Router or access point? HELP!

[Steve]

Thanks to the help from a previous post I now have my wireless network up
and running, thanks again folks. This leads me on to my next problem!

On further examination of XP and its recommended net work solutions I see
they do not advise that you set up a home network with internet access
through a router (which is what I currently have). My current set up is two
PC's connected to a wireless router, one PC is wired and the other is
wireless. Both access the internet through the router which in turn connects
to my DSL modem.

Microsoft recommend that you have internet access through a single PC which
connects directly to the DSL modem via a wired ethernet card and then with a
second ethernet card connects to your home network via a network hub/access
point (wireless or wired). All PC's are then configured to share the single
internet connection. I can see the benifits of this in terms of activating
the internet firewall on the PC with the internet connection rather than
each PC accessing the router. This would also solve a problem I had whereby
I can not access either PC through the router while the XP firewall is
activated.

Does anyone have any recommedations as to how best to set my home network
up? Ultimately what I want is a firewalled internet connection that protects
my home network however I also need full access to each PC connected to the
network.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve.

 

[BobC]

Thanks to the help from a previous post I now have my wireless network up
and running, thanks again folks. This leads me on to my next problem!

On further examination of XP and its recommended net work solutions I see
they do not advise that you set up a home network with internet access
through a router (which is what I currently have). My current set up is two
PC's connected to a wireless router, one PC is wired and the other is
wireless. Both access the internet through the router which in turn connects
to my DSL modem.

Microsoft recommend that you have internet access through a single PC which
connects directly to the DSL modem via a wired ethernet card and then with a
second ethernet card connects to your home network via a network hub/access
point (wireless or wired). All PC's are then configured to share the single
internet connection. I can see the benifits of this in terms of activating
the internet firewall on the PC with the internet connection rather than
each PC accessing the router. This would also solve a problem I had whereby
I can not access either PC through the router while the XP firewall is
activated.

Does anyone have any recommedations as to how best to set my home network
up? Ultimately what I want is a firewalled internet connection that protects
my home network however I also need full access to each PC connected to the
network.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve.

Your setup through the router is the better way, for lots of reasons. The
router provides firewall (somewhat) by using NAT. You can get a router with
a real firewall included if you want. There is no need for each computer to
have a firewall if your router is providing this function. Your alternet
approach requires that the Internet computer always be on. ICS (your
alternet solution) is troublesome for many users, is restricted in port
forwarding, and is a less than fully functional software attempt at
performing the functions of a router.

Check other posts in this newsgroup and you'll find that almost always the
recommendation is router over ICS.