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akwin's avatar
akwin
Aspirant
Jan 06, 2017
Solved

Wireless router recommendation for small business

Hi,

 

I am setting up a server, five workstations, and two wi-fi connected laptops in a small business. What switch/wi-fi router combo would you recommend? I also want the ability to set up a guest wi-fi network in the future. Most important features required for the switch/wi-fi router are security and simplicity in set-up. I bought several Netgear consumer routers before. Should I just use a nighthawk or some combination of prosafe products?

 

Thanks,

 

Alan

  • Hi Alan, 

     

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4 Replies

  • JohnRo's avatar
    JohnRo
    NETGEAR Employee Retired

    Hello akwin, 

     

    Welcome to the community! 

     

    A Nighthawk router along with a gigabit switch should do the job, it can definitely fill the needs of your small network. It also has a guest network setting and very easy to setup. If you think that the network will be bigger, you may also consider getting a ProSafe Firewall and Access Point. They are more secure and has features like VPN that you can use to manage your network remotely. 

     

    Thanks,

    • akwin's avatar
      akwin
      Aspirant

      John,

       

      Thanks for the reply.

       

      Should I choose unmanaged or managed switch?

       

      How would I connect the switches and router? I assume I would connect the switch to modem and connect Nighthawk to gigabit switch.

       

      Alan

      • JohnRo's avatar
        JohnRo
        NETGEAR Employee Retired

        Hi Alan, 

         

        If you plan to have VLANs in the future, I would suggest a manageable or smart switch (But be aware that the router also needs to support VLAN for routing purposes). The setup will be, Modem>Router/Firewall>Switch(es)>Clients

         

        Thanks, 

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