802.11G, Gigabit WAN, USB Print Server - Advice

[elduderino970]

Hi,
I am new here. I see a lot of good information and informed people on here. I have been shopping for a new wireless router. My 2wire is super old and only has 10/100 and 802.11b.
My Devices are:

• Motorola SB5120 - Cable Modem
• 2Wire Office Portal 180HW
• Two computers with gigabit wired connection
• Laptop on 802.11G
• HP Printer 10/100, 802.11G or Bluetooth
• PS3
• Onkyo receiver with 10/100

My initial goal was to add:

• gigabit lan
• 802.11g

I could use:

• usb print serving - probably better performance than the wireless (and maybe the printer won't bsod my laptop when I turn it on/off anymore :/ )
• modem - I would like it if it had a cable modem built in, but I would like to have the option to use it in conjunction with a dsl modem should I switch in the future.

I can't use the 802.11n tech since I have no devices that support it.

I see a number of options that look like they can handle most of what I want, but I don't need the N speeds or range. I also like the idea that my little 11b network has short range and is therefore more secure. I do live in a neighbor hood with big lot lines and older neighbors, so this isn't a realistic problem anyway.
NETGEAR WNDR3700 does it all, but is $150. Belkin Play or Play Max seem to do what I need as well at $100/$130. Do I really need to spend that much?
What would you recommend?
Thank you in advance for your input!
John

 

[elduderino970]

Secondary question:
The PS3, Onkyo and one of the PCs are together under the tv. I have 2 cat5 runs to that location. Of those, the PS3 is the only one with wireless. I have an old D-Link 802.11G pci card I could stick in the HTPC.
However, I prefer wired connections when possible.
What would be the most cost effective way to get all 3 devices connected over 2 runs with minimal additional wires? Buy a cheap 10/100/1000 4 port switch? I don't think an ethernet splitter would work... I've never used one...
Thanks again!
John

 

[thiggins]

Welcome, John.

Gigabit switches tend to get thrown in with dual-band N routers, i.e. $$.
If you want basic G and Gigabit, I suggest you buy them separately, i.e. router and switch.

Basic G routers from Cisco Linksys (WRT54G2), NETGEAR (WGR614), D-Link (WBR-1310) and others should do you fine.

Select 10/100/1000 switches based on cost, warranty and brand preference. They tend to run hot, so longer warranty is worth it. Get two, and put one under the TV and keep all your AV gear wired... it's the best way.