Router Issue.

[Cornelia Parsley]

Do I really need a router?
I am presently on a dial-up 56K connection, an average homeuser with a
desktop computer. My OS is WinXP SP2. I work with LUA, use the in-build
firewall and Seconfig XP.

I am going to subscribe to a high-speed internet service and the ISP will
also supply a 'Hatary HW-AA 101 wireless ADSL2+ router'. The router comes
with a Quick Installation Guide and a Starter Kit CD-ROM.
ISP connection number, username and initial password will be provided by the
ISP which have to be added during installation. The program will then setup
the ADSL2+ router and make connection to the Internet automatically.
According to Wikipedia, a router would be needed if a homeuser may want to
set up a LAN or WLAN and connect all computers to the Internet without
having to pay a full broadband subscription service to their ISP for each
computer on the network.

Since I am a single pc user, I was wondering if it is really necessary to
install this router.

Could I not just go to Network Connections | Network Tasks | Create a new
connection and use the New Connection Wizard to Set up my connection
manually?
(Though my ISP refers to this type of connection as PPPoE LLC and not
PPPoE).

Also, the Trouble Shooting list of the Quick Installation Guide points out
that the TCP/IP setting in network adapter of my pc should be set to obtain
and IP address and DNS.
Currently, the Service TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper is Disabled as are SMB and RPC
over TCP/IP.

Must these services be re-instated to achieve ADSL connection?

TIA.

 

[thecreator]

Hi Cornelia,

If you have no plans now or in the future for adding a Second Computer
and have no friends, which may bring over a Wireless Laptop, then you don't
need a Router.

However, your ISP may require the Router in which to work. You need to
talk with your ISProvider for ADSL.

 

[Richard in AZ]

What your ISP is providing is a combination DSL modem and router. You have to have a DSL modem to
make your connection with the ISP. However, since you will not be using the wireless features of
the router, do not setup (turn on) the wireless features (this should be an option in the setup).
This way you will not be providing external access to the Net or your computers.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Do I really need a router?
I am presently on a dial-up 56K connection, an average homeuser with a
desktop computer. My OS is WinXP SP2. I work with LUA, use the in-build
firewall and Seconfig XP.

I am going to subscribe to a high-speed internet service and the ISP will
also supply a 'Hatary HW-AA 101 wireless ADSL2+ router'. The router comes
with a Quick Installation Guide and a Starter Kit CD-ROM.
ISP connection number, username and initial password will be provided by
the ISP which have to be added during installation. The program will then
setup the ADSL2+ router and make connection to the Internet automatically.
According to Wikipedia, a router would be needed if a homeuser may want to
set up a LAN or WLAN and connect all computers to the Internet without
having to pay a full broadband subscription service to their ISP for each
computer on the network.

Since I am a single pc user, I was wondering if it is really necessary to
install this router.

This is a combination modem and router unit.

You want the router, for a variety of reasons, starting with the good layer
of security a router adds.

Could I not just go to Network Connections | Network Tasks | Create a new
connection and use the New Connection Wizard to Set up my connection
manually?

You could, after bypassing the router, assuming it allows you to. There
isn't a lot of point in doing this, though.

(Though my ISP refers to this type of connection as PPPoE LLC and not
PPPoE).

You would only be able to do that if there is a port on the router that
bypasses the router function.

To do that, you'd pretty much have to set up the router anyway, and make
specific selections in the router controls.

Otherwise, the router gets your username and password, and it logs on.
Anything on the port side then has internet access as long as it has TCP/IP
installed and DHCP enabled.

Also, the Trouble Shooting list of the Quick Installation Guide points out
that the TCP/IP setting in network adapter of my pc should be set to
obtain and IP address and DNS.

Automatically, yes, it's called DHCP. It's the simplest thing to set up,
as you will see.

Currently, the Service TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper is Disabled as are SMB and
RPC over TCP/IP.

Doesnt' matter. As long at TCP/IP is installed and addessing is set to
automatic, you'll be connecting. Those are mostly important if you're
doing remote control or VPN stuff.

Must these services be re-instated to achieve ADSL connection?

No.

These kinds of modem/router combinations are popular with ISPs because they
are really, really easy to set up and support.

HTH
-pk

 

[Patrick Keenan]

What your ISP is providing is a combination DSL modem and router. You
have to have a DSL modem to make your connection with the ISP. However,
since you will not be using the wireless features of the router, do not
setup (turn on) the wireless features (this should be an option in the
setup). This way you will not be providing external access to the Net or
your computers.

Most of the time, when I see these packages from ISP's, the firmware's been
adjusted to require 128-bit WEP encryption as default. So if it's
enabled, it's automatically protected, unless the user finds the spot to
disable encryption.

This is of course the opposite of most retail-purchase routers, where the
default is wide open.

HTH
-pk

 

[Cornelia Parsley]

Based on other responses received, I've decided to install the router.

Thanks and best wishes...

 

[Cornelia Parsley]

Thanks for response Richard,
You're right; It is a combo DSL/router and am going to proceed with
installation.

Best wishes...

 

[Cornelia Parsley]

Thanks Patrick,
Your response is very detailed and educational; Appreciated.
Best wishes...