[lachenkey]

I hardwired our home with Cat5 cable to 14 different ethernet wall outlets throughout the house. I would also like to have a wireless router located in a central location to handle any wireless connections we might need.

Our ISP is provided through the telephone company as a DSL system.

We currently operate 2 desktop and 2 lap top computers with the expectations of expanding it with 3 or more in the future.

I need internet access to all computers and a common shared printer for at least 1 desktop and 2 laptop computers.

My system contains:
1 - Dell Dimension 2350 Desktop computer
1 - Dell Dimension 8300 Desktop computer
1 - Dell Inspiron E1705 Lap top computer
1 - HP Lap top (Business use attached through VPN)

All running Windows XP.

1-HP Photosmart C7280 All-in-One Printer (802.11g and Ethernet ready)

DSL Modem - Westell Model E99-610014-03 Rev G
1 - Netgear Range Max Dual Band Wireless N router WNDR3300
1 - Netgear ProSafe 16 port Gigabit Switch GS116

I need to know the correct order in which these devices are connected and how

I've been told various and conflicting connection scenarios and need a professional solution so everything works as expected.

My own personal connection configuration thoughts are:

1. Internet to DSL modem
2. DSL modem via ethernet wire to 16 port Gigabit switch.
3. Gigabit switch via ethernet wire to wireless router.
Gigabit switch via ethernet wire to wired computers.

This, in my opinion, allows the wired computers to operate at the 1000 Mbps speed rather than going through the wireless router first which has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.

Is this correct or must the DSL modem connet via ethernet wire to the wireless router first, then the router connects to the 16 port Gigabit switch via ethernet wire next.

Also, will the desktop computers need a Netgear Gigabit PCI Adapter (GA311) to achieve a 1000 mbps connection OR is the ethernet port on these machines adequate to achieve this connection speed.

Any Help would be appreciated.
lachenkey

[Billyd65]

Either way will work. HOWEVER, I would suggest putting the router between the modem and the switch simply because it will enhance your network security. Your router will then act as a gateway and help keep your data secure from prying eyes. Then connect all your internal wired devices to the switch and use the wireless only for wireless devices. Your internal network will still operate at the speed of your switch internally, but all internet will only go as fast as permitted by your ISP. Which, being DSL, is not likely to be much faster than about 3 Mbps, YMMV.

[lachenkey]

Thanks for your help - much appreciated.

lachenkey