I use Netgear switches like the GS105/GS108 all over the place. Never had a problem with them.

For routing/firewalling I use a soekris box with LEAF. But I'm doing a set of my own custom bridging filters.

The Linksys WRT54GL is a nice alterative. Designed to be firmware upgraded with other linux versions.
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80gig red mk2 -- 080000125
(No, I don't actually hate Alan Cox)