3com LAN modem "issues"

[cavingjan]

I recently had to switch NICs in my server and workstation. (buffer problems on one of them and since they were cheap generics from 4 years ago I figured I might as well replace both) I went with the Linksys LNE100TX (vers 4). I was having some problems with collisions on the network but that has subsided. I get the occasional one when playing mp3s off of the server but I would expect a few now and then on a hub. The router is the 3com LAN Modem 3C886. I did my normal thing of unbinding the TCPIP from sharing and windows client. That seems to be a big no-no. I was able to manually initiate a call and connect through the router, MSN messenger and Yahoo messenger were both able to initiate a call with the router but nothing else seemed to be able to have the router initiate a call. I went back and bound TCPIP back with everything and now all my programs can initiate calls. I can send all unsolicated packets to a computer that doesn't exist but I lose the ability to use Battle.net.
So, why does the linksys cards require the bindings to initiate calls to the ISP? I didn't have this problem with my old cards. Any other suggestions on securing this? I'm running win98 original and the server is NT4SP6a. The only thing shared on the workstation right now is the zip drive.

 

[cavingjan]

Ok. Maybe I spoke too soon. AIM wasn't initiating the phonecall last night. Why would some programs initiate on this system and some won't but ye tthose programs work fine on my other systems? I guess I'll whack the NIC and reinstall and see if that fixes it.

 

[Geist3]

I have no answers but a question:

I'm considering buying the 3Com OfficeConnect 56K LAN modem 3C886A-US. Do you think this a good way to go for a networking newbie who wants to set up a small LAN and share dial-up Internet?

Thanks

 

[Geist3]

How about these routers that can connect to cable, DSL, ISDN and 56K dial-up modems?

info From Practically Networked

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/hwrouter_chart.htm

These routers have:
One 10baseT RJ45 jack
Serial port for alternate dialup WAN connection
Four 10/100baseT RJ45 switched jacks
-=-=-=
Asante FriendlyNET 10/100 Cable/DSL router; FR3004 series
$150
no Uplink
OEM is AMIT
-=-=-=
D-Link DI-704 Residential Gateway
$110
OEM is AMIT
-=-=-=
MultiTech RouteFinder
$169
not AMIT
-=-=-=
SMC Barricade- 4 port
$140
OEM is AMIT
-=-=-=
SMC Barricade- 7 port
$181
Seven 10/100baseT RJ45 switched jacks
OEM is AMIT
-=-=-=

 

[cavingjan]

I got this one cheap from a friend of mine. I don't even think they make this model any more. Its nice and not hard to set up but I did have to change ISPs to use it. If I were to buy a new one now, I would probably get the SMC that way I was ready for DSL.

 

[Geist3]

Thanks. I was leaning toward the MultiTech, $30 more than the 4-port SMC. Maybe I should rethink thant.
Considering my area, I'll stick with 56K for awhile -- and dial-up may be handy once I get a mobile device like the Psion 5mx or Revo. Add in the price of the hardware external modem (MultiTech >= $108) plus two NICs, and the costs mount.
Any recommendation for modem or NICs?

 

[cavingjan]

Just a quick update, I fixed the problem it seems. I forgot that I deleted the entry for dts-net (never, ever, ever use this ISP no matter how cheap they seem to be) at the same time I switched NICs. I didn't think much of it until I noticed that the first ISP entry was blank and even though it wasn't checked, it was still a ghost and causing a problem. Bumped my isp to the first slot and no more problems. I feel silly.

 

[kingink]

I picked up the SMC Barricade router and have had absolutely no problems with it. I really like it. I also have a Linux Router Project Router running on a 486
and that works just as well and it was free. All donated parts and scavenged nics. I would suggest the SMC out of all of the above mentioned routers because you also get a printserver builtin and the upgradability to DSL/Cable service.
kingink