Router Enquiery

[Guest]

Hi everyone.

Basically, more than a problem, a have a few questions to see if anyone
could help me with...
First of all, I am a PIPEX broadband user, and they sent me an Alcatel
SpeedTouch 330 USB modem with the package. I am now in a house, sharing (or
trying to share) internet and files over a small LAN. My first attempt was
using a 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch.
After some time have realised how "annoying it can be" to have your desktop
running 24/7 as many of you must know, just so others can use the internet,
and guess the best solution is for me to buy a Router.
Now here is something I have never quite understood, do I need an
EthernetFast Cable/DSL Router - or a Cable Router as mentioned in other
posts? What’s the difference?
And basically, to get the use out of my Alcatel modem, which is a USB modem,
how can I connect it to a Router? Is the only way via an Ethernet Router?
Do I really have to buy an Ethernet Modem as well as the Router?!?! - even
thought of maybe better off getting a ADSL Ethernet/USB Gateway Modem &
Router, but still won't be getting use out of the USB Alcatel modem, and is a
waste of money.

Thanks very much in advance,

 

[Guest]

Basically, Yes. The majority (if not all) routers will only accept an uplink
from an ethernet source. You have to have an ethernet out on your modem,
that you would plug into the router and then plug your PC/Devices into the
router.

 

[Chuck]

Hi everyone.

Basically, more than a problem, a have a few questions to see if anyone
could help me with...
First of all, I am a PIPEX broadband user, and they sent me an Alcatel
SpeedTouch 330 USB modem with the package. I am now in a house, sharing (or
trying to share) internet and files over a small LAN. My first attempt was
using a 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch.
After some time have realised how "annoying it can be" to have your desktop
running 24/7 as many of you must know, just so others can use the internet,
and guess the best solution is for me to buy a Router.
Now here is something I have never quite understood, do I need an
EthernetFast Cable/DSL Router - or a Cable Router as mentioned in other
posts? What’s the difference?
And basically, to get the use out of my Alcatel modem, which is a USB modem,
how can I connect it to a Router? Is the only way via an Ethernet Router?
Do I really have to buy an Ethernet Modem as well as the Router?!?! - even
thought of maybe better off getting a ADSL Ethernet/USB Gateway Modem &
Router, but still won't be getting use out of the USB Alcatel modem, and is a
waste of money.

Thanks very much in advance,

Nick,

What you need is a NAT (Network Address Translation) router, aka broadband
router. A NAT router creates a private network (your private LAN). A private
LAN can be used to connect multiple computers to one internet service, and it
can be used to provide some protection for one, or multiple, computers
connected.

One popular manufacturer of NAT routers, Linksys, sells a line of products
called "EtherFast Cable / DSL" routers. These are simply NAT routers, with
various features. There are other vendors with NAT routers that are as good as
Linksys (almost as good anyway). (I am a very satisfied Linksys customer).

The modem and router functionalities are different. The "modem" connects the
DSL (voice) line to Ethernet (or USB). The router intelligently connects a
single Ethernet connection (ie from the modem) to a number of Ethernet
connections (the client computers). You have to have both a modem and router,
if you wish to connect multiple computers to the internet.

If your modem has ONLY a USB port (as opposed to some modems with dual ports),
you are stuck. You have to connect the modem to a computer, and use the
computer as a NAT router (running Internet Connection Sharing, for instance).
Or you will have to replace the modem.

You can get combined modem / router devices, which combine the functionality of
the modem and router. The Netgear DG632 is one of these.
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DG632.php

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.