Router and DSL

[inqztive]

I just got my DSL. I have three computers at home. I am wondering what is the best way to connet all three to the internet? Do I have to set up a LAN? If I have to do it do i need a Router? what si the difference between a router and hub? Thanks for your advice.

I have nother question. Is there anyway I can use my computer as anwering machine or all those cool stuff they do?

 

[IamDavid]

What kind of router\modem came with the dsl?

 

[inqztive]

They didn't give me any router. They gvme a DSL modem, which hook up to 10/100 ethernet card on the computer.

 

[IamDavid]

What kind of modem then?

 

[inqztive]

I am new to this. Can you explain a little more?

 

[benjamit]

if your dsl is an ethernet one link it to an ethernet router that has ports on it (hub/switch)
from the hub/switch link it to the nic in each of your pcs
if your dsl is usb link it directly to your main pc by usb
from there link the nic of your main pc to the nic of your second pc
usb drivers i have found only work for pcs not macs so you would have to get s/w to have the mac talk to the pc and have both the pc and the mac on for the mac to have internet service since the dsl usb modem will not work directly with the mac

 

[IamDavid]

When I first signed up for DSL through USWEST they sent me a asdl "modem". I had no idea at the time but it was a router, they just called it a modem..(I know, I know, I had no idea ). It was a cisco 675. What kind of external modem did they send you?

 

[JackMDS]

Read This:

The Basic Options to Share Internet Connection (Internet Sharing 101).

And This:

Hub, Switch, Router, DHCP, LAN, WAN, NAT, etc

Comparing Routers Here:

Comparing Cable/DSL Routers.

 

[inqztive]

okay I will tell you what hard ware they gave me. They gave me an external DSl modem that connects to the phone line and the computer is connected to this external modem through the NIC on the computer through this ethernet cable. they said I have to buy a router incase I want to connect more than one comouter and there is only one port on the modem so that I can't connect more than one computer. They gave me an IP adress and all informations about it and if i need three compters to be connected i need a router and and enter the IP address to the router and then connect the router to three other computer. in case i am using just one computer I just connect the modem to the NIC on the computer and set up yhe IP address they have given on the computer.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

You need to buy a router. This will connect to the modem, and all the computers you want to share the connection will be hooked up to the router. The router appears very similar to a hub or a switch, except for the fact that they manage the internet connection.
hub - takes incoming signal and sends it out to every computer its attached to (regardless of where the info is supposed to be sent)
switch - takes incoming signal and sends it to only the computer it is supposed to go to
router - like a switch but interfaces with an internet connection
You will need to create a lan and can have the router assign ip addresses in your network through dhcp or you can specify them yourself.
hth

 

[inqztive]

How expensive is a router and what is the best place to look for it? I am looking for something with atleast 3 ports.

 

[Viper GTS]

Find out for sure that the device you have is just a modem, not a router. If it is actually a router (for example, the Cisco 67x series), then all you'll likely need is a hub.

"Broadband routers" typically run from $100 - $150 if you end up needing one.

Viper GTS

 

[inqztive]

Thanks every one for your support.

 

[Doggiedog]

Check out the Hot Deals forum.

They usually have deals on Routers. I've seen some for as low as $40. I bought my Netgear router for $150 but a month ago, they uncovered a way to get it for $80.

A router would likely be the easiest way for you to go. It is virtually painless unless you are doing a lot of hosting.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

For reference, when i signed up with Southwestern Bell for DSL service, all they provided was a modem. This had one incoming and one outgoing cat 5 port (along with a power plug), and allowed one computer to get on the net. A router will have ports and look like a hub or switch. Another option is software connection sharing but i dont know much about it.

 

[Viper GTS]

A router will have ports and look like a hub or switch.

Not necessarily. The Cisco 67x series are very capable routers, but only have one ethernet port. If you want more systems than that you get a hub.

Viper GTS

 

[HardcoreRobot]

thx for the correction viper - i made an incorrect assumption based on the only routers i had experience with (netgear, linksys). i suppose the cisco ones are more suited to be integrated into a network instead of the main connector of a small one

 

[Doggiedog]

Here is the Hot Deals Thread.