I am trying to figure out how to setup my network here at home to suit all my needs (home and home-based business). All my machines are running linux--mostly Ubuntu. I could use some help making sure I'm on the right track.

I have cable Internet coming in to the basement. From there, I need to route 2 wired lines to computers (one in my office on the 2nd floor and one for a media PC on the 1st floor) as well as a wired line to a printer in the basement. Additionally, I need a wireless access point on the 1st floor for a laptops and the like.

I already have a Netgear WPN824 wireless router which is what I'm currently using. I figure I can disable the wireless on that and use it as the router in the basement where the internet comes in. I could then run the 2 wired lines to RJ45 outlets using cat5e cable, the 3rd to the printer (which would be near by) and the 4th to a Netgear WPN802 access point for the laptops.

Does that all sound about right? Anybody have experience with this type of setup in the home? I don't want to spend a fortune and I already have a WPN824... I wouldn't mind buying a new router and new access point if I will get better performance as long as each piece doesn't go out of the $100 range. Any hardware recommendations or things I should know before I attempt this would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Regarding hardware - I suggest you look at the HCL list here on linuxquestions or try www.linux.org. I have actually seen hardware in the shops now that say if its linux compatible.

The other point is to make sure the wireless part of the network is encrypted and don't forget to change passwords on routers etc, don't leave as the default setting.

I've found the Netcomm EoP adapters to be handy, then you don't need to run any cat5. The speeds not too bad (~88Mb max) for a soho lan either

cheers