HELP NEEDED > Newbie Networking Question(s)

[pradeep1]

I am a total noob at this, so please forgive me. I could not find a FAQ on this, so here goes:

I have a Linksys BEFSR41 broadband router with 4 port switch:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit...name=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

and have two computers in an office. I currently have a cable modem hooked up to the router and two computers hooked up to it as well. The two computers share the internet connection. I'd like to have a basic file sharing and print sharing network set up.

Do I need to buy another network switch, or can I just use this router? I thought I could do that, so I enabled file and print sharing and added my computers to a domain and all, but neither computer can see the other computer. Only the main computer can see the printer, since the printer's USB plug is connected to the back of it.

These computers are on 24X7, so I figured I'd route the printer through the main office computer, so I could save money in buying a print server (my Brother MFC-8820D printer is not network aware).

Please advise.

Thanks,

Pradeep

 

[JackMDS]

Yes you can use a Router as a dumb Switch. Look at this page (ignore the Wireless part).

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what is allowed to be shared.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

:sun:

 

[pradeep1]

Hi JackMDS,

Thanks for your help, I got it working. Had to install NetBEUI, which I was not aware of.

Two more questions:

1. How do I get the two computers to remember the username/password for logging into each other?

2. Does allowing sharing on the network in any way decrease safety on this system and on the network? I have the network behind the NAT firewall built into the router, and also each machine has a software firewall, antivirus, spam protection, etc. running all the time.

 

[stelleg151]

AFAIK as long as you are behind NAT and your signal is only through the wired connections you should be fine from a security standpoint.

 

[pradeep1]

Originally posted by: stelleg151
AFAIK as long as you are behind NAT and your signal is only through the wired connections you should be fine from a security standpoint.

Very cool. Thanks for your help.

 

[JackMDS]

Sharing LAN resources is what a Network is all about.Hmm. You better read this,

However, as far as this statement goes, I Strongly Disagree.

Originally posted by: stelleg151
AFAIK as long as you are behind NAT and your signal is only through the wired connections you should be fine from a security standpoint.

Why? You should be the Judge, Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Freeware Security suit for Internet Connection Protection.

:sun: