First post, by pool7
I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations for both an ethernet switch and ethernet router (suggestions from any era are welcome, based on the below requirements).
The idea is to connect the following as of now (may need to add other "retro" devices later):
Pentium 3-era systems with lots of OSes (DOS 5.x up to Windows 2000, maybe even XP) - one desktop and one laptop
Raspberry Pi 3 running RetroNAS
PlayStation 2
Requirements:
-5 ports (though will accept suggestions for 4 through 8 ports as long as it doesn't get too bulky)
-small form factor
-no known issues with retro hardware/OSes (DOS 5.x, Win3x, Win9x, etc)
-best performance/price
-if possible 10/100/1000; however if a particular 10/100 model provides somehow better performance, then I'll be ok with it
For the router:
-same as above, plus:
-I'd prefer it be ethernet only (ie. no wifi), but I'll accept wifi routers as long as the recommendation is based on its ethernet performance (as I won't be using wifi for this)
-big plus if it has lots of customizations and/or its firmware can be replaced (similar to the idea of openwrt)
I must admit networking is not my forte, especially when it comes to choosing hardware.
I was able to find ethernet cards, and bought various models that were recommended here, mainly Intel and 3Com due to their long list of OSes supported.
But when it comes to switches and routers, while I know and understand the basic differences and basic working, I only ever heard some brands (ie. Cisco, Linksys, Dlink and maybe another I'm missing now), but no idea what I should be looking for to identify the best models.
Again, I don't mind if the suggestions are for old or new models, as long as it fits the above requirements.
Any other tips or things to avoid are more than welcome.
Thanks in advance 😀