Linksys routers

[edjam]

Hi, do these double as a network hub? In particular the BEFSR41 - EtherFast® Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch

 

[MichaelD]

I assume you want to share your internet connection and have all the computers able to talk to each other, right? The answer is yes.

 

[edjam]

Cool, thanks. The only thing that I have a query about is that I have an Alcatel USB modem for my ADSL access, doesn't the modem need to plug directly into the router?

 

[MichaelD]

Yes, the output of the modem goes to the input (usually labled "Internet") on the hub. Then, your individual PCs' plug into the ports. The tricky part (depending on your provider) is getting the router setup to "dial" for you, with your username and password. I have a Netgear RT314 and needed a lot of help from the good folk here at AT to get it hooked up right.

It's great though; it auto-assigns IP addys to anything I hook up to it. Even though I have a dynamic IP, I only get dropped once every couple of months. When that happens, I telnet into the router via the DOS prompt and run the "Internet Setup Test" from the routers' menu, which is really a misnomer b/c it's not a "test" it's actually how you connect. Sounds complicated; it's not. 🙂

 

[Windogg]

Uh uh.... if you have a USB DSL modem you are SOL in terms of using the Linksys to share the connection.

Ask if you can swap for a standard DSL modem that uses CAT5.

Windogg

 

[MichaelD]

USB? Ugh, I missed that, sorry! Good catch, Windogg! 🙂 He's right, you are SOL w/a USB. You need a standard CAT5 output modem. Good luck!

 

[Sukhoi]

You'll have to use ICS or something then to share the access if you have a USB modem.

 

[edjam]

Thx for the help guys. Shame too since the router loosk cool🙂

 

[flippinfleck]

Oh yes, the router does look sweet.

If you really wanted, you could still use the router to connect all your pc's. You'd have to have a single server running 24/7 though, and add a nic (any nic will do, personal preference here is linksys) to hook up to the router.

If I'm not mistaken, you could throw linux on a compute (as long as it has support for your usb modem) and use that to distribute amongst your other comps via the router. I'm sure someone will knock me on the head for thinking that though.

🙂

Or you could go the cheaper route and just get a switch and use ICS on one of the machines (the one with the modem)

 

[edjam]

Thanks, I think I'll get the Linksys switch with ICS, poor as I am🙂 Thanks again

 

[StandardCell]

I would highly recommend against the Linksys cable/dsl router. Slashdot had an excellent thread on routers, and the worst experiences came from the Linksys. Incompetent, non-existent tech support, configuration problems, difficulty with Microsoft Netmeeting, and the list goes on. Not all negative comments, mind you, but enough that it steered me away from them. Netgear came in ok too, but the problems weren't nearly as bad.

HOWEVER, if you want my vote for a broadband router, get an SMC Barricade. I bought one last week, and it's absolutely the best decision I've made in a long time. Simple configuration, supports all protocols (except dynamic VPN) and up to 253 connections, and it also has a free print server, so you can share a printer on your internal network safely. If you can find it, I very very highly recommend it.

 

[flippinfleck]

What's that you say? Lots of problems with the linksys?

Well, ymmv but... I've had my linksys since I've had DSL. And I got DSL two months before Verizon went on strike. I've had maybe two times where I had to reset the router. And that was my stupid mistake (setting it to ask for an ip that was already taken).

Again, YMMV! Don't trash somethin if you've never used it 🙂

 

[edjam]

Again, thx for the comments, now all i have to do is find a Uk seller who actually stock it.