said by tschuman13 :[*]Should I keep the FIOS router I have?
If you have a specific and or compelling reason to do so, then yes.
said by tschuman13 :[*]Does anyone have a recommendation for a wireless router with fast speed, dual band, and gigabit Ethernet?
Start with the router charts on smallnetbuilder.net, or go with the DIY box running a *nix routing distro if you're
a DIY / power user type.
said by tschuman13 :[*]Im also going to need a Gigabit Ethernet switch? Do I need to support Jumbo frames? It seems like a lot to configure and Im not sure Im up for it. Will it make a big difference?
If all your hosts are gigabit / jumboframe capable, and you are regularly moving large files across the network,
then enable jumbo frames.
said by tschuman13 :[*]Everything in my home network has been with Cat5 cables using Fast 100MB Ethernet. With the gigabit Ethernet in the new router, should I upgrade my cables to Cat6 or will Cat5e work better with fewer issues?
Cat5e is gig-speeds capable. If you have the time, inclination, and budget, and/or the residence is newbuild,
no reason not to install Cat6.
said by tschuman13 :[*]Will a router with USB 2.0 be better for sharing my data then using my laptop with eSata and gigabit Ethernet?
List of device bandwidths for your reference.
---
USB2.0 bandwidth 480Mbps
eSATA bandwidth (SATA3Gbps) 3000Mbps
FastEthernet bandwidth 100Mbps
GigEthernet bandwidth 1000Mbps
...given that, my takeaway'd be a) get rid of any fastethernet connections still on the network, b) preference
of esata v. USB2.0 speed-wise is a nobrainer, and c) it comes down to whichever medium is more convenient
to move files between machines.
My 00000010bits.
Regards