What is the best way to network these 4 comps at home?

Hi,

I currently have a desktop thats hooked up to a DSL modem, and also have a laptop that I have hooked up to this using a crossover cable and internet connection sharing. I can transfer files back and forth as well as share the internet connection without a problem.

I also have another desktop in the guest room, as well as an additional laptop. What is the best way to network these four machines together so that they can share the same internet connection? Both laptops have Wi-fi and both desktops have ethernet cards so Im guessing the best way is to use a wireless router.

Will this only enable me to share the internet connection or can I also share folders / files? Will any machines need to be on for the others to access the internet connection and run a proxy or will the router take care of this?

Any recommendations on hardware and help on how to go about this will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Sid

 

All you will need is a wireless router.

You can share files and the internet connection without any others being on.
You may experience troubles with a proxy, however. This depends on where the proxy is in relation to your network (ex. a proxy server that's internal, an open proxy on the internet, etc.)

 

Hi Bubbles,

Thanks for the reply - i'm assuming from your reply that if I do get a wireless router, I dont need a proxy? Any good recommendations for a good wireless router?

Thanks again for the help.

Sid

 

Heh, I can tell you what Bubbles will say:

Don't go with DLink!

Linksys is a division of Cisco, who are known for their routers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124012
This particular one has fairly high user ratings.

Do be careful though. The 802.11 b AND g standards operate at 2.4GHz, which is a frequency commonly used by cordless phones. If you have any such phones, they and the router may interfere with each other.

And no, you should not need a proxy...your router will translate your internal IPs into a different one used on the internet.

 

Thanks! will check this out.

 

May be this can Help, Wireless What Should I Get?

 

This is true. D-Link can rot in hell.

I've not used their wireless routers, but I would trust a 3Com to do the job. I've had nothing but good experiences with 3Com products.

I quickly skimmed over the article posted by cat5e, which mentioned 108Mbps, 125Mbps, etc. speed. If you decide to go this route, please keep in mind that these speeds are not yet a standard. For instance, if you purchase a D-Link SuperG router, and a Netgear SuperG wireless card, it's not unlikely that they will run any faster than 54MBps. This applies to any other combination of wireless equipment that has the ability to go faster than 54MBps aka 802.11g.

 

From the link you sent earlier (to the linksys wireless router) i notice that it has just one LAN connection at the back. Since this will probably be used by the DSL modem, im assuming that no wired LAN connections are possible? so I would have to get a wireless card for the other desktop right? thanks - sid

 

Ohhh, I wouldn't say that. If you look around, I'm certain you can find a wireless router with more ethernet ports, for close to the same price. You can get a wireless card for your desktop, but that's a perhaps unneccessary expense.

 

Uuuhh...that link was for an access point.

You can use this if you have a router already in place (which you don't). However, you cannot hook this WAP directly to your modem to share an internet connection.....it doesn't do NAT.

I've never seen a wireless connection that doesn't have LAN ports. How in the world would you configure it to your liking?

Sorry if I rained on your parade, Milty. Do you need me to fix network, TOO?! (j/k)

 

Ha! No, apparently I gave this gentleman a half-ass response and I deserve it. My apologies to you, skiddyrow. Take bubbles' word...she knows much better than myself.

 

Thanks people! will check it out! As im having a problem with my internet connection problem (another post on this forum!) I need to get this sorted out quick. Cheers!