broadband network help

S

smerdo

n00b
Joined
Jun 9, 2004
Messages
6
hi there i need some advise on broadband network configs ive got 4 puters 1 xp 2 win 98 + Imac osX .(4 total) 1 shared printer
i have already got a internal adsl modem and just decidin what to go 4 can i use the adsl modem buy a network hub and ICS the lot together easily or buy a router what way should i go ?
anyone with a similar network ? does osx ics with windows ok the mac can just get online no need to share files just printer .
should i be runnnig windows server 2 do this

CHEERS smerdo
 
Go with a linksys 8 port router. :)

A: you can always add more computers.
B: It has built in firewall.
C: Hubs share bandwidth to each port. [makes it slower.]
 
A hub, or switch for that matter, would require you to have multiple IP access from your provider. Pretty uncommon for ISP's to allow multiple IP's without charging extra for each one. Go with a router solution as suggested before but you might consider one with a printer port and built in print server. Not sure Linksys has one. Linksys is fine but most of these budget NAT routers are very similar. Any of the top SOHO brands will do fine. They will have either a 1, 4 or 8 port switched ports (some might have 5 ore something) so you can add PC's to the LAN. Then there's wireless trail if you want to go that way. Many add Access Points integrated as well. Of course you'd need wireless cards for each workstation behind the router if you buy one of those. My Speedstream has a built in print server, 8 switched autosensing LAN ports, filtering, firewall, and wireless. Probably could be had for 40 or 50 bucks street and hasn't hiccupped in a major way in two years.
 
with wireless how good is it ? will it work through brick walls through doors around corners over a distance or 20 meters with out a access point ? thank you for your help the router sounds like the best solution
 
Well you really want to go with an AP infrastructure. I guess that's what your asking there. If you get a router and want wireless then get one with an AP integrated into it. Very common and pretty cheap. It may go through your obstructions. 20 meters with multiple obstruction, one or more being brick, then you may have a problem. You'd have to test to find out. That's about the only way to see if your wireless coverage is going to be acceptable. Every wireless environment is different. What works for someone might not for someone else with almost identical home construction. Lots of variables with wireless LAN's.
 
thanks again just need to try it because of the brick walls im limited to using wireless the only other way is to run cat5 down the outside cavity of the house wich means lifting tiles .
is there any brands of routers modems that you would stay well away from ?
 
I haven't used all that much budget equipment. I've been using the same Router/AP since I got broadband, Speedstream. FWIW I use a 3Com modem. I wouldn't worry too much about what modem you use. The router will be your performance center. Linksys, DLink, Netgear, SMC etc.. They are all fairly similar. Find the features you like at the price you like and give it a shot.
 
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