suggestions setting up home network

[seind]

I have 3 pc to use.
Current setups
1) P200mmx, AT from, 1GB HDD, 1MB S3 graphics, CDROM, not used.
2) PII300mmx 3GB HDD, ATI rage 32MB, cdrom, cd-rw, scanner, printer, Win98SE
3) AMD XP1600, 30GB HDD, 5GB HDD, 32MB geforce 2MX, DVDROM, Win2000
4) Coming in a few months time

I have small experience on networking on windows only. Trying linux (have redhat7.0 and mandrake8.0) but difficult to understand. I am planning on a permanent ADSL connection.

What would be the best setup for me to use?
Currently thinking of having PC 1 24/7 using linux if I can get to that. (couldn't find win2k drivers for the S3 chip).

 

[Synoptic]

Go with a Linksys Cable/DSL router, run cat 5 all through the house, set you computers to accept DHCP, plug 'em in, and go. There is a little more work to it than that, but that is basically how it goes.

 

[seind]

I was thinking to use system 1 since I dont use it (old monitor, poor graphics and overall permormance).

Anyone else?

 

[heartsurgeon]

get a linksys router
or
get a smc barricade router
or
get a d-link router

if you check hot deals you can find one for a very reasonable price.
you can probably sell the unused system and pay for the router.
you will be much happier with a router rather than configuring a computer to do it for you, not to mention it will work.

 

[Synoptic]

The doctor makes a very good point. Sorry for not being too helpful, it's been a really long day

 

[seind]

np guys, your advice is still appreciated.
since is strictly for home use, i'd stay away from too much expenses, plus id like to start learning linux and networking.

 

[cipher00]

...and, if you don't want to be running wires all over the place, consider wireless. I'm using the SMC wireless barricade now (7004AWBR) and it's been working well. Don't use PCI antenna cards, though: USB works much better.

 

[Synoptic]

Wireless is good, especially with the new 802.11a out, but it is much more expensive, both for the router and the nics. You can buy 1000' of cat 5 for $70, an linksys router w/ 4 port switch for around $100, and figure about $5 for each jack in the wall. With 6 wall outlets, that would run you about $200, less than the cost for an 802.11a linksys router. There will be some extra tools you will ned for the cabling, but if you have a friend that has them, or can borrow them from the techs where you work then do that.

 

[Murse]

If you go with the cheaper 802.11b stuff, wireless shouldn't be much more than running cable all over the house and it will be a lot easier. I'm also a networking n00b and did not want to run cable everywhere. Besides, with my lack of experience, it would take me forever to make the patch cables and buying them can add up quick.

So I got:
1) D-Link 711 wireless router : $50 AR
2) 2 D-Link USB wireless adapters: $50 each on closeout at Staples
3) Netgear fs105 switch: $25 on closeout at Staples
4) D-Link CFII wireless adapter for my PPC: $65 shipped, from Amazon.
5) used some old cat5 patch cables I had laying around.
6) Conext 500va UPS: free after rebate (I needed more plugs!)

Since the 802.11a and the 22mbs 802.11b stuff came out, the original 802.11b stuff has gotten substantially cheaper.

So, for $240 I have 3 PC's and my Ipaq all linked via wireless and sharing my cable modem connection. Setup was easy and it all works fine. Granted, my house is not very big, but the router/access point is in the basement and I have not had connection problems and usually have full 11mbs connection speeds (at least according to what is reported by the adapters). BTW all the computers are running Windows XP and the Ipaq has PPC 2002.

By reading through posts on several sites, some people do have problems getting wireless to work, but I had none here. Oh, at first, I couldn't get the router to pickup the cable modem connection, but once I reset the modem, it worked fine.

 

[seind]

sorry people

i forgot to mention that i already have a 5-port switch and the nics to go along. my problem is how to use my pcs in the best possible way.

i changed the systems like this
1) P200mmx, AT from, 3GB HDD, 1MB S3 graphics, CDROM, (for redhat)
2) PII300mmx 5GB HDD, ATI rage 32MB, cdrom, printer, Win98SE
3) AMD XP1600, 30GB HDD, 32MB geforce 2MX, scanner, printer, DVDROM, CD-RW, Win2000 (might install mandrake on it, on dual boot)

 

[heartsurgeon]

trust me, you will be happier with a "commercial" router

however, if you must do it yourself - visit this site linux router project

 

[seind]

thanks doctor
ive looked into that and also freesco. tried freesco and couldnt configure it. my networking knowledge and command line are low level.

right now i can connect using netbios without a problem.

using tcp/ip i cant see from win2k (pc3) to the win98 machines (pc1, pc2). i get error message dhcp server not found
win98 systems see each other just fine.

ping from win2k is ok
ping from win98 to win98 is ok.
ping from win98 to win2k not ok (could be firewall in win2k)

going wireless is not an option for me right now, will do so in the future.
thanks to all who answered.

 

[Synoptic]

802.11b would be much cheaper, but at only 11 mbps it just isn't worth it anymore. (That was a little late, but I just had to get it in). Are you statically setting the IP's for the 98 and 2000 machines right now? Since you don't have a dhcp server right now if you have the computers set up for dynamic ip's they will just make up their own and they may have some confilcts. As far as a "comercial " router, or a linux box goes, get the router so you can at least be up and running, then once you learn linux well enough and get that running, sell your router, or use it for something else. You may also be able to find a router used, my roommate found one about a year ago for like half price, so look around.