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05.14.2008 at 03:13PM PDT, ID: 23403377
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What the best router solution for a Mac/Windows environment?

Tags: Apple, Time Machine, NetGear, Linksys, APple, Router
I have a netgear router that's several years old and have been toying with the idea of installing some network disk for backup purposes. My wife and I use an macbook and we have 2 old xp machines for the kids. What's my best approach? I see posts about using netgear and linksys routers. I know Apple sells some hardware for this too.

How much does time machine slow the network down?
I'm assuming all the routers would be about the same from a speed point of view, but I don't know that.

Thx!
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Question Stats
Zone: Apple
Question Asked By: BillTr
Solution Provided By: nappy_d
Participating Experts: 6
Solution Grade: B
Views: 8
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05.14.2008 at 03:25PM PDT, ID: 21569239

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05.14.2008 at 03:27PM PDT, ID: 21569247

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05.14.2008 at 03:28PM PDT, ID: 21569254

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05.14.2008 at 04:17PM PDT, ID: 21569468

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05.18.2008 at 07:51PM PDT, ID: 21594980

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05.20.2008 at 09:22AM PDT, ID: 21607733

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05.14.2008 at 03:25PM PDT, ID: 21569239
Any NetGear or Linksys unmanaged brand will do fine. I would suggest going for a gigabit one, as even if you dont have gigabit cards at the moment you no doubt will at a later date.
 
05.14.2008 at 03:27PM PDT, ID: 21569247
Your Netgear router will work no problems AT ALL!!

Mac or Windows machines do not care whose brand is used for network connectivity.  All they care about is that the right protocols are used.  If your Netgear has 4 ports and runs at 100Mbps,  you are in an excellent position to support your two Mac books and XP machines to share your internet connection.

Now, since you want to add network backups, you will need to expand network port availabilty.  To do this, go to your local computer store, purchase a 4 05 5 port "NETWORK SWITCH" and a 3 foot cross over cable.

The cross over cable is used for connecting the network switch to one of the four LAN ports on your Netgear router.

You will have to disconnect one of your four computers from the Netgear, connect the cross over cable between the Netgear and the 4 or 5 port switch.

Connect the disconnected computer to the switch.

Now, you can add up to 2 or 3 more network devices like printers!


Time Machine
============
Time machine on a local LAN such as described above will be network intesive only on the first time run as it will have quite a bit of data to backup.  Addit'l backups are incremental(smaller). Speeds will not too much of a detriment to you.

You do not need any "special" Apple branded routers to make this all work.

I support these (Macs and Windows) all day and know this thru first hand experience.


Good luck
Accepted Solution
 
05.14.2008 at 03:28PM PDT, ID: 21569254
In my company we work Zyxel and Fritz . From what I hear from routers the best option is zyxel for stability now fritz has some good features too.Also in home i have linksys router . Time depends on the connection type cable or wifi and from the network cards but it's about the same in routers.
 
05.14.2008 at 04:17PM PDT, ID: 21569468
The D-Link DIR-655 (around $100-$130) is one of the best routers ever designed, in my opinion. Works great for offices, as well as home networks. Full Gigabit ports (LAN and WAN) , wireless-N capability, combined with by far the easiest configuration I have ever seen in a router. Works with every protocol I've tried.

Linksys is good, 2nd to Dlink. Netgear has burned me more than once with faulty hardware (either DOA or within 6mo.) Pretty much anything would work with what you are saying, but I would take this opportunity to get something nice :D
Assisted Solution
 
05.18.2008 at 07:51PM PDT, ID: 21594980
The only way to have no problems is to use an Airport Extreme or AirPort Express.  Ive had and seen problems with just about every other company router.  
 
05.20.2008 at 09:22AM PDT, ID: 21607733
The product apple makes that would probably suit you best is called Time Capsule.  It's both an airport extreme wireless router, can have a printer connected to it, and comes with either a 500GB or 1TB hard drive for network backups.
 
 
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