Looking for input on DSL sharing options

[Mandrill]

I am looking for opinions on how to go about sharing my DSL line.

Here is what I need it to do:

All PC's on the netowrk must be able to game online, send and receive ICQ, etc. Web serving, FTP serving are not needed.

What solution would allow me to do all of these things with the least amount of overhead being added to my ping time.

How would a router like the Linksys compare to a Linux box acting as a router?

 

[SufferinSuccotash]

I've got a Linux box acting as a router/firewall. It works great, and there are special modules for ICQ, some games, real audio, etc. I've been using it for just about a year now with absolutely no problems except certain games that need special configuratioin. IT also turned out that only one computer could play these games at one time... I've never used the Linksys router, so I can't really compare the two, but this at least one success story with the Linux approach. We also use this approach at work and have had no problems whatsoever.

 

[mjquilly]

I just got DSL installed too, and we have it shared between 3 PC's, quite easy too. I purchased the linkSys EtherFast Switch kit, includes the switch, 2 nics, and 2 cables. This kit also comes w/ software called Internet LanBridge which made sharing a piece of cake. It even includes the full version of Descent 3!

 

[shadow]

IMAO lanbridge sucks

 

[Scarpozzi]

A linux box is great, but a router is much easier to configure and much quicker to reboot if you ever have any problems arise. I personally have a DLINK 701. It doesn't rate as good as the Linksys from what most people say, but I got it REAL cheap($75) with a 10meg hub for free. I've had it running on my system and haven't lost my ip address since I got it. My advise is to get a router(which takes up less space anyway).