Sharing DSL w/o a router.

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Ok, i should be getting DSL soon (better than my 28.8k connection :disgust: ) and i dont have a router. I have a hub, and currently use ICS for the dial-up. I was wondering if it is possible to use ICS to share DSL. I have 2 NIC's on my current computer could have 3 if i wanted, but so i would just have to enable it over my second connection, and the other computer/computers would be able to access the internet, am i mistaking?


THANKS
MIKE
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
this isnt a 5$ hub, but yeah. its an 8 port hub. so i figured i would have to get a router, but what do you mean by "quirky"?
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,552
429
126
It is a Long story but it is also a mini guide to the shy that look and do not ask.

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1. If your DSL is PPPOE activated, ICS does not do so well with the PPPOE software.


2. It seems that most people who use ICS report sudden corruption after periods of using ICS.

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On PPPOE:

PPPOE software is a "Dial in Type"; it initiates and keeps the connection alive while you are surfing.

The implementation of the PPOOE software used by most ISPs is unfortunately quirky.

I would suggest to any one with PPPOE DSL to buy a Cable/DSL Router even if they don't have a Network. You can find Cable/DSL Routers on sale and rebates for $20-$40.

For the price you get Hardware Firewall, and Hardware PPPOE "keep alive", DHCP server, 4 ports Switch, and more

Unfortunately most DSL ISPs do not give you an ID and password over the phone; they want you to get it online.

In such a case use single computer connected to the DSL Modem. Install their PPPOE software and establish an account. In the process you will be given ID and Password (write them down)

Once you have an account connect your Cable/DSL Router to the DSL Modem, and plug your computers to the Router.

Log onto the Router's configuration Menus. In the PPPOE menu type Username and Password, make sure that the PPPOE option is checked. Set the Router to obtain IP automatically.

As long as you don't switch off the DSL Modem, and the Router you are connected "forever" (the computer can be switched off). If you switch the Modem, and the Router off, when you switch them on again, it will take about 30-50 seconds to the Modem to obtain connection, and the Router will automatically connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET, and or whatever software they dished you.
Or if you want you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another Dialup connection, in the Browser). Just make sure that the Internet Browser is set to use LAN, otherwise it will keep using the PPPOE.

The Router's PPPOE capacity is independent from the Computer, and it keeps the connection alive.

In case of PPPOE DSL Working through the Router should yield faster (5%-10%), and smoother Internet connection.


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When every thing is done do not forget to optimize you TCP/IP for DSL connection.

Download DrTCP: <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.dslre
ports.com/front/DRTCP021.exe">http://www.dslreports.com/front/DRTCP021.exe</a>

Run the program, it will show the current settings of TCP/IP parameters. Write them down.

You can change any variable that you want, click Apply, and reboot the computer, if no good; you can always change to your original values.

Start with:

MaxMTU - for DSL =1492

Tcp Receive - 255552

Window Scaling - Yes

Time Stamping - No

Selective Acks - Yes

Path MTU Discovery - Yes.

Black Hole - NO

Max Duplicate - 2

TTL - 64




 

skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,764
5,928
146
ICS sometimes breaks for no discernable reason, and you have to go back and set it up. It can be a PITA, and especially if you use software firewalls. I have it working fine at one location with zonealarm pro, but it would not work at all with the free zonealalrm, for example.