Gb Network recomendations...

[briands]

Damn lightning... It appears to have take out all of my wired network devices. Definitly 3 on board and one PCI NIC and it seems even my MVP. I have no devices left to test my router... but I have an older 4 port that I can throw back in if I go with my new plan...With Gigabit stuff coming much cheaper I figure I might as well upgrade.

Can anyone recomend/ warn about any Gigabit devices? I am looking for 4 nics and an 8 port router or switch. It would be best if it can handle mixed speed devices since the MPV (or its replacement) is 10/100. Oh... did I mention I'm cheap!!!

Couple things to consider... Is there a benifit to sticking with the same brand or chipset? Whatabout less familure brands? Newegg has a Trendnet card for $0.99 AR and a Zonet for $3.99 AR as well as a NetGear switch for $45AR. I hope to place the order today so I can try to get these here for installation over the weekend.

Thanks!

Last question is for someone from Sage... what should I replace my MPV with? Got anything new coming out that I should wait for

[acrowe]

I run a couple of the 5 port gig netgears and have had great luck with them (and they're cheap!). As far as NIC's go I've had good luck with hawking cards

[lotusvball]

I am running an 8 port netgear gb switch and absolutely love it. Works much better then the linksys I used to own.

[Garmin]

Look at HP's new 1800-8G switch.
I havent tested it yet but data looks good, and ist manageable.
Good thing to be able to lock the port speed and duplex if problems.

/Garmin

[Bryann]

I love my Netgear GS-108. 8 ports and cheap.

[paulbeers]

Have you thought about a switch that has mostly 10/100, but with gigabit ports for servers (especially if you need a lot of ports)? Since you won't be able to run Jumbo Frames anyway with the mediaMVP. Mine has 26 ports, 24-10/100, and 2 gigabit. My servers are hooked into the gigabit, and all my clients are hooked to the 10/100. Just a thought anyway.

[briands]

Update:

I was able to get my server and main client talking to each other, but it seemed pretty flakey. Both showed the red X on the network connection, but they were able to connect... hmmm...
The onboard NIC in the office computer is still not responding at all. The device manager says it it working normally.
In the snakes den of cables in my "network rack" I could not identify the MPV cord and gave up after 2 unsuccessful attempts. I'll try again tonight. I'm still hoping that it survived and that it's problems are related to the router.

Originally Posted by paulbeers

Have you thought about a switch that has mostly 10/100, but with gigabit ports for servers (especially if you need a lot of ports)? Since you won't be able to run Jumbo Frames anyway with the mediaMVP. Mine has 26 ports, 24-10/100, and 2 gigabit. My servers are hooked into the gigabit, and all my clients are hooked to the 10/100. Just a thought anyway.

I ended up ordering the Netgear GS608 to use with my retired 4 port router. That will allow me 3 additional 10/100 ports as well as the 7 ports on the switch.

I've never had a switch before... I assume the DHCP will be handled by the router and that all of the configuration (port forwarding, etc) will be with the router. Is there anything else I need to do to make sure I get the best performance from the new network devices?

Thanks.