I have six separate work stations and I want to ...

Hello. There is probably no "best" router - your choice will depend on what you need. You need to consider speed (10/100mbs or gigabit) and the number of computers to be connected. I don't completely understand what you want to do with two networks, and what will be connected to what. Will you also have an internet connection? If not, then you probably don't even need a router - a switch will do; the router just allows you to get to another network - in this case the public internet.

Do you want wireless in this equation? You mentioned security, and wireless is always a security risk.

Give me some more info on the network topology you have in mind and I can give you a better recommendation.

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Dave

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No wireless. There are four workstations that will need restricted information from one source computer and one workstation that will need different information from same source computer.
What would be the best way to set this up? The information is highly confidential personal information about people and cannot be compromised. The four workstations need to access this information in a limited way. Where the other 1 computer is more a general information and need to be restricted to a few folders and programs. The four computers need to be view only
with no access to change the information.

NO internet access for the four work stations. The one workstation and source computer must have internet access.

I would suggest the following:

1. The "source" computer (which might also be considered a server) should have two network cards.

2. The four computers can be connected to a switch along with the first network card on the "source" comptuter.

3. The other workstation will be connected to a router (not a switch), and the second network card on the "source" machine will also be connected to the router

4. The router will be connected to your internet service, and will function as the internet gateway. Only the "source" computer and the single workstation will access it.

__________________
Dave

Good answers are not free. If my answer is helpful, please click the "Accept" button (even if you paid a deposit)- this is the only way I get paid for my work. Positive feedback is also greatly appreciated.