Hub, Switch, router...HELP!

I have the Actiontect GT701-wg DSL Modem/Wireless Router from Qwest Communications. I have their best service (1.5M/s up|856K/s Down). I want to set up a web server for my web site, And I also have my two computers. My mom is also buying a laptop soon and wants wireless connectivity. What type of networking equipment do I need? All PC's will use XP Pro, and the laptop will most likely be Home.

 

I want to set up a web server for my web site,

How much traffic to you anticipate? The bandwidth you have is plenty for a home network but not if you expect to have a busy web server.

And to clarify, most broadband gives you more bandwidth in to your network (downloads and such) than out from your network (uploads to elsewhere).

1.5M/s up|856K/s Down is more likely to be 1.5Mbps download and 856Kbps upload.

How many wireless devices will that Actiontec GT701-wg support and does it allow the two you have now to talk to each other?

 

I really should prrof read more carefully. I meant 1.5 down and 856 upload. Also, My web server will probably not be busy at all. Maybe 100 hits a day or so to this site.
I dont have a wireless network card yet, So I dont know if they two computers I have now can talk. My main question is what type of hardware I need. A switch, router, or hub? I was thinking I need a hub since my Actiontec Modem/Wireless Gateway has a NAT Firewall and all router capabilities built into it.

 

Switch or hub is probably what you want for your home network. They allow devices on the same network (based on the IP address and subnet mask you use) to share files and printers. One of those and wireless network cards and you'll be in business. You can also get switches that allow you to mix wired and wireless PCs if you want to do that.

A router directs traffic to other networks and that's why it will allow your PC to do stuff on the internet.

Please read the sticky article since it will give you information you will need for your network and some information about issues with running a web server from your home network.

In addition to that information, you will need some way for folks to find your web server. If you can get your ISP to give you a fixed IP address, it will be fairly simple but otherwise it can get a little tricky - possible but tricky.

Note that some ISPs do not like your hosting a web server so they may not be willing to assign you a fixed IP. Check with them and post back.

 

I researched it a bit, and Qwest Communications (My ISP) will SELL Static IP's. I may not run that server after all...Maybe just a LAN server. I want to be able to play LAN games and have a remote file backup location for my important files (Music productions and web design). I can use my current free web hosr instead of having my own web server anyway.

 

Good decision I think Aku. Better idea if you really want to operate a web site would be to pay a fee to someone with a server that is in the business of hosting web sites. Lots less hassle to you that way and high server availibility.