dsl, router, switch, and 4 computers

[ThurzNite]

I already have dsl and am sharing through my win2k box with 2 nics. Everybody is attached to the 5 port switch and all is good. However, my computer is not operable at this time and as a temp fix, I put 1 of my nics in another computer and that win98se box is now using ICS. We would like to have it so that no computer has to be on all the time.
Since we already have a switch, is it possible to purchase only a router (1 port)? So it'll be dsl>router>switch>4 computers. Would that work? We're on a tight budget and don't want to purchase the linksys 4port router for $130. We're looking for a low cost solution.
Thanx.
Jay

 

[kgmz]

Linksys makes a 1 port version of their 4 port router, you can find it for under $100

http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=142&grid=5

 

[ThurzNite]

Does my setup look ok? Will it work?
Jay

 

[KGB]

Yes, it will work.
Get the one-port router.

 

[ThurzNite]

I really need a step by step guide to using the router and switch.
From the router, does it matter if I plug it into the uplink port in the switch? Or just any of the ports?
Jay

 

[Viperoni]

You'll definetely want to plug it into the uplink.
Normally, when you hookup 2 hubs or switches or those kinds of devices together, you would need a crossover cable...but the Uplink crosses it for you, so you can use any regular cat5 cable.
Basically it keeps everything simple

Basically your setup will look this:

dsl ---> Router (1 port) ---> Switch--->comps

 

[Wik]

No, No, the router does not plug into the uplink port. Think of your router as just another computer. Plug it into the switch/hub just like you would as it was a computer that was using ICS. Set your other machines to get IPs automatically and set the router up with the settings provided by the ISP. So here is how a 1 port setup would connect. DSL/Cable modem plugs into the internet port of router. Then plug the local port of the router into a regular port of the switch/hub (not the uplink) then plug the other computers into the rest of the ports on the switch/hub (not the uplink).

 

[ThurzNite]

Okidoke...modem, router, switch, computers. No uplink anywhere. Gotit. So now I needa find a router. After reading other posts, it looks like Linksys (bad firmware) or Netgear (slightly more expensive). Any other brands I should be looking at? I hope to spend $80 +shipping.
Jay

 

[striker99]

Antoher popular router is the Barricade. There's a review at: http://www.8wire.com/articles/index.asp?AID=1354. You can get it for $139 at http://www.lanmarket.com/. I like it better than the others because it can assign all your computers with IP addresses via DHCP, and it also is a four port 10/100 switch, that has a print server to boot. It's a little more than the $80 you mentioned but I think these other features make it worth it.

 

[ThurzNite]

If I didn't already have my 5 port switch, yeah, I'd look into that.
I thought all routers had dhcp or something like NAT. Please correct me.
Jay

 

[striker99]

yeah they do, but some products like the Watchgaurd SOHO not only offer DHCP and NAT but also have a true firewall "live security". NAT is not a true firewall so you should probably add something like ZoneAlarm to your list as well. The Barricade has a serial connection for a modem as well as a print serv, ect., which is why I like the product. The Barricade has MAC address cloning which allows you to set up multiple PCs when your ISP forces you to specify a MAC address. I don't know if the other routers do this.

 

[defiant]

D-Link makes one too. I have D-Link hub and a residential one port gateway. It can be DHCP server/client so I have it assigning IP address to all the pc's in my home network but the ISP sees only one computer (i.e. my gateway). The hub that I have allows the wire coming from the gateway to any port.

 

[Wik]

If you have an old 386/486 or better, download Freesco and use it as your router. It works alot better then the comercial routers and if you already have or if you canget an old computer, it only costs 2 NICs to make it ($20-$30). If you ask around I am sure you can get somebody to give you one of these door stops to you. I have people giving me computers all of the time and make routers for my friends. It is very simple to use and has more features then all of the comercial routers. It does not even require a hard drive as it runs from a floppy disk. I have a NetGear RT311 now collecting dust after hooking the Feesco box up. You will need a switch/hub to connect the other computers.

 

[ThurzNite]

the 2nd computer thing is a great idea and i had considered it a while back. however, when i reflect on why i wanna get a router, it leads me back to the high price of electricity. I don't wanna leave a comp on all the time. I figure a router is gonna draw less power than another computer.
Jay

 

[Wik]

I am not sure on actuall electrical usage, but freesco only requires a 386/6megs ram and a floppy. No hard drive. Not much power usuage there. I do like my Netgear RT311 and am still keeping it, but the freesco box works better (GameSpy refreshes twice as fast). I was able to get the Netgear several months ago for $75 using some coupon combos at Staples.