Beginner Router, NIC and VPN questions

[Jim]

Hi,

I've got a new Win XP Pro box I'm about to network with two other
machines in the office (both running 98se) and soon getting ADSL as
well. Don't have any network hardware yet (replacing my old 10Base-T
nics) - which is partly why I'm here.

My questions are these:
1. I used to have a peer network previously, but with the pending
upgrade, DSL sharing and need for a router, would this still be a peer
setup or am I approaching more of a client/server setup? If so, would
I need to implement different log on and security in XP that I
wouldn't need in a peer setup?

2. NICs - should I spring for Gigabit or are 100's sufficient for a
small setup like mine? Besides cost, are there any cons to getting
the gigabit cards (hoping to avoid upgrading in very near future)?

3. I have seen Routers with and w/o Print Servers, but I really don't
know what difference/advantage a print server would be. On my
previous peer network, File and Print Sharing worked just fine. We
don't print that much less than 50 pages per day. What's the
difference? Would I need a "Network Ready/Capable" printer or any old
printer that I choose to share?

4. I'd like to take advantage of XP remote desktop to log in to/from
my home box over DSL, but don't know if this is the same thing as VPN,
and if I need separate VPN software or hardware. One of the routers
I'm considering, Linksys BEFSXR41, says it is also a VPN endpoint.
What does this mean? Is it something I might need?

Advice, suggestions and links to other references would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Papa]

Go to www.practicallynetworked.com

 

[daytripper]

Hi,

I've got a new Win XP Pro box I'm about to network with two other
machines in the office (both running 98se) and soon getting ADSL as
well. Don't have any network hardware yet (replacing my old 10Base-T
nics) - which is partly why I'm here.

My questions are these:
1. I used to have a peer network previously, but with the pending
upgrade, DSL sharing and need for a router, would this still be a peer
setup or am I approaching more of a client/server setup? If so, would
I need to implement different log on and security in XP that I
wouldn't need in a peer setup?

You will have a peer-to-peer network unless you strive otherwise.

2. NICs - should I spring for Gigabit or are 100's sufficient for a
small setup like mine? Besides cost, are there any cons to getting
the gigabit cards (hoping to avoid upgrading in very near future)?

10/100 cards are dirt cheap, as are the router/switches and straight switches
for the SOHO market. From a cost/benefit perspective, the SOHO sweet spot is
still 100mbit, but if you have an extraordinary requirement for prodigious
bandwidth and can't wait a year or so for the prices to plummet (further), go
for gigabit - but bring money.

3. I have seen Routers with and w/o Print Servers, but I really don't
know what difference/advantage a print server would be. On my
previous peer network, File and Print Sharing worked just fine. We
don't print that much less than 50 pages per day. What's the
difference? Would I need a "Network Ready/Capable" printer or any old
printer that I choose to share?

A router with an embedded print server is a great idea if a few or more users
share a printer and you'd otherwise have to keep a system powered up just to
drive the printer for them.

Take your pick.

4. I'd like to take advantage of XP remote desktop to log in to/from
my home box over DSL, but don't know if this is the same thing as VPN,
and if I need separate VPN software or hardware. One of the routers
I'm considering, Linksys BEFSXR41, says it is also a VPN endpoint.
What does this mean? Is it something I might need?

Remote Desktop is more VNC than VPN, but in any case, XP Pro offers both
paradigms. And the BEFSXR41 (and it's predecessor BEFSR41) supports VPN
passthrough, so you can reach LAN nodes from the WAN (note: you'll learn about
"port forwarding" when you get to setting these up).

Advice, suggestions and links to other references would be greatly
appreciated.

In similar scenarios, the standard response here seems to be
"visit www.practicallynetworked.com"

/daytripper

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hi,

I've got a new Win XP Pro box I'm about to network with two other
machines in the office (both running 98se) and soon getting ADSL as
well. Don't have any network hardware yet (replacing my old 10Base-T
nics) - which is partly why I'm here.

My questions are these:
1. I used to have a peer network previously, but with the pending
upgrade, DSL sharing and need for a router, would this still be a peer
setup or am I approaching more of a client/server setup? If so, would
I need to implement different log on and security in XP that I
wouldn't need in a peer setup?

It isn't possible to set up a client/server network with Win XP and
Win98se. That would require a computer running a server operating
system, like Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server, or Windows Server
2003.

You can store files on one of the computers for use by the other
computers, but it would still be a peer network.

By default, Windows XP makes its shared disks and folders available to
all users on the network. If desired, you can disable "simple file
sharing" and specify file access permissions. This web page has
details:

Windows XP Professional File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm

2. NICs - should I spring for Gigabit or are 100's sufficient for a
small setup like mine? Besides cost, are there any cons to getting
the gigabit cards (hoping to avoid upgrading in very near future)?

Even a 10 Mb network card is much faster than an ADSL connection.
Unless you'll be frequently transferring gigabytes of data, 100's are
more than sufficient.

3. I have seen Routers with and w/o Print Servers, but I really don't
know what difference/advantage a print server would be. On my
previous peer network, File and Print Sharing worked just fine. We
don't print that much less than 50 pages per day. What's the
difference? Would I need a "Network Ready/Capable" printer or any old
printer that I choose to share?

The advantage of using a print server is that the attached printer is
always available, without having to leave any particular computer
running at all times.

A "Network Ready/Capable" printer has a built-in Ethernet interface,
so it can attach directly to the network, with no need for a print
server.

I use a router with a built-in print server to make my laser printer
available to all of the computers on my home network.

4. I'd like to take advantage of XP remote desktop to log in to/from
my home box over DSL, but don't know if this is the same thing as VPN,
and if I need separate VPN software or hardware. One of the routers
I'm considering, Linksys BEFSXR41, says it is also a VPN endpoint.
What does this mean? Is it something I might need?

Remote Desktop and VPN are completely different. VPN sets up a
secure, private network connection over a public network like the
Internet. You can use Remote Desktop over any type of network
connection: LAN, dial-up, ADSL, cable modem, VPN, etc.

XP Pro has a built-in VPN server.

Advice, suggestions and links to other references would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Jim]

Thanks for the feedback Daytripper!

I have been to practicallynetworked.com before and got *practically*
all my questions answered there <g>. It's a great site and Steve
Winograd has answered some questions for me here in the groups as
well.

While the gigabit route isn't drastically more expensive, it still
sounds like it's more than I really need. Unless of course it's worth
it for the VNC.

I'll look into the router/print server thing a little further to see
if different makes/models can support a parallel cable or if I'll neet
an ethernet-ready network printer.

Thanks again.
Jim

 

[Papa]

Hi Jim:

I use a wired 4-port router from SMC (SMC7004ABR) that includes a printer
port. It is connected to my HP600C DeskJet printer with a parallel port
bi-directional cable, and works great. The beauty of it is, no one PC has to
be powered up in order for the other PCs in my LAN to access the printer. I
think the current price for this router is around $50.

Regards.

Thanks for the feedback Daytripper!

I have been to practicallynetworked.com before and got *practically*
all my questions answered there <g>. It's a great site and Steve
Winograd has answered some questions for me here in the groups as
well.

While the gigabit route isn't drastically more expensive, it still
sounds like it's more than I really need. Unless of course it's worth
it for the VNC.

I'll look into the router/print server thing a little further to see
if different makes/models can support a parallel cable or if I'll neet
an ethernet-ready network printer.

Thanks again.
Jim



You will have a peer-to-peer network unless you strive otherwise.


10/100 cards are dirt cheap, as are the router/switches and straight switches
for the SOHO market. From a cost/benefit perspective, the SOHO sweet spot is
still 100mbit, but if you have an extraordinary requirement for prodigious
bandwidth and can't wait a year or so for the prices to plummet (further), go
for gigabit - but bring money.


A router with an embedded print server is a great idea if a few or more users
share a printer and you'd otherwise have to keep a system powered up just to
drive the printer for them.

Take your pick.


Remote Desktop is more VNC than VPN, but in any case, XP Pro offers both
paradigms. And the BEFSXR41 (and it's predecessor BEFSR41) supports VPN
passthrough, so you can reach LAN nodes from the WAN (note: you'll learn about
"port forwarding" when you get to setting these up).


In similar scenarios, the standard response here seems to be
"visit www.practicallynetworked.com"

/daytripper

[/QUOTE]

 

[daytripper]

Thanks for the feedback Daytripper!

I have been to practicallynetworked.com before and got *practically*
all my questions answered there <g>. It's a great site and Steve
Winograd has answered some questions for me here in the groups as
well.

While the gigabit route isn't drastically more expensive, it still
sounds like it's more than I really need. Unless of course it's worth
it for the VNC.

I'll look into the router/print server thing a little further to see
if different makes/models can support a parallel cable or if I'll neet
an ethernet-ready network printer.

fyi, the point of a network print server is to allow
non-network-interface-equipped printers to be networked without a conventional
host system directly driving it. ie, a printer with an ethernet port can plug
directly into a LAN port, so it doesn't need a print server.

You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a router/switch with integrated
print server that has a parallel port connector for your printer...

/daytripper

 

[Jim]

Wow, thanks to all for the clear explanations and helpful suggestions.
I own a very small business, so I am basically the IT dept (and every
other dept. - LOL), and frankly I don't often feel satisfied until
I've done my homework (and then some). My gratitude toward all those
who continue to teach me through the newsgroups is immeasurable.

Regards
Jim

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Wow, thanks to all for the clear explanations and helpful suggestions.
I own a very small business, so I am basically the IT dept (and every
other dept. - LOL), and frankly I don't often feel satisfied until
I've done my homework (and then some). My gratitude toward all those
who continue to teach me through the newsgroups is immeasurable.

Regards
Jim

You're welcome, Jim. I've learned (and continue to learn) a lot from
newsgroups, too. Tell your friends about them. ;-)
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com