Cable/DSL router selections

[Blades]

COOL! I just lost my freaking old post! Anyways..

I have verizon dsl which requires software to go online with the modem. Is there a hardware router that will work with this? Probably not eh?

I think im SOL. But what are some good software routers out there?

 

[JackMDS]

You are so lucky, almost all the Cable/DSL Routers on the market can help you (even the one on sale for $30).

If you installed the DSL, you have already ID, and PassWord (write them down).

After you conected to your new shiny Router.

Start Internet browser, and make sure that the option menu is set to connect through LAN (the original DSL is installed as a Dialup).

Log on to the Router, in the PPPOE menu type username and password. Make sure PPPOE is checked. Set the router to obtain IP automatically (unless you have a static account).

As long as you don't switch off the DSL Modem, and the Router you are connected "forever" (the computer can be switched off). If you switch them off, when you switch them on again, it will take a minute, and the Router will automatically will connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET and Netscape (or whatever software they dished you).
Or you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another DialUp connection, in the Browser).

The Router's PPPOE capacity is independent from the Computer, and it keeps the connection alive.

Working through the Router should yield faster smoother Internet connection.

For general info:

AnandTech - FAQ: The Basic Options to Share Internet Connection (Internet Sharing 101)

AnandTech - FAQ: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

 

[Blades]

Thats great news! The problem I had was that my Windows 2000 domain server was not servicing my XP home laptop because xp home doesn't support domains! I used Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0 and that required me to authenticate and all that. Blah blah. You just made my week! This forum rules! always has and always will!


edit: is it easy to switch off the DHCP option on the router? I could just use my 2000 server for that.. but then again.. who needs my 2000 server now?! i wonder if DNS will still function properly with DHCP turned off on the w2k server?

 

[Blades]

Yet another question..

If I buy the netgear MR314 and I have one or two wireless clients surfing the internet.. Will it serve as a bridge into the rest of my network? That would be awesome!!

 

[rw120555]

Originally posted by: nin981
Yet another question..

If I buy the netgear MR314 and I have one or two wireless clients surfing the internet.. Will it serve as a bridge into the rest of my network? That would be awesome!!

Should be fine. As you seem to already know, you don't want multiple dhcp servers. I would let the router do the work, but I think you can disable dhcp on the mr314. If you want to be sure, just check out Netgears web site, click on customer support, and search for the mr314.

 

[Blades]

So I picked up a router and then i picked up the new 802.11a wireless ethernet system. It works great.. Just one more question:

does it really matter where you place the access point unit? Should it be better to have it higher, lower, in the center.. Where.


Thanks for your help.

 

[rw120555]

Location can matter. See Solving Wireless Range Problems

 

[JackMDS]

Higher above physical obstructions as much as possible, and close to the center of open space.

 

[Blades]

Thanks guys. Originally the station was placed near a couple fish tanks, and the website actually said to keep it away from fish tanks. I would have never known! heh.

Again, thanks a lot.

 

[rw120555]

Originally posted by: nin981
Thanks guys. Originally the station was placed near a couple fish tanks, and the website actually said to keep it away from fish tanks. I would have never known! heh.

You'd have suspected something was wrong, though, when the fish all started floating at the top of the tank (anybody else ever have neurotic fears that 20 years from now they'll find out 802.11b beams are a leading cause of cancer?)