[jonboy]

I'm hosting a lan party in a few weeks and I want to buy a new router for it.

I want to use the router as a bridge to provide Internet access for the attendees. I have a wireless router upstairs. The lan party will be downstairs. I'd like the attendees to plug their systems into the downstairs router, and get Internet access through the downstairs router to the upstairs router (wireless from router to router).

I'd like an 8 port router, as I'm not sure how many people are coming and I could need ports for 5 - 6 systems.

Will dd-wrt work for this? What's the best router to buy? Thanks =]

[Sash]

most of the info will be found here:

[phuzi0n]

Most consumer routers only come with 5 ports, to get more you'll have to either connect multiple routers or add a switch.

[buddee]

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linking_Routers

Also, my famous line, what are you wanting to spend on it? what features do you want in it? gigabit, USB, Dual N radios etc.

[jonboy]

Thanks for the info =]

Phuzi0n is definitely right about the number of ports. It seems the only routers that have 8 ports are expensive higher end routers with many other features that I don't need. So my plan is to get a consumer level router (that fully supports dd-wrt, of course) and an 8 port switch. Right now I'm leaning towards the BUFFALO WHR-HP-G54 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162134 and the D-Link DGS-2208 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127082 for the 8 port switch.

Speed is not a big issue. I just want to provide enough bandwidth for people to check their email and stuff. All actual gaming will be on the LAN.

[buddee]

Not a bad choice, If you have alot of people though, i would still go with something with a faster CPU and gigabit ports, yes this will matter.

[jonboy]

DD-WRT has been successfully installed and configured. I'm all ready for my LAN party =]

Thanks for the help. I can't believe how smooth the install and configuration went. I had literally zero problems.