I'm a speed hog. I don't really want to switch to a router, but...

[konichiwa]

I've got a cable modem coming into my house, shared with 2 other computers via a simple ICS network. I know the advantages of using a router, but to be honest, I'm a speed freak. It might not be TECHNICALLY sound, but it seems LOGICAL to think that since my computer is acting as the "host" (it has the cable modem hooked up to it as well as a second NIC to the hub) it can grab more of the bandwidth than if I had a router, because a router would share the bandwidth equally.

Right? Or not?

 

[Norssak]

ICS or router, if you don't want to share your bandwidth, don't share the connection. If you share the connection and the other box seriously sucks on the pipe (napster uploads) you can feel it on the main computer. Router is always a better solution since ICS also requires processor power and only works if the main machine is not being rebooted.

 

[xbassman]

I can relate cause ,I too am a speed freak. I was driven to the breaking point when my son and I were playing Diablo II on the network. At the same time my fiance was accesing the internet. (ICS on my box) Then to make matters worse, she found what she was looking for and pressed the print button. That put the brakes on my game! I died of course.

Anyway, I bought an SMC Barricade. It has a 4 port switch, print server, and serial connection for an external modem. I had to make a couple of calls to their 24/7 tech support (which is fabulous) to get it all up and running. And now I enjoy all the speed my system can give me. I really dont even notice when others are accessing the internet because it is not much different than when yoou are accessing sites than are a little slower than others.

Go get a router!
You wont be disappointed!

 

[Vegito]

Hey xbassman, I got the barricade.. you wouldn't happen to know how to limit the amount of bandwidth to certain ports ? ie limit transfers ?