Types of ports in routers

[Big Sky]

I've been interested in getting a switch for my network as I am running out
of ports on my wireless router. I even have a Belkin wired router
downstream that has the DHCP turned off so it can work as a hub (switch?).
I've read about the inherent advantages of a switch versus a hub. But I was
wondering, does a wireless router (lower level DLink G) have a built in hub
or a switch? I can't find it in my documentation. It just says it has 4
10/100 ports. If its a hub, perhaps it would be better to run all my
computers into a switch with a single connection to the router. Then my
computers would get better speed for gaming, accessing shared files, etc.
Of course they'd all be sharing the single link to the router for web
access.

If a switch is the way to go, I'm also hoping for some advice on brands. I
see stuff about buffer memory and other characteristics but don't know what
I should be looking for.
I've considered moving to gigabit LAN but don't know if the speed up for
gaming/file sharing is worth the cost of buying new 5 NICs and switch.

I'm a mid level computer user but haven't done much study of networking so
sorry if this is a neophyte question.

Thanks much,

BigSky



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[Big Sky]

Re: Types of ports in routers

***UPDATE***

I have at D Link DI-524. The only thing the documentation
says is that it has auto sensing ports to detect the kind of cable attached.

I didn't think gigabit would offer me much unless I decided to use my LAN
for backups. I do have a small NAS on my LAN but it's pretty slow for using
for backups. I mostly have my music files, photos, and some DivX movies on
it for sharing with all the computers on my LAN.

I currently have my DSL modem attached to the D Link wireless router. I
have 2 PCs and the NAS attached to the router in one room with a 3rd PC I
need to add (possible file server and Snapstream server for TV). The fourth
port connects downstream to a Belkin router with DHCP disabled so it works
as a switch/hub (?) in another room. I have 2 computers attached to the
Belkin that are used primarily for gaming. I have one notebook and one PC
attached wirelessly to the D Link router. I don't have enough ports on the
wireless router so am wondering what the best approach would be to add ports
and improve LAN perfomance. I was planning to just get a 10/100 switch to
put all 3 PCs on in the first room and then connect to the D Link router
with the NAS connecting directly to the router. Eventually, one of these
PCs will also become a 3rd PC for gaming with the 2 PCs downstream of the
Belkin device. I don't know if its better to use the Belkin as a wired
router in the first room and put the D Link in the second room as an access
point and switch/hub for the two gaming computers or just leave as is and
add the switch into the first room. I don't know if there is any difference
in routing capability between the D Link and the Belkin F5D5231. Any
thoughts?

Thanks,

Big Sky



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