Networking help

[Jagoff]

Well, in 5-6 weeks all finally be able to get cable (cox@home). So, we have 4 computers that will have internet access with one IP. My dads a computer geek and wants to build a proxy, but Im sayin lets just get a linksys router or something. My question is... what router should I get, and what is the latest and greatest NIC to get?

 

[Czar]

networking forum

try a program called winroute by tiny software and install it on the computer that is connected to the internet.

 

[mpitts]

I have the Netgear RT314 and it has worked great for the past 8 months. I have never had a problem with it and it has only been turned off because we moved. I would highly recommend Netgear. As for NICs, you can't go wrong with the 3com 3c90x series.

 

[kassy]

My personal preference is Linksys.
I have a two port switched print server, a 4 port linksys router, an eight port linksys router and 16 port linksys switch.
All have been reliable and I like the admin interface.
There were some issue with NAT and MS Messenger and Netmeeting but the latest firmware revisions seem to have taken care of them for the most part.
I have Linksys NICs, 3 Com NICs and Intel NICs... I havent decided which is better yet, although testing of the latest 3 Com and Intel NICs put 3 Com ahead in performance slightly ( If I can find the link I will post it).
I have noticed that the Intel NIC doesnt handle small file transfers to an internal server all that well, but I am unsure if it is an XP problem or a problem with the NIC.

 

[UofI]

Linksys or a Netgear in my opinion. The Netgear routers are better built in my opinion.

 

[rgwalt]

I'll throw in my 2 cents here... I've used both the Linksys and the SMC routers. I like them both. I personally own the SMC because of the built-in print server. It is an all-in-one shot with the SMC. That being said, my first SMC was one of the first production models. I bought it right after it became available. Unfortunately, this one went on the fritz, and SMC had to replace it. I haven't had any problems with the replacement, and the firmware upgrades keep improving the router's overall peformance.

On the other hand, I will recommend the Linksys whole-heartedly. The Linksys is in many ways easier to use, and is friendlier. The only thing missing is the print server and an on-off switch.

Ryan

 

[cipher00]

SMC. But try the networking forum for more opinions; most entry level routers appear to be about the same.

 

[Jagoff]

What about NIC? Anyone have the newest 3com NIC w/the 3XP processor (3CR990-TX-97)?


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[PlatinumGold]

give smoothwall a try. very nice linux based firewall/router that you can install on any 486 practically.

very easy to setup. plus it's free. so if you have a spare 486 somewhere this would be better than spending the 100 odd dollars on a linksys etc router.