Need Advice on Cable Setup

[Darkluck]

Thanks in advance to all those that reply.
I am going to setup a home network when I move to my new house. I've decided on getting cable. I want some reccommendations on some good hardware(nothing to expensive as I am doing this on a budget). The following are constraints/questions that I have:

Constraints:
1. Price, I want to keep this under $300, if possible.
2. I want a router/switch that has 4-8 ports.
3. Preferably something userfriendly as I don't want to waste my summer setting up this home network and being frustrated, etc.

Questions:
1a. What brand of cable modem should I get?
1b. Which model would you reccommend and why?
2a. What brand of switch/router should I get?
2b. Would I be better off buying both modem and router of same brand?(In the hopes that they would play nice together)
2c. Which model would you reccommend and why?
2d. For switch/router, would I be better off getting one with a builtin firewall or going with software?

Please feel free to email me lengthy replys or specs on modems, routers, firewalls, etc.
Again I welcome and appreciate all input. Thanks.

 

[Darkluck]

I'm surprised no one has an opinion on this.

 

[Rallispec]

first.. the cable modem should be given to you by the cable company.. at least most do. and that will save you money.
and then you can upgrade to better modems in the future for free by just turning back in the one they give you at first.

You'll need a router, becuase most cable companies only give you 1 IP adress. So a switch won't work, unless its used in combination with a router. Most routers have built in switches though. How many computers will you be seeing up?. I personally have a wireless network set up at home (d-link 713p router) and love it. It was really easy to setup, cost about 300 total for the router and wireless cards for 3 computers.

i wish i could offer more help... but i'm not really sure what to say. I dont think it matters if your modem and router are the same brand, it shouldnt make a difference at all.

The router should act as a sort of hardware firewall.. but a software one in addition also helps. even if its something simple like zone alarm.

if i think of anything else i'll pass it along.

good luck

 

[Darkluck]

I'll have definately somewhere between 3 and 8 computers to be hooked up: mine and two roommates, but I'd like to have the capability of expanding that or being able to have a lan party.

Out of the two cable companies in my area, one charges a one-time fee for the cost of the modem and the other charges $10 a month, so I figure I might as well go out and buy my own.

As for firewall and security, I've seen some routers that advertise builtin firewalls. Do you know if they are effective or not? Thanks for the response Rallispec.

 

[cipher00]

I've got a composite wired/wireless LAN that works great. Some ideas:

Your cable company can tell you what modem they'll sell/rent you. Then go to pricewatch and see what you can get. I have a Motorola Surfboard 4100 that works great and is a breeze to set up. Try to get a rebate on whatever you buy, if you have time.

Wireless is a bit more complicated to set up, but not that bad. There are security issues too, but you may not care that much. I have the SMC AWBR7004 wifi barricade and like it for its documentation - very thorough. I also use SMC wifi PCMCIA adapters and they're ok, but most folks here like the Orinoco Gold cards. If you're wireless-ing desktops, most folks'll recommend USB NICs with movable antennas (for better reception). I have a 3Com NIC in my (wired) desktop, and it's caused no problems. Mix 'n match of component manufacturers shouldn't be a problem if they all support the same standard.

Most routers have built-in firewalls, but I'd suggest pc-level firewalls (Norton, ZoneAlarm, Tiny) are also needed.

When you do set up, if you have problems, just post here.