More bonehead questions about DSL modem

[dajo]

Sorry, but I just don't get how this all works since I haven't had a chance to play with the components yet. I just ordered DSL and my phone company asked "Ethernet or USB modem" - I said ethernet.

Can someone explain the basics of the physical logistics to me?

I understand that a splitter splits signal from phone line between phone and DSL modem, but does modem reside in a PC as a PCI device? If so, how do I share it through a DSL router (which I'm going to purchase)? Can someone please explain the "chain" of the incoming DSL signal through the various devices involved in a mutilple PCs through one DSL connection setup?

I can get a D-Link DI-701 DSL router, which says it allows numerous PC connections going out through one DSL connection, but it only has a DSL modem input and one RJ45 input - how can I share this with the other PCs?

Or I can get the DI-704which has four twisted pair inputs.

What would be the difference between these two, and which would you recommend to hook more than one PC into the one DSL modem connection?

Thanx

 

[obenton]

Better wait until your modem is installed. If it's external, you can use a hardware router, but if it's internal, not.

 

[Russ]

<< my phone company asked &quot;Ethernet or USB modem&quot; - I said ethernet. >>



Smart move. USB modems suck.



<< I understand that a splitter splits signal from phone line between phone and DSL modem >>



HMM...not sure anyone uses splitters (POTS) anymore. Most use line &quot;filters&quot;. These are placed between modem and any analog devices such as the telephone, answering machine, etc.

Not really important, though.



<< but does modem reside in a PC as a PCI device? >>



It depends on what you ordered and what your ISP provides. Most will try to stick you with an internal PCI modem because it costs them less. But, there are also external modem/routers such as the Cisco 675 (HIGHLY recommended).



<< If so, how do I share it through a DSL router (which I'm going to purchase)? >>



If you get an internal modem, you'll need to install a network adapter in to the computer where the modem resides, then connect the NIC to a router, and your PCs to the router.

If you got the good one (Cisco 675) you don't even need a router, (unless you have a wild-ass setup like mine ), since the Cisco is one (it does both DHCP and NAT). Then, you'd just need a switch; plug the Cisco in to it, and the computers to the switch.

If you get an external modem that's not the Cisco, and does not do NAT, then you'd get the router, plug it in to the modem and the systems in to the router.

Russ, NCNE

 

[ElDiablo]

You could still use the router, but you'd have to connect to the router from your computer with the internal dsl modem and use internet-connection software. better to get the usb modem bc then u can use the router.

 

[Russ]

ElDiablo,

The whole point of a router is to eliminate the need for proxy software. All the proxy software does is provide NAT, which is what a router does.

Russ, NCNE

 

[gbrux]

First, go for the external DSL modem.

Second, if you have the money, try a wireless router, like the one from DLink. This thing combines a wireless access point, like Apple's Airport, for home networking/internet sharing using the 802.11b standard, and a smart router for home LAN. (Post back here on how it works. I've never tried one of these wonder pieces, but it sure sounds cool. You would be an instant expert because very few people have this type setup.)

Third, visit www.dslreports.com and www.practicallynetworked.com . Practically Networked has a review of two wireless routers. Between these two sites, you will have most, if not all, of your questions answered.

 

[dajo]

The external DSL modem arrived today. It's a SpeedStream Efficient Networks - standard with the SW Bell package. Service is slated to begin on 1/29/01.

Questions:
Which do you think is better? The D-Link DI-704 (4 port) for $108, or the SMC SMC7004BR (4 port)? There's also the DI-701 for $86 which has only 1 network input, but states it can support up to 32 machines using the same DSL/ISP connection (how is that possible without ports for each machine?). The other two support 253 users, which I assume means DHCP address configuration support, but, again, how is that done with only 4 ports.

The DI-701 write up states you just plug in your DSL modem and your computer (network cable, I assume), so do you think running a line from my current NetGear 4 port hub into the network input and having all my computers on the Netgear hub would work? Or should I go for the SMC at $150

Your expertise and patience with my ignorance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Wik]

Get the SMC as it is a nicer unit. To hook up more then 4 computers you would have one port connected to an uplink port of a switch or hub. Or use a crossover cable to plug into a regular port on a switch or hub.

You should be able to find the SMC for alot less then $150. I would get a 4 port as they are built in switches for better performance in your network over your hub.

 

[Ben]

<< There's also the DI-701 for $86 which has only 1 network input, but states it can support up to 32 machines using the same DSL/ISP connection (how is that possible without ports for each machine?). The other two support 253 users, which I assume means DHCP address configuration support, but, again, how is that done with only 4 ports. >>


You would need a large switch or hub to exceed the number of ports on the router (Or in the case of 253 users, several).

<< The DI-701 write up states you just plug in your DSL modem and your computer (network cable, I assume), so do you think running a line from my current NetGear 4 port hub into the network input and having all my computers on the Netgear hub would work? Or should I go for the SMC at $150 >>


Without a router, you would be able to get only one computer on the internet. The only way all the computers could get on the internet would be if you had a separate IP address for each computer. I assume that you only have one IP address (that's usually the case) so you need a router to do the NAT (Network Address Translation).

Since you already have a 4-port hub, just get the 1-port router to save some cash, and plug the router into your hub. You'd have to use the uplink port, or a crossover cable.

OTOH, switches are much better than hubs, and your network would run smoother if you were to upgrade to a switch. Whether the switch is internal with the router, or a separate external switch, the performance should be the same.