Question to the Networking Gods....

[Inosuke]

I am planning to build a home network and do it on cross platforms (Linux and Win2000). I would also like to eventually work in printer sharing, a notebook, and get dialup and cable working troughout the network. (Over time).

What kind of hardware would you recommend?
2nics +router?? What types??
Right now I am using an ISP,which I will keep, and soon I'll be beta testing for AT&T' cable modem service.

I really don't want to break the bank here either. Currently I am running a soooped up p3600 (@866), and the second is a p200 w/96 megs o ram (linux Box), and generic parts all around.

THanks a bunch,

Inosuke

 

[cavingjan]

Were you planning on using the Linux box as the router box? Or did you want soemthing external from that machine?
If you are using teh Linux box, you'll need 2 NICs and run IPMasqerade.
If you want something external to the linux box, might I suggest the SMC Barricade router? You would be a perfect example of its intended use. It has a serial port to attach an external modem for dialup. Then when you get cable or dsl, you can plug that modem directly into the WAN port. I am unsure whether you can set it up with cable and have it dial the modem if it cannot make a connection with the cable/dsl. That would be sweet if it could. I can probably let you know that in a few weeks. I think this is the way a friend of mine is going to try but with an ISDN modem.
Another option if you have an old 486 lying around, try GnatBox. This is a router OS that runs off of a floppy disk and provides the ability to use two NICs for cable/dsl or a modem for dialup. I had one setup before I got my 3com LAN modem.

 

[Inosuke]

OOOOooo...

Thanks for the info. I like it.
I'll poke around on the web to get more info on it.

In my situation the Linux box is the weak one. (p120)
THe Win2000 box is the p3. Though I am certainly not married to Win2000.

Thanks for the help,

Inosuke