Cable modem VS 3 Gaming Computers

[lena]

Anytime you add a computer to your personal network, you're essentially dividing your bandwidth. However you shouldn't have much problem with lag as long as each component you're using to connect to the internet is fast and reliable. You're only as fast as your slowest part.

My suggestion would be to make sure that you buy a name-brand, high quality router (not a switch). Each of the big networking hardware manufacturers have entry-level devices. Avoid those and go straight to the middle/top-line models.

Also, although unnecessary, it might not hurt to get a dedicated NIC in each of the three computers.

Finally, if you're renting a Cable modem from your service provider, return it and buy your own. That way you can use a high quality modem as well. If you've taken all the above steps (and providing your computers themselves aren't lagging) you should be good to host more than three computers for internet gaming.

Cheers,
lENA
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[Schotty]

Interesting, however with my craptastic setup I get minimal issues with heavy usage.

I am back with Dad for a few months now, and I have three machines doing something (one workstation, two lappies), my Dad's PC and brother's PC. All are generally active to some degree, whether it be streaming content, my WoW playage, or one of my myriad of vms/live systems going out and grabbing updates. We have the Uber crappy Motorola handout that locks every now and then, a Linsys as the main router, and my Netgear that adds wifi for me to use. All are using the built in onboard NICs. Nothing fantastic, but it works.

I have on occasion hosted LAN parties and have had zero issues playing CSS, WoW, Quake 4, UT 2004 where we all gang up on some lamers that need pownage No issues.

I have real reservations as to the real value of going and getting nice 3COM or Intel rackmount routers and switches to add at max a few percent of performance. Granted, I will always reccomend getting the better component, such as spending the money on a nice 3COM or Intel NIC, but when it comes to the REAL networking gear, there is little value.

Of course, this is my opinion based off what I have sold companies and have seen as far as results. $2000 or so to rig up a sweeet LAN is fine and dandy, but hardly works better than just using good NICs in the first place, since that is where the bulk of the work is being done -- the NIC itself and in the driver.

Of course, this is MHO, and YMMV

[lena]

[QUOTE=lena;138024]Anytime you add a computer to your personal network, you're essentially dividing your bandwidth. However you shouldn't have much problem with lag as long as each component you're using to connect to the internet is fast and reliable. You're only as fast as your slowest part.

My suggestion would be to make sure that you buy a name-brand, high quality router (not a switch). Each of the big networking hardware manufacturers have entry-level devices. Avoid those and go straight to the middle/top-line models.

Also, although unnecessary, it might not hurt to get a dedicated NIC in each of the three computers.

Finally, if you're renting a Cable modem from your service provider, return it and buy your own. That way you can use a high quality modem as well. If you've taken all the above steps (and providing your computers themselves aren't lagging) you should be good to host more than three computers for internet gaming.

Cheers,
lENA
_________________
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