RE: Network hub

[ShirleyT]

 
I had asked about the networking computers on this forum. I checked out the linksys on ebay and then went to walmart. I found a cheaper hub/router, think it is called network systems, for $29.95 and it has 5 ports (I don t need anymore than that, only have two computers). I haven t hooked up the other computer yet but this one is connected through the hub and was pretty simple to hook up. Seems to be working great. I am connected at 100.Mbps, whatever that means.

[Tim5055]

 ShirleyT
Shirley,
 
 Yes, a simple $29 hub will work to network multiple computers together (this is a LOCAL area network, known as a " LAN" ) BUT
 
 It will not act as a router to connect to your DSL Modem and/or Cable Modem .  You need the Linksys (or other brand) Router Hub combination to establish a WIDE area network (known as " WAN" ) connection.
 
 In a single computer application, the high speed modem (DSL or cable) connects directly to the single computer.  The single computer runs an application to connect to the ISP through the modem and establish a WAN.  To then network additional local computers you will probably need 2 network (one for the WAN side and one for the LAN side) cards in that computer as well as some interesting network properties.
 
 In a multiple computer application the Router/Hub runs the connection application and makes the WAN connection to your ISP as well as having additional ports to establish a LAN.
 
 Wow, was that confusing???

[mike4947]

 ShirleyT
Well my $29 Network Everywhere Fast ethernet 10/100 From Linksys works fine connecting both my computers to my cable modem and to each other. In fact the cables cost more than the box did. All I have is common old ethernet cards in both computers. No hard wired firewall capabilities so I use a software firewall.

[ShirleyT]

 ShirleyT
UHHH........so this will or won t work so both computers will be on the internet?? We aren t fancy computer folks, just want both puters to be able to access the internet on one account.
 
 Oh yeah.... the one I got is called network everywhere, but it is made by linksys

[birol]

 ShirleyT
It must have a  product id, can you let us know that number ?

[mike4947]

 ShirleyT
Sounds like you bought the exact box I did. Mine s been working for over a year now with no problems what so ever. It s just sitting there on top of my able modem happy as a clam and both computers work fine connecting to the internet. You might see a little slowdown if both happened to be doing some intesive work like big down/uploads at the same time, but otherwise just surfing I haven t had any real slowdown with the two connected.

[lhuff]

 ShirleyT
Your box will work just fine to connect both computers to the Internet.  It just means that both computers have to have their own software to connect to the internet and each must connect/login individually.  With some routers, you can use them as the single access point into the internet and your computers just need to talk with the router.  There are a couple of things to think about.  
 
 1. Some hubs require that you plug your modem/router into a certain port so make sure to do that.  
 
 2. The biggie is that by using a hub, you must sign into your ISP twice for both computers to be on the internet at the same time.  Some (most?) ISPs charge a fee for the second computer to be signed on concurrently.  You should check with your ISP before you try it or you might get a large suprise in your bill.  
 
 If your ISP charges for a second concurrent session, you might want to return your hub and look for a WAN Access Point (WAP) router.  That way, it logs into your ISP and manages traffic to the correct computer.  Your computers don t have to login to the ISP individually so there is only one login to the ISP from the router.   If your ISP charges for multiple concurrent logins and you connect both computers much, probably the savings in on month s ISP bill would pay the difference.  
 
 You can manage the WAP router through your browser on either computer.  They usually have a Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall which will help protect your computer from outside intrusions.  This won t stop worms and trojan horses from sending info out, just incoming intrusions.  You can get a good software firewall which will help with that and some are free (ZoneAlarm).  Some routers even have provisions for enforcing that a software firewall is running on each computer connected to the router.

[ShirleyT]

 ShirleyT
Birol you asked for the product number I believe. I am posting the link to the webpage.
 
 http://www.networkeverywhere.com/products/nh1005.asp
 
 If I need to get the router instead please let me know so I can go box the one I got back up and get the other one. I don t believe SBC DSL charges for another hookup in the same house, account or whatever.
 
 The link below is the router they have at walmart.
 
 http://www.networkeverywhere.com/products/nr041.asp
 
 I think there is like a $20 difference between the two. Also, since you guys are so helpful, will either of these allow both computers to use the same printer?
 Thanks!!

[lhuff]

 ShirleyT
Yes they will.  What you end up with is a LAN and you can share/use printers and folders from one computer to another.

[birol]

 ShirleyT
Looks like it " should"  be able to share the internet connection, if configured properly. You need to change the IP addy s on your home computers and let this one act like the host your ISP expects to see.
 
 Usually if you let an ISP know that you are using more than one computer to access internet, they charge for each one. The beauty of these routers is, they hide all the computers and act as if there is only one computer working (at least your isp thinks so).
 
 Birol