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switch or larger router to expand network

dgk

0
I currently have a 2 port router, 1 USB 1 Ethernet. With computers attached.
1 is my wife’s work laptop, that is on a domain at work so I could not include it in my home network and it plugs into the Ethernet port.
The other 2 pc’s are connected together with a crossover cable and one is plugged into the USB port.
The USB printer is plugged into a pc and shared on the network.

I am expanding, my son is having his first pc what are my options?
Buy a 4 or more port ADSL Modem Firewall Router
Buy a 4 or more port switch and use with existing router.

Am I right in thinking that whichever option I choose my wife’s laptop can be plugged to any free port to access the internet but not be included in my network of 3 pc’s

If I kept my existing router could I plug the printer into its USB port and then access it from any of my 3 networked pc’s and then attach the switch to the routers ethernet port.

Can I think of a router and switch combination as 1 big router?
 
Best thing to go for is a new 4 port ADSL router
 
I'd have to agree with Lee, it's going to be a lot easier for you to just buy a new router with 4 Ethernet ports on. Something reasonably modern from Draytek or NetGear is usually a pretty good place to start.
 
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Am I right in thinking that whichever option I choose my wife’s laptop can be plugged to any free port to access the internet but not be included in my network of 3 pc’s

I'd say it was mostly dependent on your wife's laptop setup, unless the router was also supplied from them preconfigured.

If I kept my existing router could I plug the printer into its USB port and then access it from any of my 3 networked pc’s and then attach the switch to the routers ethernet port.

Can I think of a router and switch combination as 1 big router?

Unlikely. The USB port probably provides just a network interface. You can get a 4 port switch+ usb print server from linksys - however they don't work with all printers - cheap inkjets for example.

As others have said a four port router would be the best way to go. It'll use less 'lecky too.
 
Just to throw a spanner in the works...

Don't necessarily always agree that a new 4 port router is best. If only for net access then ok maybe a new router is the way to go. However if your network is used for more than that then I'd maybe look more towards a switch.

My router has one useable ethernet port and a USB. I could change it but don't as it does my VOIP which is specific to my ISP's router. I have 6 devices currently wired into my network. 4 PCs a Server and a PS3. I'm pretty much dead against wireless mostly due to crappy speeds. I've got 2 gigabit switches connected to my router, one 10 port upstairs and a 5 port downstairs. So my core network runs on Gigabit LAN and only slows down at the point of net access. Bit between router and first switch.

I've not seen many routers with Gigabit LAN that I'd be willing to have paid for even hypothetically. So point really is that it depends what you want to do.

A 4 port router could be your answer but than again so could a decent switch. The Netgear ones are pretty reasonably priced and seem to be decent quality. I've had one running for about 8 years and not one bit of bother.
 
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