Can someone tell me if I got this right?

[SirGeeO]

I created a quick sketch of my network with MS Paint. Nothing fancy, just need a few questions answered

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5491/networkh.jpg

1 - ISP Modem
1 - Linksys WRT54G2 V1
2 - Dell Dimension Desktops (1 Wired, 1 Wireless)
3 - Laptops (2 Dell, 1 Acer) [1 Wired w/wireless capabilities , 2 Wireless]
1 - XBox (Connected via wireless router)

1. With the Laptop connected wirelessly, it has a XBox connecting through the Laptops Ethernet port. I gave the laptop 'Network Connection' (TCP/IP) autoconfig. I gave the Xbox 'LAN' TCP/IP a static address, with no default gateway listed (I only entered IP, and Subnet / DNS numbers also). I autoconfig the Xbox, and it gave me a Moderate NAT. What I did was turn off ICS, and bridged the 2 connections (Laptops & LAN/Xbox). It opened and the game plays, but is this ideal and does it affect performance so to say. The xbox has the default gateway of the Laptops IP. (not the routers IP). Is this correct, or does this limit certain activities, ex. when I'm the host is lags everyone out and says migrating host constantly on COD:MW2.

2. Are the computer's that are connected via wire to the router supposed to be using a dynamic IP or should those be static?

3. Why do my computers (wired) recieve so many packets? I'm talking 100's of millions of packets daily (even when I had leases being obtained daily, now I have 2 day leases).

4. By connecting to the LAN ports of the router, do that make those computer's more of the, central PC's? (maybe another reason I recieve so many packets?)

Any help is needed, these may sound like premature questions, but I inquire to make sure everything is configured right with no hitches. Yeah I'm able to connect online with all machines, but I ask these questions out of curiosity. Linksys (and when I had DLink), Dell, Microsoft, nor my ISP - Earthlink, are not a reliable source for making sure your home network is correct and your PC's aren't vulnerable because of a configuration problem you had going, you on the other hand thought everything was smooth sailing. <--I've seen these issues happen numerous times.

*On another note, I took a AUDIT test and it revealed very sensitive information in my opinion. It came back with typical things, but when it listed my private IP (the IP belonging to this EXACT machine I'm on), and area code/city, I kind of got on my edge. Is it a way to block this information by configuring something right?


Hope to get some feedback, all is needed...all is welcome!

 

[cpals]

#1 - I don't know the XBOX too well, but can't you buy a wireless adapter? That would be my first choice instead of allocating a laptop to your XBOX to use.

#2 - More of a preference... I have my main desktop static as I map ports on my router inside to the PC. Or you could have it hand out DHCP reservations... doesn't matter.

#3 - You're going to be getting a lot of broadcast traffic, but 100's of millions seems like a lot.

 

[her209]

Suggestion regarding the XBox setup. Instead of using a laptop, why not get a router that is capable of running DD-WRT/Tomato/OpenWRT/etc. and set that up to create a wireless bridge?

 

[VirtualLarry]

*On another note, I took a AUDIT test and it revealed very sensitive information in my opinion. It came back with typical things, but when it listed my private IP (the IP belonging to this EXACT machine I'm on), and area code/city, I kind of got on my edge. Is it a way to block this information by configuring something right?

Not really. You cannot block your IP, that's how your PC communicates on the internet. And IP geolocation will give the approximate physical location of your connection (generally, your ISP's closest node).

 

[SirGeeO]

much appreciated feedback...

@cpals - I don't wanna invest anymore money into Microsoft's fat pockets, buying a hundred dollar adapter for a game that's at risk 24/7 to get the RRoD.. oh no, lol...that's why I chose this set up...and the XBox isn't near the router or modem itself....it's on seperate floors..I mean everything works but sometimes games get a little ugly

@her209... - I have a Linksys WRT54G2 V1....that's not capable? :\ - Sux!

@Larry - ya know, I kinda figured that, but geez!, why so much vital information, I mean...a person could go somewhere with this information, rite?.... or wrong :sneaky:

 

[cpals]

much appreciated feedback...

@cpals - I don't wanna invest anymore money into Microsoft's fat pockets, buying a hundred dollar adapter for a game that's at risk 24/7 to get the RRoD.. oh no, lol...that's why I chose this set up...and the XBox isn't near the router or modem itself....it's on seperate floors..I mean everything works but sometimes games get a little ugly

@her209... - I have a Linksys WRT54G2 V1....that's not capable? :\ - Sux!

@Larry - ya know, I kinda figured that, but geez!, why so much vital information, I mean...a person could go somewhere with this information, rite?.... or wrong :sneaky:

According to the DDWRT database, that router is capable of running it.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database