Building First LAN, What Brand Do I Use?

[Hopper]

Hi Guys, I'm putting my first LAN together but can't decide on a brand or brands. I don't usually take the cheapest route but then again I don't drive a Benz either. I was thinking 1 mfg for everything. Like Linksys or Dlink. Good Idea or not. I ain't shooting for the Adaptec Moon if you no what I mean. Thanks

[This message has been edited by Hopper (edited 05-29-2000).]

[WJWheels]

Hey Hopper. I've got 3 pc's and a laptop on a lan using ICS and it works like a dream. I don't think the *brand* of nics makes much difference. Here's my hardware line-up.

Hub: 5-port Linksys 10BaseT
Nic1: 3com ASI 10BaseT
Nic2: 3com PCI 10BaseT
Nic3: Linksys PCI 10/100
Nic4: Linksys Combo PCMCIA card

Make sure with the PCI cards that they're in a slot that supports PCI Bus Mastering.

Good luck to ya, and I hope this helps.

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"Be what you is, cause if you be what you ain't, then you ain't what you is."

[Hopper]

Hi WJ, I here some strange tales from other folks unable to get their LAN up an running. I was just thinking w/one mfg it would be easier to hammer at them if it wasn't a spotted dog so to speak. Mabey their is no rhymn or reason.

[Omletteboy]

I've also mix and match nics and had no problems. A 3com ISA, GVC PCI, generic Realtek pci. My hub is a 3com 8 port.

Linksys and DLink are quite pricey... but they're good brand.

[Floppyman]

Hi,

I got 2 Linksys 10/100 pci NIC's at Onvia.com real cheap...they have worked out great since ,for my LAN.

[glc]

I agree with the single brand theory, you will get better support if you need it. I would not hesitate to use any of the following:

Linksys, D-Link, SMC, Kingston

Go with price, warranty, and tech support policies (hours, is it toll free, etc.).

[HAL9000]

Personally, for home use, I use whatever is a good deal at the time. For business clients, I stick with one brand, usually 3Com because I never have a problem with it and the client usually doesn't mind spending the money for the reliability.

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If it ain't broke, you're not pushing hard enough!

[Troy]

I use Dlink NICs in my LAN. Never had any problems with them.

[Hopper]

Ok Guys, I am going o try putting a list together. Correct me if I need it. I don't know if I'm going to get components together or not. Doctor wants me to come into their motel for Dialysis. I was looking at cards today, Dlink 530TXs 10/100. OK

[This message has been edited by Hopper (edited 05-31-2000).]