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I'm pretty much going to echo /u/ilumos, but you have too many chiefs and not enough indians.

Your router is the boss of the network. What makes a router different from your switch is that it builds the network. Using DHCP, it hands out IP addresses to all of your connected devices and defines what belongs in the local network.

A switch is like a power strip for a network. You can take one port on your router and make it 8 (or 16, or 32, etc). It doesn't really perform any tasks other than extend the size of your network.

When you throw more than one router into same network, you start creating DHCP server conflicts. Essentially, you've created two networks on the same wires and the computers have a 50/50 chance of joining one over the other. In your case, some PCs were joining the router with an internet connection and others were getting stuck with the router that didn't have an internet connection.

The internet drops your one friend experienced were likely caused by IP Address conflicts, which were probably happening all over your network.

This is all really, really bad...but it's really easy to fix. Pick one router and set aside the other. If you need to connect more devices to the network, be sure to take up all 4 ports on the back of your router/modem and then all the ports on your switch. Need more? Invest in another switch. I highly recommend looking into getting a few of these TrendNet switches. They go on sale ALL THE TIME! Watch SlickDeals and you should be able to grab one for around $20.

Right now there's a great 8 port Netgear gigabit switch on sale for $20 [Edit: And this ZyXEL switch just went on sale for $15!]. Grab a couple of those, plug them into your router and all your problems will go away. Hopefully. =D

Here are the things I do, but many of them may not be applicable to you :P


1) I collect laptops to use for LAN parties that I host, bought at roughly $50-$75 a pop, then request that people to use those. Since we mostly play older games and many people don't want to move their desktop PCs anyways, this goes over pretty well.

2) I have a smaller collection of smallish monitors (19", 1440x900) that I force people to use. Nothing takes up asstons of table space like gigantic 24" or 27" monitors.

I was thinking that you could also make keyboard trays, something like this design that clamps onto the side of the table for pretty cheap. You could get a monitor stand that has keyboard storage underneath it like this one, but those often aren't meant for using the keyboard while the monitor is on top, they're not tall enough.

The lans I go to are too small to really bear much advice to you on the questions you listed.

Where I can provide some insight is in the types of table top games you should consider. Lots of folks (in the lan community) have been exposed to traditional pen/paper stuff like DnD. If you're looking to spice things up a bit, consider trying out some of the modern board games that are out. I'm sure some of your attendees will have already been exposed to these, but for the rest that haven't, they'll probably strike at least an interest or a few questions. BoardGameGeek has a list of the top board games out right now, some of which you might not have heard of. Settlers of Catan, Dominion, Race for the Galaxy, Carcassonne are some of the most popular. They're flashy, they're interesting, and they're usually under an hour (if not usually under 45 min) to play. They're an up and coming type of gaming that's spreading fast among the table-top/CCG/comics folks.

Edit: In retrospect, I kinda seem like a fanboy for this post, but holy shit they're really awesome games.

The monitor carrier is a great idea to protect the screen. BUT, for the cpu I suggest getting a cart like this and bungie cords to tie it all down on while traveling through the airport instead of trying to lug the case and monitor physically. I have used one of these for years, it was worth every penny.

Other suggestions:

If you have the original boxes for both, I highly suggest that you ship them via Fedex or UPS instead in their original boxes.

If you are going to fly with them, and you want to chance checking them to fly in the underbelly of the plane, I suggest you pull out your Graphics card(s) and Hard Drives, and place them in your carry on luggage, I've seen the end results of the TSA taking apart computers to inspect these part and then just tossing them back into the case willy-nilly.

Check your local LANs at http://lanpartylist.com/ or as another commenter posted, google "LAN Party" + your state/region. I don't recommend searching by city since you might miss out on a sweet LAN only a few more miles down the road.

Generally speaking for most public LANs, assume that a chair and 3-4 feet of table space is provided for you, and nothing else. Cables are generally a cointoss, so always assume you'll need your own. You should bring the following at minimum.

• Computer
  
• Monitor
  
• VGA / DVI / HDMI / DisplayPort cable
  
• Headset with functional microphone
  
• Mouse
  
• Keyboard
  
• An X360 controller, just in case a racing game is played.
  
• 15' ethernet cable
  
• Power cables
  
• All Windows Updates installed. No one likes viruses.
  
• Your computer should have a screensaver password, a BIOS password, and preferably some sort of locking mechanism depending on the venue.
  
• Shareable chips, soda or water, assuming they run a community chest.
  
• CASH for a community pizza run. Assume $7-10 per head.
  
• Consider a folding hand truck and some bungee cords to carry your PC + monitor in. They're the preferred transport of Quakecon! :)
  
  The LAN host will generally post a list of "the community's favorite games" or possibly even a schedule with specific games. Install all of these in advance and make sure they're fully patched the night before game day, since bandwidth may be limited or non-existent even. Put Steam into offline mode until you know it's safe to go online.
  
  
  
  Do NOT bring:
  
  
• An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). They draw too much power and can trip a circuit mid-game. Don't be that guy.
  
• A space heater, microwave, lava lamp, or other power-sucking device that isn't your computer.
  
• Speakers. Believe me from my days in LANmaniac that this will eventually lead to a loudness war. Small USB speakers are sometimes okay (check the host's rules) for downtime in-between games if you're showing videos to friends, but they should never be used while gaming.
  
• A chair, without the express prior consent of the host.
  
• A monitor or TV greater than 3' in horizontal width, unless again you have permission from the host.
  
• A cooler full of ice, since spills do happen and they're not fun around electricity. Use the cold packs instead.
  
• An ethernet switch, hub or router. Hosts don't like troubleshooting network issues they didn't introduce themselves.
  
• Any NAS devices. An external hard drive is usually tolerable, but a mini computer with its own ethernet port rarely is.
  
• An attitude.
  
• Loneliness. You're there to play games with others, not play WoW solo or check Facebook.
  
  
  Have fun!
  
  

What I've been doing is getting to everyone I can before the lan and setting up all the games for them before the lan. Sometimes you can't get to everyone, in that case send them a flash drive with all the files they need and ask that they bring it back to the lan. Setup takes at least 2 hours if not prepared! DON'T use wifi! Run ethernet cables to every station. When purchasing cables, make sure they support gigabit! I really like multiple multiple 5-8 port hubs, one for each table. Take a look at these, it's worth the purchase!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LS2HM0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BIPI9XQ/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N99BBC/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's a half-decent 8 port:
https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Gigabit-Ethernet-Desktop-TL-SG1008D/dp/B001EVGIYG
And a better 16 port:
https://www.amazon.com/D-Link-16-Port-Gigabit-Switch-DGS-1016A/dp/B0092KZBCQ

Pretty much anything will work, just remember you'll need one port for each computer, then one to link the switch to the next higher device (another switch or the router).

Just do some searching for extension cables on amazon or someplace similar, or hit your local hardware store. Look for 14AWG or better, at whatever length you need.

This guy is a pretty good resource. Check out "Section 4: networking" under his A+ study videos. He also has a Network+ series. If you decide you really want to get in depth you might check out a CCNA study guide like this one. CCNA goes more into enterprise level stuff than you will need (and it's obviously cisco-centric), but you will still learn a lot of good networking theory.

1.I will do my own research into this!

2.The computer count just dropped to 6 could i use this one that /u/PDXPayback said i could?

3.The router-Ethernet Thing shouldn't be a problem as the router is
on top of one of the pc's (Im^holding^It^Now)

4.My dad is an electrician so ill ask him about where are the breakers so i can not trip the power

and finally THANK YOU!

something like this, keep away from noname, or storebrands.

A good guide of how to build a proper highspeed router of old hardware can be found here

Remember that routing is not CPU intensive, i have used a 10 year old pentium3 powered computer to run a 50 person lan. Anything that boots and has two network adapters will work. The reason for doing all this is to minimize lag and add some extra security to all.

This is a super low budget option that would give you 8 inputs.

You would need an HDMI splitter for each console. Buy one first and test to make sure it doesn't create a delay.

​

Monoprice 8X1 Enhanced Powered HDMI Switcher w/ Remote

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Enhanced-Powered-Switcher-Remote/dp/B003L14X3A/

​

Elgato Cam Link (Running OBS)

https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Cam-Link-Broadcast-Camcorder/dp/B07N4B5JZT/

Do you have a router? If so, you can use the remaining ports on that router and maybe one of these http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Unmanaged-GREENnet-Standard-1000Mbps/dp/B001QUA6RA/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377833383&sr=8-1&keywords=gigabit+switch, most devices ISP's rent these days, are modem/router combos. Also ask your friends, maybe they have spare switches and what not, my friends always did, as well as I.

100 Mbps is old fashioned. It doesn't cost that much more to get a gigabit capable switch and is totally worth it.

The Gear Grip Pro has for decades been the ideal product for this, imo.

https://www.amazon.com/ThinkGeek-108-0170-GearGrip-Pro/dp/B00021UJSK

I use a throat mic for car stuff and while its great because you cant hear wind/music/exhaust/other people in the car. It is utterly terrible for voice quality. I have a hand full of these in my lan bag. If someone forgets a mic, or breaks theirs, or has an utterly shitty mic that either transmits ALL the sound or sounds terrible we loan our one of the zalmans to them. Adjust the sensitivity so its only picking up there voice when talking at a comfortable level and you should be good to go.

Honestly, I would just go gigabit. If you're going to be transferring stuff between computers (think Steam backups) 100mbps converts to about 12 mb/s, whereas Gigabit (1000mbps) is about 10 times faster.

A few other people have linked various switches in this thread, haven't seen this one mentioned yet though.

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Unmanaged-GREENnet-Standard-1000Mbps/dp/B001QUA6RA 8 port Gig router for about $30 would be good to get. If your at 8 people and have internet you will need another switch and someone can't be on gig.

I'd recommend thicker gauge extension cables to support the 15amp circuit and heavy duty gaffer tape (don't use it on walls) to hold it down. Try to balance laptops and desktops, not just for electrical load balancing, but table space.

https://www.amazon.com/2883-Heavy-Duty-Contractor-Extension-Lighted/dp/B000KKLMO8

https://www.amazon.com/Polyken-Coated-Premium-Gaffers-Length/dp/B00DZ5V2IG/ref=sr_1_16?s=industrial&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1479774940&sr=1-16&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BG4O8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is ideal but I may upgrade to something that has wheels.

ISP Bandwidth does not matter on LAN. Are you playing over wireless? If so you may see some slight intermittentcy depending on what type of access point/router that you have. You may want to look into a small switch. Here is an example of a small switch that you could use for a wired lan.

Honestly, you will want internet. Someone will need an update. Some games require you to connect to an online matchmaking service. What I would do is buy a really long ethernet cable to connect the router to the switch. Very low-tech, but not very expensive.

Absolutely, I found a trendnet on amazon for ya:
TRENDnet 8-Port Unmanaged 10/100 Mbps GREENnet Ethernet Desktop Plastic Housing Switch,TE100-S8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M2UZBK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_zeWtub0EY1P1Q

AOE2 is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005N9A7/

100 feet 7 dollars. done

http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-Network-Ethernet-Office-Product/dp/B000V0IE6G

I would send back the switch & get something that is full Gigabit. That switch is only 100Mbps. This is the gigabit version of yours.

1000Mbps = 125MB/s

100Mbps = 12.5MB/s

For the extra $6, go with this one. It's the 8 port version of that switch. I've been using one for years with no issues, and that way when you want to add a 5th, 6th or 7th seat, there's no extra headache.