Comcast@home: Multiple IP's, or router?

[Wurlybird9]

I am going to be signing up for Comcast@home and they have the option of
Multiple IP's for a monthly fee...

....or I could just use a router to a single IP.
Which, all my friends say, screw the cable company, just do that.
That's what they have done.

However, I can't help but wonder if there are any advantages to having separate IP's.
Based on all the issues I've been hearing about gaming, Napster, videoconferencing, instant messaging, etc.

Jon

 

[AnimeKnight]

I have Comcast@home
the advantages of having separate IPs is that for gaming some of the server only allows one ip address to logon.. I.e. Battle net and it's less hassle.
having a router you have to know how to config it. if you do ftp, irc, sending files over istant messaging you always have to config the firewall. if you know how to config the firewall then go for one ip
I have both options. I have 3 multiple address and one of the ip is hooked on a router so i can go wireless in the house on my laptop.

 

[Wurlybird9]

Thanks for the response--
but maybe I should make it clearer what I'm concerned about--

My primary concern isn't really with gaming.
I'm more interested in file sharing,
especially w/ apps like napster--
I need to be able to use streaming audio and video....
and use ICQ, AOL IM, Yahoo Messenger, all that msging junk.

My friends advised me just to use a router,
but maybe they like to mess around with that firewall stuff,
I'm more interested in having things work well....

However, a guy at Comcast even advised me to get the router...
he claimed I would actually get better performance that way if multiple computers were utilizing the connection simultaneously.

also they have a free installation thing going, and i dont have an ethernet card so maybe i should let them do the extra IP and then if i dont want it i can just cancel....and keep the card maybe? Or just try both ways--multiple or routing...and see which works.

 

[Mday]

just go for the router.

there are sites for you to learn how to config the router.

 

[Wurlybird9]

Are you certain that no programs require separate IP's?
For example...what if two people in my house wanted to use NetMeeting videoconferencing at the same time...would that work?
Because netmeeting actually requires a distinct IP, doesn't it?

I'm going to keep reading around...but the installers are coming soon so I need to know what to tell them to do...

If there's anything besides games that requires extra IP's, please, let me know!

Jon

 

[TheMabbi]

Unless you can somehow convince them to do more work than they're required to, the install techs aren't going to setup more than one computer anyway, so don't let that effect your decision too much.

That, and you're going to be paying for any network cards they install. One is included in the price of the install, but if they install more (which once again, they almost certainly won't) they're not gonna be free.

 

[osage]

I say go for the router. Even a network challenged guy like me can set up a LAN with 3 PCs sharing a cable modem in just a few mins.

my .02

 

[Paulson]

Get a router.

It's really easy to set up.

Basically a router allows all out-going requests w/out question. Incoming requests are where you need to open ports and such.

Anyways, I didn't know didley squat about this stuff and I set up a linksys router w/in about 5 mins.

Get the router. There isn't a real advantage to having more than one IP, unless you're trying to set up your own dns servers...

 

[cruelpsycho]

If you are hosting a server (ftp,web,game,etc.) get multi ip's its less of a pain. with routers you have to open ports and sometimes people may need to connect several time (depending on setup) to do it successfully. and if they are behind a thier own net they may have more trouble. i use a router now.