Small business lansnetwork

[rbw_network]

Hello,My application is a home-based small business office. I have an existing 8 year old wired network with wires throughout the house. System uses cable modem (Mototola SB5101 from Cox), and 3com gateway (3c855) and switch. Currently 8 connections. I am trying to add wireless for use with laptops and mobile devices. But wireless routers don't easily add to what i have. Should I start over, or can I securely add a wireless router to wht I already have? Also, do I need to upgrade my existing wired eqwuipment to get the latest security and performance

 

[hang-the-9]

Get a wireless/wired router, connect that to the modem, get rid of the gateway, connect the switch to the router. Will work just fine.

 

[Emerald]

You should be able to just switch out the 3COM with a new wireless router.
Make sure to power cycle the modem after connecting a new router.

newer routers have a faster WAN connection which could even increase your internet speed on your network.

your current router has a 10Mb WAN and a 10/100 LAN ports.
newer routers have a 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Mb WAN and 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Mb LAN ports respectively.

You could also add a router, configured as an Access Point, to your network by connecting a network cable to one of the LAN ports of the wireless router

I like to use the WPA2 wireless mode over WEP.

A Linksys E2000 is a good, easy to configure router.