Best configuration for a home network?

[1969iggy]

I’m trying to set up my new house, but am lost on the best way to do it. I’ve got all my wires run to one spot in the basement, but don’t know what to do next.

Option 1)
Set up my cheap wireless router (Linksys WRT54GL), plug it into my cable modem and a big 24 port switch (like the D-Link DGS-1024D), and then run all the connections from there. There will be a few 4 port switches like this one in a few locations (2 or 3) that chain off the switch in the basement. Also, a WAP that can either have a direct connection to that 24 port switch, or plug into one of the switches elsewhere in the house.

I have a diagram, but can't post it. It's on my hard drive, not hosted...

Option 2)
Using the 4 ports on the back of the router to go to three 4-port switches that each have some wired network plugged in. Again, in at least two of the locations where I have one network connection in the wall, there will be 2-4 devices plugged in via a 4-port switch like the one linked below.


Questions… beyond the Which Option is Best?

1) Is it worth getting a new router for the basement? This one is 10/100, and I can pick up a 10/100/1000 for not too much.
2) WAP on it’s own direct connection to the router, or run it through the switch?
3) In the areas where I have the 4-port switches, does it make sense to go with Gigabit devices? Only if I upgrade the router?
4) Anything else to consider for a high performance home network? My goal is to never have my network be the bottle neck (if god willing I can ever get FIOS).


What I have;

Linksys WRT54GL 802.11b/g Wireless Broadband Router (only 10/100)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190


D-Link DAP-1522 802.11b/g/n Xtreme N 2.4/ 5GHz Selectable Dual Band Wireless Gigabit Bridge/Access Point (10/100/1000)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127256




What I am thinking about getting;

D-Link DGS-1024D 10/100/1000Mbps 24-Port Green Technology Rackable Switch

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817111031&bcsi_scan_2FA8E2421A4EF67F=K8hdFHZEsJXRdLGxYDxuz6C 9VikSAAAAP4ZVBA==&bcsi_scan_filename=Product.aspx



NETGEAR GS105 10/100/1000Mbps ProSafe Gigabit Desktop Switch with Jumbo Frame support 5 x RJ45 4000 MAC Address Table 128K On-Chip Packet Buffering

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=33-122-128&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo

[RickyTick]

How many PC's are going to be on this network?

[1969iggy]

I will have at least 2 pcs (hard wired) and 1 laptop... but the real number will come from 2 Western Digital media boxes, and at least 3 XBox 360s, a PS3, a Wii, and at least a few wireless devices (plus maybe a TV or two).

Granted, many times not all of these will be hitting the network, but they will be attached. I'm concerned that with so many plugged in, there may be a lot of network traffic if things are turned on, and messages get broadcast to every device from every device (like with a Hub)... i know a switch should work better, but still concerned.