How to setup Router & Switch Combo for 40 users?

[brayan]

Right now, I have around 10 computers running on a LinkSys BEFVP41 router with D-Link dss-16+ (200mh) switch. The ISP is adelphia and once I have Motorola surfboard 4200 modem, I have no speed issues.

I was reading the gigabit-networking question, and it sparked my interest. Ok, so in a few months I will have 40 users. Now, I have to figure out the best way to set this up, some will be 100ft away from the router--but I’m doing this now without problems.

I want to use cat 5 e 250mhz cable. With NIC cards, Router/switch & a ISP.
I was thinking about just adding another D-Link dss switch. Basically, it’s just internet surfing. I got a LINK SYS befvp41 for voice over Internet. Even with a gigi-NIC card and gigi-rj45 cable, the speed won't increase. Although, I used to have a 10mbps hub, and I could tell it was slower on Internet.
Any other suggestions ?

[bob]

I think you are on the right track. I would not bother with Gigabit Ethernet for a number of reasons...

I mean, if you guys are doing nothing but sending 100 megabyte files to each other, all at the same time then there will be some issues.

If you have 30+ users and they mostly surf the Internet. If you run on a quality cable, a quality switch and make sure everyone is set at 100 MB / Full Duplex and enjoy yourself. The cable connection is always going to be the bottleneck outside the network. The switch and the computers will be the bottleneck inside the network. If you run a high quality / fast performing switch and you'll have a fast network.

It's interesting to note that an 8 processor Compaq server that cost 120,000 only two years ago can be bought on E-Bay for around 2500 USD. You can find Terabyte tape backup solutions that cost well over 1 million USD 4 years ago for 10,000 USD now.

It seems to me that now is the best time to start up some hardware intensive business venture!