Okay, I'm going to set up my first network, and I have a few questions

[XMan]

1) In the hope that broadband will soon be available in my area, I'm wanting to use a Linksys broadband switch. Will it still work as a switch without being hooked up to a cable or DSL connection?

2) If both machines are using the same copy of Win98 SE (only have one copy) will they still work?

3) Internet connection sharing . . . any possible difficulties sharing a 56K modem between the two on the Linksys switch?

Thanks for the help!

 

[OmniPotent]

1) In the hope that broadband will soon be available in my area, I'm wanting to use a Linksys broadband switch. Will it still work as a switch without being hooked up to a cable or DSL connection?

- It will work just fine without the wan port connected to anything. This is the same switch/router I use and it works quite well. Plus anyone could configure it!



2) If both machines are using the same copy of Win98 SE (only have one copy) will they still work?

- Yes but that's not moral!

3) Internet connection sharing . . . any possible difficulties sharing a 56K modem between the two on the Linksys switch?

- As long as you know how to set up Internet Connection sharing it will work just fine. I suggest using a proxy of some sort, I used AllAbord before I got my router. I relly don't suggest sharing a 56k it's quite slow if both of your computers are accessing the internet through it!

 

[Bronko]

Not to talk you out of the Linksys, but please consider the SMC Barricade as well. It has 4 10/100 switched ports, and doubles as a print/modem server as well. It too has a neat and simple web interface for configuration. I bought mine for $108.00 shipped after coupon and rebate, I think that deal is still going on. Also, SMC tech support is great. They usually respond to emails in under an hour, and they have 24/7 phone support.

 

[Edski]

Xerox,
If you run into any problems, look me up and I will come out there to help you get it set up.

 

[XMan]

It's 250 miles from Denver, Edski. You sure about that?

Sounds like the SMC is the best way to go . . . "modem/print server" - does that mean I can plug my printer and modem into the switch and use them from both systems?
EDIT - Where can I get the SMC, Bronko?