networking question

[MattClary]

Buy a router and connect it to the DSL modem, connect PCs to the router. I have a wireless Linksys that's really sweet. No pesky wiring to worry about.

Another advantage to a router is it usually has a built in firewall. They aren't usually the best as far as firewalls go, but are usually upgradeable.

[dondo]

Hi!

Another way would be to have two network adapters in the machine that has the DSL connection. Connect the second computer to the first one via the second NIC. For the second machine and the second NIC in the first comp., set an IP address (You can just type that in at the properties dialog of the NIC).
And last, set the first machine as a gateway fore the second one.

This is probably not the best method, but should work (theoretically).

[elvis]

got an old PC lying around doing nothing?

http://www.smoothwall.org
http://www.ipcop.org
http://www.clarkconnect.org

any of those three will turn an old, low spec, 486 or pentium machine into a broadband router/firewall with several advanced security features including VPN, snort IDS, DMZ, etc.

[dvornik]

Buy a router. Definitely.

In case you run into troubles here's a place to go:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/sharing

[singularity2006]

if ur gonna get a router, I recommend the SMC Barricade series of routers... preferably, one of the Barricade series that offers manual IP assignments, packet filtering, and MAC address controls.

On my particular router, I have the network setup so that there is no DHCP, manual IP, one mac address per IP, packet filtering, manual port assignment, and 128 bit encryption for wireless as well as 56bit DES (I think it's DES) encryption for the powerline networking I run too. A whole lotta security to love. I just wish there was a way to disable the SSID broadcast... gotta find that too for a good router, assuming ur doing wireless.

[DuttyFoot]

wow thanks for all the help fellas, i already found the router and nic to get everything running. gonna get cable and then things will be moving. is there anything i would have to do software wise, like would i have to set anything up on the client pc so that their machine will work properly.

for example would i have to set up the connection manager where the internet connection is through a lan

[MattClary]

If you are using Win XP, it's plug and play. It's like freakin magic, it just works.

[singularity2006]

hmm.. I've never been a fan of WinXP's defaults and autosettings. I like having full control. =)

[MattClary]

You've GOT full control, you just don't need it to get set up. You have all the control you had under Win 2k or NT 4.

[singularity2006]

good point. I guess I like having that manual feel of entering this IP here and there... was never a fan of automatic installation. Stupid Microsoft and their stupid certified windows drivers... screwy video cards from that.. network cards too.

[MattClary]

Yep, you can disable DHCP and enter them manually if you want. Remember, XP is just the merging of the NT powerhouse kernel with the more soccer-mom friendly Win 9x. The tweaks just are buried a little deeper. ;)

[t-man152]

well to connect only 2 computers to the internet there's no need to get a router just get 2 ethernet cards in one of the PC's and connect one of them to the internet and the other one to the other PC. even easier if you have a USB modem just connect one computer to the other and the modem to the USB port. careful when you buy the ethernet wires theres two types one is 1 way and the other is 2 way you need the 2 way or else you will need a router. also the computer with the modem connected to it must be on for the other one to be able to use the connection.

[MattClary]

I just don't see using a router as being more difficult to use than 2 NICs in one computer. Is so bloody simple it's scary.

[t-man152]

Originally posted by MattClary
I just don't see using a router as being more difficult to use than 2 NICs in one computer. Is so bloody simple it's scary.

not more simple but cheaper

[MattClary]

Granted.

[dondo]

careful when you buy the ethernet wires theres two types one is 1 way and the other is 2 way you need the 2 way or else you will need a router.

With a router or a hub usually you don't have to worry about whether your cable is crosswired or not... most of these gadget automatically recognize it.

And even if it doesn't, it's not that complicated to make it crosswired...

[t-man152]

Originally posted by dondo
With a router or a hub usually you don't have to worry about whether your cable is crosswired or not... most of these gadget automatically recognize it.

And even if it doesn't, it's not that complicated to make it crosswired...

I know this I was just saying this in case he goes with the two NIC cards route

[DuttyFoot]

i heard of the usb, ethernet way but i would rather go with the router.
thanks for all the help fellas

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