Wireless Acces Point instead of Switch?

jozi

I have a existing modem and a server running clarkconnect. Each pc connects to a switch which in turn connects to the server, the server then connects to the modem.
If i got a WAP can i use it to replace the switch? Do most WAP's have a cat5 port as well as being wireless? I have maybe 2 pc's (wired) and a couple of laptops (wireless) sharing internet in my house, would a WAP be the way to go?

Another thing, whats a decent WAP from the likes of komplett? Belkin, D-Link, lynksys?

Jozi

mayhem#

Yes, a wireless router should be able to meet your requirements.
They normally have 4-5 ethernet ports.
One tip though; do yourself a favour and buy something decent instead of any of the brands you mention.
It might cost a few euros more but you'll appreciate it in the long run...

E.

jozi

I already have a router thou.

I want to route everyone on the network trough the server.

Them was the names komplett stock :P

mayhem#

Unless you are willing to fork our serious money you won't find a wireless switch (think Aruba, Trapeze, Proxim, Cisco).
Will a router alone not suffice fro what you want?
As for what type to buy; Komplett is not the be all & end all off IT supplies (far from it....).
My personal recommendation would got to a Ruckus device (www.ruckuswireless.com) followed at a distance by Proxim and Buffalo...

E.

jozi

The reason i had the server is mainly file storage, extra layer of security and because it can do traffic shapping.

Off course i can do without the server for file sharing but the bandwith shaping is kind of important to me. I like to game alot and with other house mates constantly on youtube or downloading what not it affects my ping in a bad way, telling them to stop because i want to game isnt exatly fair either.

If i can keep my ping stable and low with just a router (QoS???) then i could live without the server i guess, also a few boxes less ti hide away

Jozi

That ruckas stuff looks nice, pricey thou

liamo

A decent router will be able to do your traffic-shaping for you.

As an aside, I'm a believer in having a dedicated firewall device as opposed to having firewalling functionality on a machine that's being used for other purposes. There's no harm (in fact, quite the opposite) in having firewalls on machines on the network, but the device at the interface with the network and the Internet should really be dedicated. That's my opinion, others will no doubt not entirely agree with it.

Having gone through Smoothwall and IPCop over the years, my current favourite firewall is M0n0wall. It's an excellent firewall with traffic-shaping and VPN features and I whole-heartedly recommend it.

Regards,

Liam

mayhem#

If QoS is important to you I would really have a look at the Ruckus gear.
They have an excellent throughput and can handle multiple high throughput datastreams.
Have a look here for a better idea: http://www.wimax-eu.com/ruckus7.swf

E.