LAN vs Router: How do I set it all up..newbie

[MaTai2]

Hey all,

I am new to this msg board stuff, so take it easy on me. I have two computers at home one running windows 2000 pro and one running windows 98 (not the SE version). We just got a SBC DSL modem (efficient 5360) and we want to both be able to use the modem simultaneously.

We already have a Linksys 4 port ethernet hub ( i don't remember which one, but it is a 4 port hub with an extra output to hook up other hubs.) that my roomate had bought before we moved. Well anyway, I need like some good step by step instructions on how to set up our cpu's to simultaneously use the DSL line and instructions on how to get our CPU's to "see" eachother and be able to transfer files between. Thanks for all of your help.

Matt:angel:

[i6s1]

1. Put another NIC in the 2000 box
2. Plug that NIC into the modem.
3. Plug the other NIC and the on in the 98 machine into the hub.
4. Install some Proxy software.


For more details:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/

[DoPeY5007]

what i6s1 said won't work with SBC DSL, you will need to get a router, I have SBC and unless things have changes no ICS soft will work...


best and less headache is to get a router

[DREDD]

here's what i did...

Buy a router for about $80 with a built in 5 port Switch. then plug the Modem into the WAN port on the router. Each computer you want to use the router goes into the other ports (labled 1,2,3,4 etc). Then you login to the router via your web browser. The details are in the user manual that comes with the router. Then you either have to enter your PPPOE login name and password so the modem logs you in instead of your computer, or you have to get the MAC address which is how the network (your ISP being the server) knows you're connected and gives you access to the internet with an Ip address. This would mean you run via DHCP or Dynamic Host Connection Protocol. You get the router's MAC address and give it to your ISP and have them register that instead of your computer's MAC address. That way the router gets the IP and it sends it to the other systems on the network. You can give each computer a specific IP or allow the router to assign an IP via DHCP. Usually routers have the address 192.168.1.1 and each system has a similar address such as 192.168.1.2 or 192.168.1.5 and so on.

This may be alot to swallow but it's mostly automatic. You can even open a port or open all ports to one or more of your computers so you can host internet games and connect to them. Without opening the port the router rejects any signal from outside that interfaces directly with the network. It acts like a frewall protecting you from hackers etc. Only basic things like the web or email will work without opening ports.

If you need details or have any questions contact the manufacturer of your router of consult the online guides and manuals included with the router you buy.

Hope i helped

[DoPeY5007]

that is a mouth full, but with SBC the MAC address will not have to be played with, just the PPPoE settings....

[bachviet]

I use DirecTV DSL (from PacBell), SMC router with print server, and everything sets up automatically! I have static IP address and no password is needed to log in! Even you could use 2 NICs and make your connection worked, I suggest you get a router 'cauze you have to leave the main computer (w/ 2 NICs) on for the other computer to connect!

[DoPeY5007]

Originally posted by bachviet
I use DirecTV DSL (from PacBell), SMC router with print server, and everything sets up automatically! I have static IP address and no password is needed to log in! Even you could use 2 NICs and make your connection worked, I suggest you get a router 'cauze you have to leave the main computer (w/ 2 NICs) on for the other computer to connect!


A server ( Windows based @ least ) with PPPoE DSL will not work, a router is needed, only static IP can be done on a server....

[Merlin]

Best advise I can give if you have questions is to call your ISP and ask them about home networking. Most of them have nice little packages with diagrams available.

[DoPeY5007]

Originally posted by Merlin
Best advise I can give if you have questions is to call your ISP and ask them about home networking. Most of them have nice little packages with diagrams available. not SBC though, last I talked to them it was a nono...

[bachviet]

Don't need to install the software and the cables are straight cables not cross! The only time you use cross cables is PC to PC! I have SMC Barricade 7004 and no software installation is needed! Just setup the internet automatically and everything should work! I have static ID though so I don't know if it works with dynamic ID!