I want to network 3 PCs, and I already have some hardware... What can complete my network?

[TaylorD]

i want to network 3 pc's (two desktops and one laptop.) All the computers will be located near phone outlets.

I already have some networking equipment
The laptop has 10/100 ethernet
One of the desktops has 10/100 ethernet
I have two PCI Intel anypoint 10mbps phoneline network adapters.
I have two LinkSys WUSB11 Wireless 802.11b USB adapters.

I want to be able to share a connection to AOL and/or DellNet (MSN)
I am trying to figure out if theres a way to connect to DellNet using a standard DUN connection.


If possible, I'd like to be able to do this without leaving any one of these PCs on at all times. So I guess my question is this: What are my options for adding a server of sorts to share the dial up networking connection? Should I get another PC and put WIN2k on it or something? Or should I add some networking device with a built in modem (Only the Lucent Orinoco RG-1000 comes to mind)? The only problem I can see with something like the RG-1000 is if DellNet can't use a standard DUN connection, then the RG-1000 cannot use its modem to dial into DellNet.

Any ideas/help are appreciated... I have kind of come to the realization at this point that I may need to shell out some more cash to make this work, and thats fine. The cheapest solution would still be best though.

 

[JackMDS]

One possibility is to buy SMC Wireless Barricade. It will provide you with Wireless Access point.

The Barricade has also Serial Port for external modem connection.

You can get it for a great price at amazone.com (with $30 coupon).

 

[TaylorD]

i would assume with that setup i need a specific modem? Or just any serial modem?

and I would also assume it needs a standard DUN connection, so it cant use AOL or DellNet (unless I can find a way to connect to dellnet using standard DUN)

Thanks for the advice...

 

[JackMDS]

Any serial modem will do.

Not sure about AOL. Ask AOL tech, and Dell tech, they may be have an answer.

In addition this gizmo will work very well once you have Cable/DSL setting.

 

[fargus]

If I remember the documentation correctly, AOL isn't supported on the Barricade's dial on demand. You need an ISP that doesn't need any special client software.

I'm using the Wireless Barricade with an external USR Courier modem. Works great. This unit gives you a built in print server and 3 port switch too, so it's a good value.