Q: Ok, my mother is considering getting DSL in a few months, not sure, but think about it
anyway, shes got a PC and make each of my two brothers (one is running Win 98 SE and the other two running W2K)
what is the best / easiest / safest / cost efficient / etc way to the connection between the three of them?
links, opinions and suggestions . Everyone is welcome to share, thanks a bunch
Best Answer: Why do you need them linked?
What do you want dual wan ports for?
Do you realize how difficult it is to trunk two WAN ports? What if you send one packet from Port A, and the next packet from the Port B, then the third packet from the Port A again? You destroy the sequential nature of the TCP/IP protocol suite. The first packet might have more delay than the second packet, so the second packet might arrive first, then the first packet, then the third packet, among many other unattractive possibilities.
Very few SOHO (Small Office Home Office) applications utilize a 2-Port WAN Trunk with any reliability.
Far better it would be to put the VoIPs on your DSL with your PC and let him bother with his own internet connection. This would be pretty much the same as the optimal condition provided you do the dedicated PC (custom management) or standalone router. Even if the two connects go to the same ISP, it could destabilize the sequential nature to have it coming through two different sets of twisted pairs.
Re:Actually, wireless options are becoming cheaper and cheaper all the time. Best to check the prices when you actually get DSL installed.
Re:one pc is upstairs, the other two are downstairs in a somewhat awkward place
wireless would be nice, but i doubt theyd pop for it b/c of cost, ill check all these links and such out tonight and come back if i have any more questions, in the mean time, thanks everyone
Re:Here is a nice article that runs through a lot of the options: The no hassle networking guide (http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,86935,00.asp). Some of the information is already dated (especially the prices) but it gives you the general idea. Wireless is probably the most popular option right now, but how well it works depends on your physical environment.
Re:Yeah, a router will be the best solution. I like Netgear stuff personally, but have had good luck with Linksys too.
Where are these three computers located? Are they all in one room (Very good if they are). Are they spread about a large house? Does the house have more than one floor where PC's are located (ie: if they're all on the first floor, its easier to string wire).
Normally, I'd say wired network is the way to go. However, wireless is getting cheaper all the time (check the hot deals forum, every now and then you can get wireless equiptment from staples for killer prices), and it works pretty well. There's also phone line networking and power line networking, both of which I don't know too much about.
Re:Buy one of these:
- Linksys (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=20)
- Netgear (http://www.netgear.com/products/routers.html)
- D-Link (http://www.dlink.com/products/broadband/di604/)
Read these:
- FAQ #1 (http://www.{$MySite}/guides/viewfaq.html?i=92)
- FAQ #2 (http://www.{$MySite}/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105)
- FAQ #3 (http://www.{$MySite}/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48)
Re:router with a nic in each box
and lots of wire
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