"SMC routers"good or not??

[ImPAcT]

I currently have 4 computers and was wonting to split my @home cable internet connection.

I was wondering how good the 4 port SMC router is??
http://www.smc.com/smc/pages_html/homef.html

Is a router the best solution for networking 4 computers together??:confused:

[ncswimmer]

I have an SMC router, the SMC7004BR. I like it a lot, haven't had any problems with it. And I think that a router is the best way to go in terms of networking computers together and sharing an internet connection. A lot of people will recommend Linksys or Netgear. I've never used either of them, but they seem to be very good. The one I have is good, has auto sensing switch built in, as well as a print server and capability to connect an external dialup modem in case your connection goes down. It's easy to configure as well.

[LukeMan]

Let me second the above. Have the same unit ........the print server is great, easy to set up. Had mine for @6 months not a problem.

[ncswimmer]

I have yet to use the print server part of it. I have my printer hooked up via USB, and the other computer has the printer hooked up same way I think. We have a third printer, but my brother took it to school with him. We also have a fourth one, but it's at my parents' office. So there's no printer to hook up to the router. :( Oh well.

[YeOldeStonecat]

I prefer the NetGears for a home router solution. Solid units...well made, and fast.

I've dealt with many many Linksys, NetGears, SMC/Assante, Netopia, Cisco, and 3COM routers on the job...and have really found the SMC/Assante to be the cheapest and definitely reflect that they are the cheapest "Get what you pay for" routers. I'll never install/support the so called print servers on home routers....may work OK for small print jobs...but I've seen someone set them up in an office environment where an HP Laserjet was hooked up to it...and the routers print server sure can't handle large print jobs. I prefer HP Jet Direct for that and home printing.

[ImPAcT]

thx for all the replys... My dad went out the other day to buy that router, after i had told him to go with the netgear.. I found when we had it all installed that it was a little slower then out previous setup of a hub and ms ICS. Is there any tweaking that has to be done on a router to increase speeds or is there any improper settings can make a cable modem go slower???

[YeOldeStonecat]

You should find a hardware router faster than any software means of sharing...especially as more workstations are on at once.