Linksys router w/ multiple WAN IPs

[CloudsShinji]

I had a quick question about my router and was hoping someone here would be able to help me. First, a little background info.

Currently, we're running a network behind a Linksys BEFSR81 8-port router, which is being used to share a cable internet connection. However, we do a lot of internet gaming, and the hassles of this setup finally brought us to the point where we decided to just purchase five IPs from our ISP.

So that brings me to today. We've got the IPs, but I'm not entirely sure how to configure the router to allow each computer to obtain its own IP. (They are dynamic).

As it stands right now, I have disabled the router's DHCP function, but left the actual network configuration on the individual computers as set to "obtain an IP address automatically". Is this all that needs to be done, or is there more?

I know that it would be easy with a switch, but since we have this router, can it be used just as easily?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot for your time.

 

[mboy]

I am not sure if the Linksys can handle multiple public Ip's, but the SMC 7004fw can handle up to 10 and you can make static routes to your LAN rigs with it.

 

[Xuttah]

First, if you've bought 5 IP's, you'll likely have to set them statically on each PC. If they didn't give you the IP addresses, but you "bought" 5 dhcp-obtained addresses, then leave the PC's as is.

Second, you'll need to remove the cable modem from the WAN port, and move it to a LAN port. If you've disabled DHCP on the Linksys, this should be all that's necessary to circumvent the "gateway/router" functionality, and allow DHCP requests to get to the cable modem/ISP.

Third, once you bypass the Internet protection you had, please post your IP addresses for us. Seriously, if you're going to do this, you need to come up with another option for protecting your PCs. ZoneAlarm is a free PC firewall option.

What kind of hassles would force you to buy IP addresses? Setting up a Forwarding entry should be all that's required to let you run a game server, unless you're running old firmware that still has some bugs in it.

HTH

 

[CloudsShinji]

Thanks for your replies.

First of all, yes, the five IPs are DHCP-obtained. Next, am I correct in assuming that I'll need a crossover cable to plug into one of the LAN ports?

As for security, yeah, I know it's definitely going to be wide open... we have ZoneAlarm and I was also planning on unbinding TCP/IP from File/Print Sharing, and binding them to NetBEUI in its place. Would this be an acceptable solution?

Finally, the hassles. Well, they ranged from problems when more than one of us tried to join the same game on battle.net, to games like Civ3: PTW (which don't allow more than one connection per IP), to problems with people constantly disconnecting due to IllegibleServerMessage or CL_ParsePacketError when we hosted a dedicated RtCW server. (I even put the server in the DMZ, but after looking around on many forums it seems that it just won't work behind a Linksys router.)

I do have the latest firmware, as well.


*sigh* I just dunno, I've heard so much different advice on all the different ways to connect a LAN to the 'net, and I'm still not sure which is the "best" option. I mean, in general I have no qualms with the router, but at times it can really be a pain. Still, I've heard that Linksys routers are in fact much more problematic than those made by other companies... any truth to this? If so, would a different router be an option?

Thanks again all.

 

[JackMDS]

Take it with a grain of salt many of the questions here are a long the line of:

I bought a VW Beetle. Now I opened a Construction company, I do not want to spend more money; can I use the Beetle as a Bulldozer?

If it is so important, buy for $50 the SMC7004VBR.

This Router can put 10 computers in the DMZ provided you have independent external IPs (which you have).

Use your Linksys as a simple switch.

The result will be multiple DMZ Router with a 10 ports switch.

 

[CloudsShinji]

Thanks for your reply.

That's fair, JackMDS, and a good analogy; although I'm not opposed to spending the money if it will work well. The SMC product sounds like it can do exactly what we need; I will look into it. Thanks again!

 

[Xuttah]

You shouldn't need a crossover cable. Just unplug the cable modem from the WAN port and stick it in the LAN port. The only time you'd need a crossover is to connect two switches (or two PC's) together. So, if you go buy the SMC router described above (which sounds like the best choice of all for what you want), you'll need a crossover cable to connect your Linksys to it (assuming you keep the Linksys). Sometimes switches/hubs will have an "uplink" port to connect hubs/switches together. This is, in effect, a crossover port; it allows you to use a straight-through cable to connect hubs/switches. Just something else to look for.

I've never had an issue with my Linksys, but I don't host many games, and only have my wife & I using it. I'll be removing it soon and putting in an Astaro firewall for a bit more "oomph."

Good luck!