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YES!!! Finally getting broadband!

A

AmigaMan

Diamond Member
Ok, Verizon called and offered me a free 1 month trial for DSL (768/128) and then $49.95 a month after the first month. So I asked the wife and she actually agreed!
Now, I've done a bit of searching here at AT, and I just want to finalize what i need to do.
We have two desktops (W2K/W98) and a laptop(W2K). They are already networked using a Netgear FS105 switch and all have 10/100 NICs. The network works flawlessly and I don't anticipate any problems there. When I get the DSL modem, I'm assuming it will be a Westall since I've heard that's what a lot of people have received from Verizon. Since I'm a cheap bastard, I'll probably hold off on the router for a while. I'm assuming I can hook the DSL modem to the uplink port on my switch. I will also be installing the free version of ZoneAlarm on all three PCs. If I have problems with ZA, I'll go with Sygate's version.
When I finally scrape enough cash together, I'm going to get a SMC Barricade router (unless someone wants to sell me one cheap <$40). I want the Barricade because we have a laser printer and I want to be able to share it with all three computers. Then I can take my switch off and take it to work where I use it to allow my laptop to connect to the corporate network (I got approval for it temporarily until the IS/IT guys can come configure another port).

So, does anyone see any flaws in my plan? Anything I'm missing that I should do? Thanks for any input...

 
If you hook the DSl directly into the uplink section of the switch you're going to need three different IP addresses in order to get all three computers online at the same time. I would also make sure that Verizon is sending you and external DSL modem. Most ISP's now send the internal modems because they are a lot cheaper. You need the external one, however, to run a router on your network. If they do send the internal one, and that's what you want, you can run ICS on one of the machines, plug that machine's NIC into the uplink section of the switch and be able to get internet connections to all of your computers without the router. But then you don't get the security of NAT on the host machine.
 
Exactly how cheap are you? I just found a SMC7004ABR for $72 + $15s/h on pricewatch here. That should pay for extra IPs quickly.

BTW, have fun.
 
As others have pointed out, if you hooked directly to the switch, you'll need a seperate IP address for each machine. I'm guessing the IP addresses will cost $7.95 or $9.95 a month extra, and you'll need two extra IPs. In 3-4 months, you'll have spent more than the router would have cost, and have nothing to show for it. Just buy the router now and share that way.

As for sharing your printer, you can already do that from whatever machine it is hooked to. Why not do that? Then you won't have to get an SMC, and can just get whichever has the best deal at the time that you buy.

RagManX
 


<< As for sharing your printer, you can already do that from whatever machine it is hooked to. >>


If I do that, then the computer to which it is connected to will have to be turned on which is not always going to be the case.

As far as the other IP issue goes, I believe Verizon is handing out dynamic IPs using DHCP. I'm not entirely sure but I think that was the case. If so, then I don't see how they can identify additional IPs being requested.
 
I just went to Verizons website and this is what I found in their FAQ:

Can I network more than one computer?
Yes, you can connect multiple PCs, but the bandwidth will be shared among all of the active connections. Verizon Online offers a home networking solution designed to work with our DSL packages. Please note that Verizon Online does not provide technical support for networks that are set up using equipment not provided through Verizon Online. If you choose to set up a network, you need to have the appropriate network systems in place.
 
I'd be surprised if they're just handing out IPs to anybody that connects to their network, but who knows. Do they have you register your MAC address? ARe they sending you an external modem?

And as for "bandwidth sharing... as long as the required network products are in place..." well, it sounds like a router setup to me. But I've been wrong before.
 
I'm pretty sure they are sending me an external modem because they wanted me to have a NIC installed as part of the minimum requirements.

They want me to use this thing called WinPoet. If I'm not mistaken, this is for PPPoE and it somehow dials something. How exactly does this DSL stuff work?
 
I'm going to agree with Hoober on this one; I think you'll need a router or extra IPs. But I've been wrong before too, and probably more often than not.

As for how dsl works, you might want to look here.
 
Ok I think I just contradicted myself here. I don't know where I got the idea that I needed WinPoet. If what I'm reading is correct at DSLReports, then you either have a static or dynamic IP or PPPoE, not both. After reading the Verizon FAQ again, they specifically say they hand out dynamic IPs.
Unfortunately they don't go into any further detail. Anyone use Verizon DSL in Durham, NC around here? If so, drop some info on this unedumacted boy!

<edit: spelling mistakes>
 
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