DSL and internet connection sharing

[JmsAndrsn]

I will be getting DSL in the next few weeks and had some questions about sharing this over a small home network(4 computers total). Right now, I share a dial-up connection using Winproxy program. I know that the easiest way to share the DSL would be to get an extra NIC for the server computer and then have the DSL go into one NIC(exernal NIC I believe) and then use the other NIC(interanl NIC I believe) to connect to the rest of the network.

I've heard a lot about routers and was wondering what advantages/disadvantages this might offer.

Also, would it be possible it connect the DSL into the uplink port of the network hub and share it this way?

 

[Agamar]

You should be able to use the uplink port on the hub for a connection, but I would go ahead and get a broadband router for $60-$100. Saves you a lot of other headache with firewalls and such.

 

[JackMDS]

The capacity to use a Hub directly to DSL modem depends on your authentication scheme (PPPOE).

With a DSL connection, it is better to use a router even if you have only one computer.

A Router provides Hardware FireWall, and Hardware "keep the PPPOE alive".

As a result, you get somewhat faster and smoother DSL connection.

More info here:

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

 

[calpha]

I prefer saving $ always, and as long as you don't have to install any third party software for your DSL Connection and your DSL Terminator is not USB, FREESCO is the way to go. It is SIMPLE to use, and works GREAT.

FREESCO

So, your setup would be:

DSL MODEM----->FREESCO NIC 1
FREESCO NIC 2 ------------> HUB
------------->COMP 1,2,3,4

All you need for FREESCO is at least a 386 w/ 6 megs of RAM, 2 NICs, and a FLOPPY.