Please confirm my soon-to-be cable setup

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
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I've had dialup for all my years, but am switching to cable shortly. I ask for your opinion on what I have planned for my cable implementation. Currently, I have four computers on a local LAN via a Netgear switch. My plans to distribute the cable connection are as follows:

wall outlet --> cable modem --> Coyote Linux router/firewall --> Netgear switch --> four nodes

So how does this look? Does anyone have any experience with Coyote? I've heard that it's very secure, but I'd like to hear some testemonials about it.

Also, this Netgear switch of mine has "auto uplink" capabilities. I take this to mean that it can detect which port the Coyote router will be on and will flop the wires for me. So it looks like all of the cables for this setup will be straight-through. Does this look correct?

Thanks for easing my mind :)

 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,389
1,778
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I have no experience with Coyote. However, the key here is to have a firewall that will provide NAT and do specific port blocking. When you're on broadband, your computers become targets. There are many worm viruses that go through ip ranges and do many different kinds of attacks. Most operating systems can be hacked by these viruses...putting up a firewall and doing port blocking will protect you. :)

I'd say you'll be fine and won't have too many problems. Post back if you do and we'll do what we can. :) You'll like cable slightly better than dial-up. ;)
 

MrPhelps

Golden Member
Sep 9, 2001
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When you do order the cable obviously don't tell them you are hooking up 4 computers, They might try to charge you.
 

Slogun

Platinum Member
Jul 4, 2001
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Your setup looks fine.

Most routers are 4 port models, in which case you don't even need the switch. If your router has 4 ports, you will be able to use the switch to increase the size of your LAN to 7 computers, should the need arise (and if my brain is working this am, you lose one port in this configuration for upload).
 

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
8,035
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Originally posted by: Slogun
Your setup looks fine.

Most routers are 4 port models, in which case you don't even need the switch. If your router has 4 ports, you will be able to use the switch to increase the size of your LAN to 7 computers, should the need arise (and if my brain is working this am, you lose one port in this configuration for upload).

My router is a computer with two NICs running Coyote Linux. So all it'll have is an in and out ports. That's why I need the switch, which has five ports, BTW.



Originally posted by: MrPhelps
When you do order the cable obviously don't tell them you are hooking up 4 computers, They might try to charge you.

I haven't told them a thing about it. I hear they're trying to crack down on it.



Thanks guys.

 

Slogun

Platinum Member
Jul 4, 2001
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My router is a computer with two NICs running Coyote Linux. So all it'll have is an in and out ports. That's why I need the switch, which has five ports, BTW.

K, now I understand what you got, have fun with it.

BTW, where can I get info about using a computer as a router, you have to manually set up IP addresses and such?

 

Slogun

Platinum Member
Jul 4, 2001
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Duh, I was asking for any specific info from a guy who has experience with such.