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[Nickbat]

I've been reading many online guides and articles this morning, but feel my head is about to explode with all the different options I have. Can one of you techie guys help me out?

I want to set up a home network.

This is what I have:

1 PC (Win XP) with wireless internet PCI card. 1 LAN Port (speed unknown).

1 New build PC (Win 7) with Gigabyte GA-A75-D3H Mobo which has one RJ45 Gigabit LAN port.

1 BT Infinity Home Hub downstairs.

I want the new build PC to be my main PC, with the XP machine for family use. (Both machines upstairs).

I want the XP machine to access my printer and share files/programs. I'm open as to whether it should have its own internet connection or share mine.

I'm open to cabled or wireless suggestions, but would like a system that is reliable and "future proof" (as much as anything is these days!)

Cat 5? Cat 6? Wireless switch? I'm getting a bit swamped by all the permutations.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received. 

[CaptainZok]

How about a cable from your router to a gigabit switch upstairs (4way is about the smallest I've seen) and then two cables one to each pc.
Latest addition to my network at home was done in cat6 but all the existing cabling is cat5 but it still runs at gigabit speeds.

[OOMV6]

Sometimes I think things get a little intense for the home user. I kept it relatively simple, not to get bogged down with the technicalities.

One wireless router.
3 PCs with wireless network cards.
One wireless printer
One cabled printer.

The main PC is plugged into the cabled printer. If the printer is needed from another PC, it goes via the main PC, which has to on, obviously.
All PCs can access the wireless printer.
Home network set up in windows, following the straight forward wizard, then done in the other PCs. File sharing, and "rights" set in each PC.
All done.

[Nickbat]

How about a cable from your router to a gigabit switch upstairs (4way is about the smallest I've seen) and then two cables one to each pc.
Latest addition to my network at home was done in cat6 but all the existing cabling is cat5 but it still runs at gigabit speeds.

Thanks, Zok. Is this suitable?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/linksys-5-port-gigabit-ethernet-switch-612921

[Nickbat]

Sometimes I think things get a little intense for the home user. I kept it relatively simple, not to get bogged down with the technicalities.

One wireless router.
3 PCs with wireless network cards.
One wireless printer
One cabled printer.

The main PC is plugged into the cabled printer. If the printer is needed from another PC, it goes via the main PC, which has to on, obviously.
All PCs can access the wireless printer.
Home network set up in windows, following the straight forward wizard, then done in the other PCs. File sharing, and "rights" set in each PC.
All done.

Yes, I agree that is simple and it was the route I was going to take, but after receiving fibre-optic internet, I discovered that BT recommend wired rather than wireless for fastest connection. That is what threw me a bit. 

[CaptainZok]

That would do the job Nick.
Whilst wireless would work, wired is faster and much more secure.

[Nickbat]

That would do the job Nick.
Whilst wireless would work, wired is faster and much more secure.

Thanks Zok. Now I think I know what I need!!

That one is out of stock, but the Cisco SE2500 is available at Currys/PC World (clears throat...) 

[Kevin Wood]

.. or one of these...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-GS105-5-port-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B0000E5SEQ/ref=dp_cp_ob_computers_title_1/278-8351076-0654702

I like the construction of the Netgear ones. Nice sturdy metal box.

If the machines are staying where they are, certainly best to go to the effort of wiring them.

[Nickbat]

.. or one of these...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-GS105-5-port-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B0000E5SEQ/ref=dp_cp_ob_computers_title_1/278-8351076-0654702

I like the construction of the Netgear ones. Nice sturdy metal box.

If the machines are staying where they are, certainly best to go to the effort of wiring them.

That one's in stock at Maplins, Kevin, at £29.99. I'd like to get on this weekend rather than wait so maybe I'll take your recommendation.  

[tunnie]

Nick, if you are around my way I can give you a 24 port switch for free   

[tunnie]

Looks a bit like this:



Maybe a bit over-kill for your environment, but its sitting here taking up space!

[CaptainZok]

 
You might find that handy Nick. You can use 568A or B as long as you use the same colour coding on each end of the cable.

[Nickbat]

Nick, if you are around my way I can give you a 24 port switch for free   

 

Thanks Tunnie, but "getting round your way" would cost me £30 in juice with my V6 (and my heavy right foot!!). 

[tunnie]

Nick, if you are around my way I can give you a 24 port switch for free   

 

Thanks Tunnie, but "getting round your way" would cost me £30 in juice with my V6 (and my heavy right foot!!). 

No probs, I plan to go to Wicks at Hanger Lane this afternoon, but thats still a fair distance from you. 

[OOMV6]

Sometimes I think things get a little intense for the home user. I kept it relatively simple, not to get bogged down with the technicalities.

One wireless router.
3 PCs with wireless network cards.
One wireless printer
One cabled printer.

The main PC is plugged into the cabled printer. If the printer is needed from another PC, it goes via the main PC, which has to on, obviously.
All PCs can access the wireless printer.
Home network set up in windows, following the straight forward wizard, then done in the other PCs. File sharing, and "rights" set in each PC.
All done.

Yes, I agree that is simple and it was the route I was going to take, but after receiving fibre-optic internet, I discovered that BT recommend wired rather than wireless for fastest connection. That is what threw me a bit. 

Sure. It all depends on proposed usage. For my needs wireless it plenty quick enough.
Wired will always be quicker, but unless you are doing real serious up/down loading, gaming, etc, wireless is adequate normally. Just a choice you need to make.