Have 4 port router but 5 machines!

I am getting fifth machine which I want to add my home network ( Netgear
RT314 4-port router and 4 pcs: Win98, Win 98, Win ME and Win XP).

Do I have to get an 8 port router, or can I simply add a hub on one of the
ports?

You could add a hub, but any machines on the hub will experience significant
slowdowns compared to the ones on the router. You'll need to be sure the
hub has an "uplink" or "MDI-X" port also, or purchase a crossover cable with
it.

--
Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
* benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:Ndkdb.101523$(E-Mail Removed) able.rogers.com...
> I am getting fifth machine which I want to add my home network ( Netgear
> RT314 4-port router and 4 pcs: Win98, Win 98, Win ME and Win XP).
>
> Do I have to get an 8 port router, or can I simply add a hub on one of the
> ports?
>
>
>

Hmmm. this is getting interesting...if I understand this right, I see they
now have routers to extend your existing Ethernet wired network...ie, a
wired/wireless router. So this means I could keep my 4 wired connections and
add an infinite number of wireless connections. This would be perfect for my
laptop as well as parts of the house that are just a pain to wire.

I am currently however a bit confused on three points ( at least):

1) I note some routers indicate 802.11a and some 802.11b. Do I assume that
11b is the latest, and offers better security?

2) Some modems explicitly indicate "with 10/100 Mbps Switch" and some don't
(or are silent on it). Does the switch refer to networking capabilities
(which I need as well as internet sharing), or does it refer to wired
connections only (and therefore not applicable in wireless routers) ?

3) The Netgear line is confusing, at first pass. Given I want wired plus
wireless, internet sharing plus networks, and 802.11b , do all of the
following fit the bill: MR314, RP614, MR814, WGR614.

Many thanks

Marvin

Hi Marvin,

You don't need to buy another router, you can simply plug a hub into one of
the router ports and plug machines into the hub.

Thanks,
Marc Reynolds
Microsoft Technical Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

1. For the difference between the -a and -b protocols look at this:

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/961181

2. Most likely, anything that does not explicitly say it contains a switch
is probably a wireless-only device. The specs for the unit should tell the
tale - if it says "wired or wireless" or something similar then it's
probably a switch plus wireless.

3. The MR314 is a router (enhanced switch) plus wireless, the RP614 is a
router without wireless, the MR814 is the MR314 plus some added security
features, and the WGR614 is the same as the MR314 plus it is compatible with
the faster 802.11g wireless standard.

--
Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
* benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:29ndb.23777$(E-Mail Removed) le.rogers.com...
> Hmmm. this is getting interesting...if I understand this right, I see they
> now have routers to extend your existing Ethernet wired network...ie, a
> wired/wireless router. So this means I could keep my 4 wired connections
and
> add an infinite number of wireless connections. This would be perfect for
my
> laptop as well as parts of the house that are just a pain to wire.
>
> I am currently however a bit confused on three points ( at least):
>
> 1) I note some routers indicate 802.11a and some 802.11b. Do I assume that
> 11b is the latest, and offers better security?
>
> 2) Some modems explicitly indicate "with 10/100 Mbps Switch" and some
don't
> (or are silent on it). Does the switch refer to networking capabilities
> (which I need as well as internet sharing), or does it refer to wired
> connections only (and therefore not applicable in wireless routers) ?
>
> 3) The Netgear line is confusing, at first pass. Given I want wired plus
> wireless, internet sharing plus networks, and 802.11b , do all of the
> following fit the bill: MR314, RP614, MR814, WGR614.
>
> Many thanks
>
> Marvin
>
>

Thanks.

Per the link you suggested, it is indeed a good write-up. I gather the .11a
offers greater speed and shorter range, and the .11b offer greater range but
slower speed. That's a hard trade off, but I note that in practice, it's
hard to .11a based routers - most retailers are selling .11b based routers.
Even Netgear features the .11b for their home routers.

So now it boils down to .11b vs .11g!

Here in Canada, the MR814 (.11b) sells for $107 CDN ($75US), and the WR614
(.11g) - rated 54mbs vs 11mbs - sells $159 US ($113 US). Respective modem
cards are respectfully higher as well.

So the question becomes... is the extra router cost, and extra cost for the
cards, for an .11g over a .11b, really worth it for home use? In
practically terms, does one get anywhere near the range of 11 mps and 54
mps?

Many thanks

Marvin

The answer is, "it depends". :-)

If you're using your network exclusively for Internet sharing, or only
occasionally for file sharing, then the 802.11b equipment will serve you
well. But if you are using it primarily for networking your system and
sharing large files, then you'll want the 802.11g equipment - and will still
be somewhat dismayed that it runs (at best!) at only 1/3 to 1/2 the speed of
your wired network.

I have both wired and wireless in my home network. There are some machines
I won't put on wireless no matter how inconvenient the cables are because I
need to move large files (between one and five gigabytes at a time) between
them. Wireless just won't cut it on files that large.

I get pretty close to 11mbps throughput on my .11b network but I have pretty
much clear line of sight between the base unit and all the adapters. Of
course, distance and obstacles will reduce the maximum throughput whether
you select .11b or .11g as your standard.

Oh yes, you'll want to carefully evaluate your existing home appliances
before you decide which way to go. If you already have cordless phones on
the 2.4gHz band or live in an area dense with them you may encounter network
difficulties. If there's a microwave oven anywhere near any PC adapter or
your base station your network will drop offline every time someone warms
something up in it.

--
Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
* benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:TBCdb.158382$(E-Mail Removed) le.rogers.com...
> Thanks.
>
> Per the link you suggested, it is indeed a good write-up. I gather the
..11a
> offers greater speed and shorter range, and the .11b offer greater range
but
> slower speed. That's a hard trade off, but I note that in practice, it's
> hard to .11a based routers - most retailers are selling .11b based
routers.
> Even Netgear features the .11b for their home routers.
>
> So now it boils down to .11b vs .11g!
>
> Here in Canada, the MR814 (.11b) sells for $107 CDN ($75US), and the WR614
> (.11g) - rated 54mbs vs 11mbs - sells $159 US ($113 US). Respective modem
> cards are respectfully higher as well.
>
> So the question becomes... is the extra router cost, and extra cost for
the
> cards, for an .11g over a .11b, really worth it for home use? In
> practically terms, does one get anywhere near the range of 11 mps and 54
> mps?
>
> Many thanks
>
> Marvin
>
>

Richard , you've provided some great insight here; many thanks on behalf of
the forum!

I think I am concluding a few things here:

- I need to expand my network beyond my current 4 port wired arrangement.

- my options are to buy a new router or add a hub.

- a hub would work, but it comes with some performance impact, and would not
offer any wireless capability.

- if I'm going to take a performance hit, I'd rather have it with some
additional functionality ( eg wireless).

- a new router, specifically a wired/wireless router would meet all my
needs, enable me to keep my wired network, allow me to easily add new
machines and would provide wireless capability for those new machines.

- my purchase choices then boil down to units like MR814(.11b) and
WR614(.11g).

- with either, I would need to be cognizant that any machines on the
wireless ports come with some behaviors/restrictions (relative to wired),
but in my case these would be acceptable ( ie wife checking email, daughter
surfing on the den)

- both are based on 2.4 GHZ band and therefore have the cordless phone
potential issues.

- the .11g will offer some performance advantages over the .11b in some (
but not all) cases

- the .11g is currently slightly higher cost.

- the .11g is backward compatible with .11b

- the .11g appears to provide the speed of .11a and the range of .11b

- per SpeedGuide.net, .11g is expected to become the next mainstream WLAN
technology.

- while there is perhaps not a clear case in undertaking a wholesale upgrade
of an .11b network to .11g, it appears that for a new purchase (or upgrade
from wired) , there is no reason (other than minor cost premium) not to
adopt the .11g based solution.

Hope I got all that right!

Richard - many thanks for all your time and effort into your responses.

Marvin


"Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> The answer is, "it depends". :-)
>
> If you're using your network exclusively for Internet sharing, or only
> occasionally for file sharing, then the 802.11b equipment will serve you
> well. But if you are using it primarily for networking your system and
> sharing large files, then you'll want the 802.11g equipment - and will
still
> be somewhat dismayed that it runs (at best!) at only 1/3 to 1/2 the speed
of
> your wired network.
>
> I have both wired and wireless in my home network. There are some
machines
> I won't put on wireless no matter how inconvenient the cables are because
I
> need to move large files (between one and five gigabytes at a time)
between
> them. Wireless just won't cut it on files that large.
>
> I get pretty close to 11mbps throughput on my .11b network but I have
pretty
> much clear line of sight between the base unit and all the adapters. Of
> course, distance and obstacles will reduce the maximum throughput whether
> you select .11b or .11g as your standard.
>
> Oh yes, you'll want to carefully evaluate your existing home appliances
> before you decide which way to go. If you already have cordless phones on
> the 2.4gHz band or live in an area dense with them you may encounter
network
> difficulties. If there's a microwave oven anywhere near any PC adapter or
> your base station your network will drop offline every time someone warms
> something up in it.
>
> --
> Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
> * PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
> * benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> "Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:TBCdb.158382$(E-Mail Removed) le.rogers.com...
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Per the link you suggested, it is indeed a good write-up. I gather the
> .11a
> > offers greater speed and shorter range, and the .11b offer greater range
> but
> > slower speed. That's a hard trade off, but I note that in practice, it's
> > hard to .11a based routers - most retailers are selling .11b based
> routers.
> > Even Netgear features the .11b for their home routers.
> >
> > So now it boils down to .11b vs .11g!
> >
> > Here in Canada, the MR814 (.11b) sells for $107 CDN ($75US), and the
WR614
> > (.11g) - rated 54mbs vs 11mbs - sells $159 US ($113 US). Respective
modem
> > cards are respectfully higher as well.
> >
> > So the question becomes... is the extra router cost, and extra cost for
> the
> > cards, for an .11g over a .11b, really worth it for home use? In
> > practically terms, does one get anywhere near the range of 11 mps and 54
> > mps?
> >
> > Many thanks
> >
> > Marvin
> >
> >
>
>

I think you have got a solid handle on the issues. I am glad I was able to
help.

--
Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
* benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
newsODdb.158511$(E-Mail Removed) ble.rogers.com...
> Richard , you've provided some great insight here; many thanks on behalf
of
> the forum!
>
> I think I am concluding a few things here:
>
> - I need to expand my network beyond my current 4 port wired arrangement.
>
> - my options are to buy a new router or add a hub.
>
> - a hub would work, but it comes with some performance impact, and would
not
> offer any wireless capability.
>
> - if I'm going to take a performance hit, I'd rather have it with some
> additional functionality ( eg wireless).
>
> - a new router, specifically a wired/wireless router would meet all my
> needs, enable me to keep my wired network, allow me to easily add new
> machines and would provide wireless capability for those new machines.
>
> - my purchase choices then boil down to units like MR814(.11b) and
> WR614(.11g).
>
> - with either, I would need to be cognizant that any machines on the
> wireless ports come with some behaviors/restrictions (relative to wired),
> but in my case these would be acceptable ( ie wife checking email,
daughter
> surfing on the den)
>
> - both are based on 2.4 GHZ band and therefore have the cordless phone
> potential issues.
>
> - the .11g will offer some performance advantages over the .11b in some (
> but not all) cases
>
> - the .11g is currently slightly higher cost.
>
> - the .11g is backward compatible with .11b
>
> - the .11g appears to provide the speed of .11a and the range of .11b
>
> - per SpeedGuide.net, .11g is expected to become the next mainstream WLAN
> technology.
>
> - while there is perhaps not a clear case in undertaking a wholesale
upgrade
> of an .11b network to .11g, it appears that for a new purchase (or upgrade
> from wired) , there is no reason (other than minor cost premium) not to
> adopt the .11g based solution.
>
> Hope I got all that right!
>
> Richard - many thanks for all your time and effort into your responses.
>
> Marvin
>
>
> "Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> > The answer is, "it depends". :-)
> >
> > If you're using your network exclusively for Internet sharing, or only
> > occasionally for file sharing, then the 802.11b equipment will serve you
> > well. But if you are using it primarily for networking your system and
> > sharing large files, then you'll want the 802.11g equipment - and will
> still
> > be somewhat dismayed that it runs (at best!) at only 1/3 to 1/2 the
speed
> of
> > your wired network.
> >
> > I have both wired and wireless in my home network. There are some
> machines
> > I won't put on wireless no matter how inconvenient the cables are
because
> I
> > need to move large files (between one and five gigabytes at a time)
> between
> > them. Wireless just won't cut it on files that large.
> >
> > I get pretty close to 11mbps throughput on my .11b network but I have
> pretty
> > much clear line of sight between the base unit and all the adapters. Of
> > course, distance and obstacles will reduce the maximum throughput
whether
> > you select .11b or .11g as your standard.
> >
> > Oh yes, you'll want to carefully evaluate your existing home appliances
> > before you decide which way to go. If you already have cordless phones
on
> > the 2.4gHz band or live in an area dense with them you may encounter
> network
> > difficulties. If there's a microwave oven anywhere near any PC adapter
or
> > your base station your network will drop offline every time someone
warms
> > something up in it.
> >
> > --
> > Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
> > * PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
> > * benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
> > Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> >
> >
> > "Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> > news:TBCdb.158382$(E-Mail Removed) le.rogers.com...
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > Per the link you suggested, it is indeed a good write-up. I gather the
> > .11a
> > > offers greater speed and shorter range, and the .11b offer greater
range
> > but
> > > slower speed. That's a hard trade off, but I note that in practice,
it's
> > > hard to .11a based routers - most retailers are selling .11b based
> > routers.
> > > Even Netgear features the .11b for their home routers.
> > >
> > > So now it boils down to .11b vs .11g!
> > >
> > > Here in Canada, the MR814 (.11b) sells for $107 CDN ($75US), and the
> WR614
> > > (.11g) - rated 54mbs vs 11mbs - sells $159 US ($113 US). Respective
> modem
> > > cards are respectfully higher as well.
> > >
> > > So the question becomes... is the extra router cost, and extra cost
for
> > the
> > > cards, for an .11g over a .11b, really worth it for home use? In
> > > practically terms, does one get anywhere near the range of 11 mps and
54
> > > mps?
> > >
> > > Many thanks
> > >
> > > Marvin
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Excellent summary.
I want to add one more piece of advice if I may.
Please SECURE your wireless infrastucture. At the very minimum you should
use WEP, disable SSID broadcasts plus change the default SSID and default
admin password.
See the following two links for more details on these topics:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...december03.asp
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...1152933,00.asp
----
Thanks,
Rakesh Chanana [MSFT]

When replying, please post to GROUP so that everyone can benefit from the
knowledge.

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Use of included script samples are subject to the terms specified at
http://www.microsoft.com/info/cpyright.htm


--------------------
>> From: "Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)>
>> Newsgroups: microsoft.public.win98.networking
>> References:
<Ndkdb.101523$(E-Mail Removed) .rogers.com>
<29ndb.23777$(E-Mail Removed) ogers.com>
<(E-Mail Removed)>
<TBCdb.158382$(E-Mail Removed) ogers.com>
<(E-Mail Removed)>
>> Subject: Re: Have 4 port router but 5 machines!
>>
>> Richard , you've provided some great insight here; many thanks on behalf
of
>> the forum!
>>
>> I think I am concluding a few things here:
>>
>> - I need to expand my network beyond my current 4 port wired arrangement.
>>
>> - my options are to buy a new router or add a hub.
>>
>> - a hub would work, but it comes with some performance impact, and would
not
>> offer any wireless capability.
>>
>> - if I'm going to take a performance hit, I'd rather have it with some
>> additional functionality ( eg wireless).
>>
>> - a new router, specifically a wired/wireless router would meet all my
>> needs, enable me to keep my wired network, allow me to easily add new
>> machines and would provide wireless capability for those new machines.
>>
>> - my purchase choices then boil down to units like MR814(.11b) and
>> WR614(.11g).
>>
>> - with either, I would need to be cognizant that any machines on the
>> wireless ports come with some behaviors/restrictions (relative to wired),
>> but in my case these would be acceptable ( ie wife checking email,
daughter
>> surfing on the den)
>>
>> - both are based on 2.4 GHZ band and therefore have the cordless phone
>> potential issues.
>>
>> - the .11g will offer some performance advantages over the .11b in some (
>> but not all) cases
>>
>> - the .11g is currently slightly higher cost.
>>
>> - the .11g is backward compatible with .11b
>>
>> - the .11g appears to provide the speed of .11a and the range of .11b
>>
>> - per SpeedGuide.net, .11g is expected to become the next mainstream
WLAN
>> technology.
>>
>> - while there is perhaps not a clear case in undertaking a wholesale
upgrade
>> of an .11b network to .11g, it appears that for a new purchase (or
upgrade
>> from wired) , there is no reason (other than minor cost premium) not to
>> adopt the .11g based solution.
>>
>> Hope I got all that right!
>>
>> Richard - many thanks for all your time and effort into your responses.
>>
>> Marvin
>>
>>
>> "Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > The answer is, "it depends". :-)
>> >
>> > If you're using your network exclusively for Internet sharing, or only
>> > occasionally for file sharing, then the 802.11b equipment will serve
you
>> > well. But if you are using it primarily for networking your system and
>> > sharing large files, then you'll want the 802.11g equipment - and will
>> still
>> > be somewhat dismayed that it runs (at best!) at only 1/3 to 1/2 the
speed
>> of
>> > your wired network.
>> >
>> > I have both wired and wireless in my home network. There are some
>> machines
>> > I won't put on wireless no matter how inconvenient the cables are
because
>> I
>> > need to move large files (between one and five gigabytes at a time)
>> between
>> > them. Wireless just won't cut it on files that large.
>> >
>> > I get pretty close to 11mbps throughput on my .11b network but I have
>> pretty
>> > much clear line of sight between the base unit and all the adapters.
Of
>> > course, distance and obstacles will reduce the maximum throughput
whether
>> > you select .11b or .11g as your standard.
>> >
>> > Oh yes, you'll want to carefully evaluate your existing home appliances
>> > before you decide which way to go. If you already have cordless
phones on
>> > the 2.4gHz band or live in an area dense with them you may encounter
>> network
>> > difficulties. If there's a microwave oven anywhere near any PC
adapter or
>> > your base station your network will drop offline every time someone
warms
>> > something up in it.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
>> > * PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
>> > * benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
>> > Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>> >
>> >
>> > "Marvin G" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> > news:TBCdb.158382$(E-Mail Removed) le.rogers.com...
>> > > Thanks.
>> > >
>> > > Per the link you suggested, it is indeed a good write-up. I gather
the
>> > .11a
>> > > offers greater speed and shorter range, and the .11b offer greater
range
>> > but
>> > > slower speed. That's a hard trade off, but I note that in practice,
it's
>> > > hard to .11a based routers - most retailers are selling .11b based
>> > routers.
>> > > Even Netgear features the .11b for their home routers.
>> > >
>> > > So now it boils down to .11b vs .11g!
>> > >
>> > > Here in Canada, the MR814 (.11b) sells for $107 CDN ($75US), and the
>> WR614
>> > > (.11g) - rated 54mbs vs 11mbs - sells $159 US ($113 US). Respective
>> modem
>> > > cards are respectfully higher as well.
>> > >
>> > > So the question becomes... is the extra router cost, and extra cost
for
>> > the
>> > > cards, for an .11g over a .11b, really worth it for home use? In
>> > > practically terms, does one get anywhere near the range of 11 mps
and 54
>> > > mps?
>> > >
>> > > Many thanks
>> > >
>> > > Marvin
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>