Network Boxes which one?

[Mikeislo]

I'm thinking of buying a Linksys EtherFast Switched 10/100 Network in a Box (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=15&grid=12) or maybe D-Link DFE-910 Switched 10/100 Network in a Box (http://www.dlink.com/products/kits/dfe910/) - I'm leaning towards Linksys.

What are your thoughts about it (or about the manufacturer) – esp. from users.

Are there any better Boxes (kits) available and if so which – links would be great

I plan on connecting two PCs and a notebook that's it (all Win2k Pro).

 

[Guest]

Both seem to be very similar in functionality... I have a Linksys DSL router and they're pretty good with keeping up with driver/firmware updates. I would assume the quality of their other products would be similar. Be warned though that both the D-link and Linksys Ethernet cards might have compatibility issues with your hardware (slim chance, but problems do occur, and it's most likely a driver issue (Intel and 3Com are much more devoted to producing a rock-solid driver set for their products)).

I also have that switch the d-link kit comes with and found it performs decently (it's build quality is good)...

The linksys comes with sharing software, but Windows already comes with something to do that (Internet Connection Sharing -ICS).


I found a few links for you to check out (one is even a shootout between the d-link and the linksys kits):

http://www.gamersdepot.com/hardware/networking/shootout/linksys_dlink/001.htm

http://www.thetechzone.com/display.asp?i=38&p=1

http://www.zdnet.com/products/content/pcmg/1616/pcmg0026.html

 

[Mikeislo]

Thanx I'm still going for Linksys, maybe. You've mentioned hardware compatibility problems ("slim chance") do you know by any chance with which hardware the problems occur. Cause I don't won't to buy something and then end up with all sorts of problems. I'd rather pay that extra couple of dollars as long as it WORKS.
I thought about buying 3com's HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Kit (10/100 Mbps) but it comes with a hub and it says on their website that the product (service) is discontinued!!!
I'd like to buy a kit from 3Com or Intel that's similar to the one from Linksys but I just couldn't find it!
Do you know of something resembling the Linksys kit?

And also one more thing you mentioned Windows already comes with ICS does that mean I don't have to install the sharing software that comes from Linksys (or any other like Sygate, WinGate?)

Thanx for all your assistance

 

[Guest]

Problems with NICs can vary, but I've mostly seen conflicts with the drivers and the motherboard or video card. It's never a guarantee with whichever manufacturer you choose (at least they have return policies). Stick with the latest drivers in your system and you should be ok with any NIC...

You mentioned you'll be using W2K... That (and any Windows since Windows 98SE) has ICS built-in (although you might have to enable/install it before usage). Use Window's help to search for Internet Connection Sharing and it should tell you how to use/enable it. (at least I think W2K can do it). Anyways... correct, this does take the place of third-party sharing utilities (like Sygate, Wingate, etc.). Not to say that third-party utilites can't do more for you, but that depeneds on what you want to do with your connections.

Don't let the discontinued thing bother you with the 3Com kit... the drivers are continously updated, and the hub is pretty much the same as the hubs avaiable from them nowadays (probably just a different case/color). I'm sure the unit still has a warranty and that's all that matters (not like hubs go bad too often anyways).

 

[Mikeislo]

Thanx for you help I'm still going with Linksys (for now at least) thanx