HP referenced above. ETA to add you are looking for switches not routers. |
|
7 Computers total (and not likely to change in the next few years).
2 Scheduling up front (one with the office printer hooked up) 1 Main (the "server") in the back. The New one is for the office manager (in the back). The Docs office has 2. With that setup... Leave the 4 Port Router in...plug in the 2 up front, one in the back.... Then the switch with the new computer and the docs? Will that slow anything down? Thanks! AFARR Edited...when they installed the new network jacks (and new phone lines next to them)...they hard-wired back to the incoming lines/power area. So, I have some CAT-5 ends to plug into whatever I get. |
|
Quoted:
7 Computers total (and not likely to change in the next few years). 2 Scheduling up front (one with the office printer hooked up) 1 Main (the "server") in the back. The New one is for the office manager (in the back). The Docs office has 2. With that setup... Leave the 4 Port Router in...plug in the 2 up front, one in the back.... Then the switch with the new computer and the docs? Will that slow anything down? Thanks! AFARR Edited...when they installed the new network jacks (and new phone lines next to them)...they hard-wired back to the incoming lines/power area. So, I have some CAT-5 ends to plug into whatever I get. Everyone should be plugged into the Switch. And it'll speed the network up overall.... |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
7 Computers total (and not likely to change in the next few years). 2 Scheduling up front (one with the office printer hooked up) 1 Main (the "server") in the back. The New one is for the office manager (in the back). The Docs office has 2. With that setup... Leave the 4 Port Router in...plug in the 2 up front, one in the back.... Then the switch with the new computer and the docs? Will that slow anything down? Thanks! AFARR Edited...when they installed the new network jacks (and new phone lines next to them)...they hard-wired back to the incoming lines/power area. So, I have some CAT-5 ends to plug into whatever I get. Everyone should be plugged into the Switch. And it'll speed the network up overall.... Absolutely... |
|
Get a cheap 8 or 16 port gigabit switch.
Simple explanation: switches work at Layer 2, routers work at Layer 3 of the OSI network model. |
|
Quoted: Quoted: slap a 4 port wireless access hub on there and let the laptops roam! All desktops. I had considered getting wireless hooked up, but figured it wasn't worth the hassle. THanks! AFARR Piece of advice from a guy with 15 years in IT. Do what the guy said in the very first post. Buy a switch, plug it into 1 of the 4 ports on the router, and plug everyone into the switch. I'd suggest a good brand name though. 3Com, HP, etc. You get what you pay for. |
|
So with a switch, the scheduling computers will be able to "talk" to the main (server) computer, and we'll be able to print to the network (hooked into one of the billing computers) printer?
Thanks! AFARR Edited: I'm looking at some now...managed or unmanaged switch better for what I need? Thanks! |