Some basic dsl/networking questions

[svtour]

im new to broadband, and networking, so bear with me

My dad just ordered the SBC upto 384plan (i think that is what it is) and the modem and all the other stuff for the self install kit came today. There are 3 computers at the house, and we would like to setup a wireless network becuase 2 computers are upstairs and my dads is on the main level. My dads computer is going to have the dsl modem hooked up to his computer, and mine and the other upstairs computer will share the dsl. is the easiest way to do this:

DSL--->Router---> Wireless NICS, Computers 1,2 and 3.

sorry for being a little confusing too.
?
After we get the computers all networked, how do i access the dsl from my computer(upstairs)?

 

[svtour]

and also, 2 of the computers do not have usb 2.0, so would it be best not to run USB NICS, and just run PCI Nics?

And the Modem is the SpeedStream 5100, any one know if this is any good?

 

[skyking]

usb 2.0 is totally uneccessary for a wireless connection. you will have better luck using usb devices, since you can move the antenna around, instead of hiding it behind the computer. Check out the FAQ regarding networking on the anandtech faqs, there is much of what you need in there.

 

[Nnyan]

You really have two questions you're asking. How to share your DSL connection and how to network you 3 PCs.

If its the 384K home install connection then I'm going to assume that you'll be getting a "dynamic" (basically DSL dialup = ) connection where you are assigned a different IP (vs static where you have the same IP for as long as you keep the service)

Your two options are going to for sharing the connection itseslf is to run a software "router" (Like windows connection sharing) or a hardware router. I highly recommend a hardware router now that you can get them under $50. This will mean that you don't have to have the "Main" PC on all the time to share the connection. Performance is overall better too.

You should make sure that the router works with the type of dynamic DSL service you are getting.

Now you have to decide if you want to run CAT5 network cables upstairs to the other PCs. You'll have to look at what is best but you can either run two cables from the Router to each of the upstairs PCs or one cable and put a switch/hub at the end (then two short patch cables to each of the PCs).

If you don't want to run cables (I recommend you go with wireless) then what you want to do is get a wireless router (vs a wireless access point). These will most likely also include a 3-5 port switch. You don't need USB2, plain USB works fine. I recommend the Microsoft USB wireless adapter they work really well and very easy to setup.

Just make sure you enable WEP and then limit access to your wireless network by MAC address filtering. This is about as well as you can protect your wireless network (other then not broadcasting your SSID but many users can get confused if they run into connection problems later on).

One other note. Since your Router will get assigned they one routable IP addy that your ISP will be handing out the Router should act as a LAN DHCP Server. It will assign private IP (Most likely in the 192.168.x.x range) that is not internet routable. The router will take care of the routing for them.
Just set your PCs according to the router instructions (Obtain and IP Address automatically).


====DSL LINE----DSL MODEM----ROUTER----Hard Wired PC


usb wireless PC1

usb wireless PC2


Good luck!

Rafael

 

[svtour]

thanks guys. i was planning on going with the wireless hardware router. my main problem is that im not sure how to connect the dsl from the other computers. do i just install the dsl software, and try to dial?

 

[svtour]

what are some good brands of wireless nics and a wireless router. and does it matter if the nics and router are different? i would like to keep it kind of cheap. i was gonna jump on the siemens wireless deal, but there all out

 

[JackMDS]

May be this can Help.

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

 

[Nnyan]

I recommend (for ease of use and good software) the Microsoft Router and USB Wireless NICs. Netgear, Siemens and Belkin all have good routers.

Head over to http://www.practicallynetworked.com for some hardware/software reviews.

If you follow my diagram in my previous post you'll see that the wireless router will be the one sharing your DSL. Just have your PCs set to automatically get an IP address and the router will take care of connectivity.

 

[svtour]

awesome, thanks!

 

[PTCvette]

Originally posted by: svtour
thanks guys. i was planning on going with the wireless hardware router. my main problem is that im not sure how to connect the dsl from the other computers. do i just install the dsl software, and try to dial?

The router will actually have a spot in the configuration where you can put in your username and pswd and all that good stuff for your ISP. It will act as your dialer, and all your computers will simply connect to it. Then it will really be an always-on kind of thing with no software to mess with, just turn on the PC and the router will already be "dialed up" to the service.

Jeff

 

[owensdj]

svtour, generally you don't need to use the DSL install kit if you're going to have a router. The way it works is the router makes the connection to the Internet through the DSL modem. The router gets assigned an Internet IP address that all of your computers share to access the Internet.

You'll need to configure the router to connect to your account. Most DSL systems use PPoE(Point to Point Over Ethernet). You just tell your router to use PPoE and then type in your DSL account user name and password. The router will have a web browser-based way to configure it.

Once you get the router connected to the Internet using your DSL modem, the router will be able to automatically configure the private IP address that each of your computers needs. This is called DHCP. You'll automatically have Internet access on all computers that are close enough to the wireless router.

 

[Nnyan]

Not all DSL dynamic accounts have a username/password (SBC in Sacramento/Davis does not). If they use PPPoE then most will need an "account".

And you DO need the home install kit b/c most ISPs will give you your DSL modem in that kit. Your DSL will NOT work (even with a router) without the DSL modem. They also include your phone line filters, but I suggest you toss them out and get yourself some good filters (2Wire are sold in Radio Shack and Officemax etc...) for EVERY phone out let (whether or not it has a phone attached to it) except for your DSL outlet.

 

[svtour]

ok, the dsl is all hooked up now. i heard that when you first get dsl it is not fully "optimized" is this always true? im only wondering because i *think* we have the 384 plan, but i was downloading at around 40K consistantly, which would seem right for 384. i am also only a few hundred feet from the C.O, so i would get really fast speeds right?

 

[PTCvette]

Originally posted by: svtour
ok, the dsl is all hooked up now. i heard that when you first get dsl it is not fully "optimized" is this always true? im only wondering because i *think* we have the 384 plan, but i was downloading at around 40K consistantly, which would seem right for 384. i am also only a few hundred feet from the C.O, so i would get really fast speeds right?

Depends on what your line is provisioned at.... If it's 384 then 40k will be about right. Distance from the CO would really only figure in if you have 1.5mbit and you were reeeeeaaaalllly far out there (I think). Even then, it would only adversely change your speed. I don't think that being closer will make it faster on a 384 line.

Check www.dslreports.com and go to "our tools". Run the speed test and see what you get.
www.toast.net has a pretty good one at the bottom of their page (run the compression test), but the results tend to vary a lot there for some reason.

Jeff

 

[av1998]

I have a Wireless Router connected directly to the DSL modem.

There are 4 Wired ethernet LAN ports as well, and I have a WinXP desktop wired into LAN port #1. Now, here is the problem .....

I have designated a special folder, and allowed all-access sharing in the properties.

When I bring a laptop and access the LAN wirelessly, I can't seem to get into the desktop's folder. The laptop could access DSL internet just fine. It is the file sharing that is not working for me. Please help.

 

[PTCvette]

Hey svtour..... What equipment did you end up going with?

Jeff

 

[av1998]

I got it figured out.

The desktop computer is running ZoneAlarm. I went into ZoneAlarm to specify a Trusted Zone IP range for my entire LAN. With that, my laptop's Network Places recognizes the Shared Folder right away.

 

[svtour]

Originally posted by: PTCvette
Hey svtour..... What equipment did you end up going with?

Jeff

I went with netgear stuff because there was like 90 in mail in rebates

Netgear MR814 802.11b Wireless 4-Port Cable/DSL Router
Netgear MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card
Netgear MA101 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter

 

[FracturedSoul]

Originally posted by: PTCvette

Originally posted by: svtour
Check www.dslreports.com and go to "our tools". Run the speed test and see what you get.
www.toast.net has a pretty good one at the bottom of their page (run the compression test), but the results tend to vary a lot there for some reason.

Jeff

That tool isn't always accurate. Wiring distances can change as can installation of remote DSLAM's. Its not a good idea to rely on it, only person who could tell you loop length would be the bell tech.