networking three computers

[bruceswife1988]

I hope someone can assist me. I am trying to network 3 computers (2 are running 98se and 1 is running Me. They all have ethernet cards but have dialup AOL for an internet provider.)

I know I need a router and probably cat5 cable but can anyone tell me how to set it up. I am doing this for a relative and I have broadband which I have networked. I know what to do with the broadband but not with dialup.

Thanks in advance, Melissa

 

[minendo]

You need to share the AOL Dial Up connection on one of the computers so that it acts as your DHCP/Gateway (in a way). Then just set the other computers to Obtain IP Automatically. You really don't need a router, a simple hub or switch will work.

 

[JackMDS]

You can get A Router, like the SMC barricade. This Router supports external Dialup modem. You have to buy an external Dialup modem; the most popular is the "External USR Robotic".

Otherwise it is the same as the regular Network that you did.

You can also network the computers trough a Hub/Switch; use an Internal Modem and Software NAT (like Win ICS) for Routing. It is less expensive but also less efficient solution.

If you decide to go the ICS way here is a link:

ICS Installation [Win98SE

 

[bruceswife1988]

Thank you for the information.

Do they (my relatives) need to contact AOL to do anything so that the computers can share the dial up connection? Will any small hub work? I am sorry I have so many questions..I just want to be able to call them back with the correct information.

I do appreciate your help..Melissa

 

[Tallgeese]

<< You can get A Router, like the SMC barricade. >>

Sorry Jack, won't work with AOL, as per the SMC website:

<< Currently, most CompuServe accounts and AOL are the known services that do not work. CompuServe passes data in 7 data bits instead of the standard 8 data bits. AOL?s authentication method is proprietary and does not follow the standard PPP mode. >>

AOL and the other proprietary services can be REAL hinky to get working correctly with SOHO routers (if at all). Similar problems with software-based proxies, like WinProxy (my personal fave)

<< Can I use AOL with WinProxy?
Yes, mostly. If you connect to the Internet through an ISP other than AOL, you will be able to log on to AOL using the LAN connection option from any computer on your network and have full functionality. If you use AOL as your Internet service provider, there are several qualifications. WinProxy cannot initiate a dial-up connection if you are using AOL version 5.0 or higher. We can dial for you if you are using version 3 or 4. Client computers will be able to browse the Internet, but they will not be able to access AOL specific content. Please see discussions of AOL in our Support Database. >>


P.S. And, with this post...I am no longer "1337"

 

[bruceswife1988]

Thank you Jack,

OOHHHOOO, I feel so dumb now. Ok..so they need a router and an external modem. This is way more complicated than I thought It would be but I am good for a challenge.

So they hook a modem up to their wall and the modem to the router along with all the other computers to the router..does this sound right?

If not, any clues to how it would be set up? Just so you know, I am really good with computers but there is always something that challenges us.

You are all so wonderful..thanks..Melissa

 

[Tallgeese]

<< So they hook a modem up to their wall and the modem to the router along with all the other computers to the router..does this sound right? >>

Exactly right for many ISPs, except AOL (and a few others)!
Since AOL uses a proprietary login sequence, the PPP client built-in to SOHO routers cannot negotiate a connection.

If your relatives don't want to switch from AOL completely (I have some clients who prefer AOL's interface), then you could...
* Sign your relatives up with another ISP (Earthlink, ATT, or a good local provider)
* Set the router up to dial this ISP for basic Internet access.
* Have your relatives switch their AOL account to a BYOC (Bring Your Own Connection) account, which is only $9.95 a month.
* Change their AOL connection settings to use TCP/IP, which will then go through the router and the other ISP, yet still allow them to have full access to AOL's proprietary content (if they wish).

UPDATE:
Was curious about this thread the more I thought about it, and it looks like your cheapest option (no extra hardware required) may be to set it up as follows:
* WinME machine to act as ICS "server" (it runs the ICS service). This one connected to phone line and hub/switch. You want to use WinME for the ICS and AOL bindings, since 98 flavors have limits on number of adapters bound to TCP/IP (per M$ KB).
* Set Win98 machines to act as ICS clients. They connect to hub/switch, and are configured to use DHCP addressing.
* Make sure the Win98 machines are also set use "LAN" for Internet connections, and that their AOL configs are set to connect using "TCP/IP."