Lan Ideas (advice welcome)

[TheAndyPandy]

Ok - its getting out of hand - i have 8 computers and they are all in the same room as of now so that makes it a little easier - just got a nice HP laser printer and i want to share to the 8 computer. All running different versions of windows. I have DSL also. So now i have been thinking and reading. I though i would get a DSL Router and a nice 3com switch and connect those 2. Then i was gonna hide the computers behind the network only allowing 1 to show. as for printer sharing i am not sure. either file sharing so all insight is welcome and yes - the DSL sharing is the easiest part because i dont need to have a server to run it........thanks alot Andy

 

[TSDible]

You could always go with a router such as the SMC Barricade that has a built in print server as well. It is rather nice. It also includes a com port and a 4 port switch.

 

[TheAndyPandy]

does this also include features where i can enter in a dialup connection to connect. and also i can treat one of those ports like a upling to hook up to my switch? thanks Andy

 

[ElDiablo]

Looks like a negative on the modem connect. I think I've seen one that included a modem port (linksys maybe??).

As for the uplink, you just run a cable from any port on the SMC to the uplink port on your switch (may have to flip a switch to set a port to uplink mode) and then ur good 2 go

 

[cavingjan]

The Barricade can handle an external modem but it doesn't have one internal to it. One thing I am not sure about is whether you can have a dialup configured to launch if it can't get out through the DSL/Cable.
Do you keep a computer on 24/7 by any chance? If you do, put the printer on that computer. Another option is to pick up a cheap little print server somewhere.

 

[Bronko]

I have a similiar setup, but on a smaller scale. Moving my printer to the SMC barricade solved all my print sharing problems. You can also share a modem on it. It has a really easy to use web interface, and is simple to setup.