Any benefit in DSL Router for just 1 computer?

[jrichrds]

I have a Siemens Speedstreem DSL Router (says it has NAT and Firewall?) that never got used for its intended purpose. Is there any point in hooking it up to just one computer that's connected to PPPoE (Dynamic IP) DSL? I thought I had heard it's more efficient than using a software PPPoE implementation, but I may have heard wrong.

 

[Pink0]

There are two benefits that I can immediately see:
1.Hardware firewall eliminates the need for firewall software to be run on your computer if you're concerned about security.
2.This router will allow your system to get info automatically from DHCP on bootup rather than having to establish a manual PPPoE connection.

 

[Fixxors]

its also handy when yer workin on another computer, just plug her in and bam, internet access, and file sharing

 

[JackMDS]

If I am not mistaken you have another post about slow starting DSL.

PPPOE software is a ?Dial in type?, to keep the connection alive. This software is quirky hence initial long logon.

I would suggest to any one with PPPOE DSL to buy a Cable/DSL Router even if they don?t have a Network.

For the price you get Hardware Firewall, and Hardware PPPOE "keep alive".

You Log on to a Router, in the PPPOE menu type username and password. Make sure that PPPOE 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 less then a minute, and the Router will automatically connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET and Netscape (or whatever software they dished you).
Or you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another Dialup connection, in the Browser).

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

Working through the Router should yield faster (5%-10%), and smoother Internet connection.

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
If I am not mistaken you have another post about slow starting DSL.

PPPOE software is a ?Dial in type?, to keep the connection alive. This software is quirky hence initial long logon.

I would suggest to any one with PPPOE DSL to buy a Cable/DSL Router even if they don?t have a Network.

For the price you get Hardware Firewall, and Hardware PPPOE "keep alive".

You Log on to a Router, in the PPPOE menu type username and password. Make sure that PPPOE 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 less then a minute, and the Router will automatically connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET and Netscape (or whatever software they dished you).
Or you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another Dialup connection, in the Browser).

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

Working through the Router should yield faster (5%-10%), and smoother Internet connection.

thanks for the tip.

Do you suggest a quality, easy to setup router for DSL?

 

[Utterman]

Originally posted by: Sid59

Originally posted by: JackMDS
If I am not mistaken you have another post about slow starting DSL.

PPPOE software is a ?Dial in type?, to keep the connection alive. This software is quirky hence initial long logon.

I would suggest to any one with PPPOE DSL to buy a Cable/DSL Router even if they don?t have a Network.

For the price you get Hardware Firewall, and Hardware PPPOE "keep alive".

You Log on to a Router, in the PPPOE menu type username and password. Make sure that PPPOE 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 less then a minute, and the Router will automatically connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET and Netscape (or whatever software they dished you).
Or you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another Dialup connection, in the Browser).

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

Working through the Router should yield faster (5%-10%), and smoother Internet connection.

thanks for the tip.

Do you suggest a quality, easy to setup router for DSL?

I suggest ones made by linksys, but you shouldn't have any problems with any other brands.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I have one made by XSense and it works fine

 

[Macro2]

I have a speedstream router. Compared to other inexpensive routers it's full featured. NAT, Firewall, DMZ.
Better than Linksys or D-link.
Firewall is a good reason to use it. You can open only the ports you need.
The only trouble I've had is that I can't Use MSN messenger while behind it to send files or voice. I've tried opening all the recommeded ports, disabling the firewall and even putting a computer in front of the router, called DMZ. No Luck.

Mac

 

[HellRaven]

As a tech support rep for an ISP I would say definately get the router. JackMDS is right on with his points. Only other thing I will add to his points is that not having to have a software PPPoE program is great. It WILL speed up your connnection by a small amount, it will speed up the computer slightly as well (no more PPPoE software loaded into memory), and you will have less problems overall (winpoet = buggy).

As far as good router brands, Linksys, SMC, and D-Link are three that jump to mind for budget routers. I have been using an SMC Barricade router for about 2 years and have never had to power cycle it once since I set it up except for once when I moved Most people I talk to get Linksys since they are usually the cheapest and widely available. They work fine from what I have seen.

 

[jrichrds]

Originally posted by: Macro2
I have a speedstream router. Compared to other inexpensive routers it's full featured. NAT, Firewall, DMZ.
Better than Linksys or D-link.
Firewall is a good reason to use it. You can open only the ports you need.
The only trouble I've had is that I can't Use MSN messenger while behind it to send files or voice. I've tried opening all the recommeded ports, disabling the firewall and even putting a computer in front of the router, called DMZ. No Luck.

Mac

I hooked up the Speedstream router just now and the darn thing won't let me set the MTU.
It's at 1412 and there's no setting in the config to change it. Can I change the MTU through Windows, or will it just always be overriden by the router?