Questions on ADSL...

[Knight-Dragon]

I'm thinking of getting an ADSL connection, and have a few questions...

1) I understand that the ADSL connection/acct can be shared via a home LAN. How can I do it? I only need to link up 2 PCs. Do I need a network hub in this case?

2) Can 2 users surf at the same time? Say my mate and I want to play Everquest or something at the same time, using the same connection. Is it possible?

3) Suggested brand or model of hardware or kit for above purposes?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[muppet]

1. You have to ask your service provider if the service you are ordering comes with 1 or 2 IP addresses.

In Canada, every high-speed ADSL connection comes with TWO IP addresses, which means you only need a hub. Your computers should each pick up 1 of 2 available IP's as they log on.

If it comes with only 1 IP, you can oftentimes ask for a 2nd IP for a small monthly fee, or you can buy a router - which provides sub-addresses from a single IP to multiple computers.

 

[Jeratain]

Muppet is right. If you happen to get 1 IP address, then I recommend getting a Linksys router. When you order your DSL make sure you request an external modem if you know you are going to have to use a router.

Each computer will also need an NIC.

And yes, you can both be online/play at the same time.

 

[IceBlaZe]

Even one computer with two network cards will do just fine. That's my setup.

 

[funxus]

Originally posted by IceBlaZe
Even one computer with two network cards will do just fine. That's my setup.

I tried this one, but never got it to work. I think I even asked for help here. Part of the problem might have been me using different OS' on all computers, I've heard XP solve this problem automatically. Well, I eventually bought a router...

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Originally posted by IceBlaZe
Even one computer with two network cards will do just fine. That's my setup.

Anyways, there's a package for 256kb and one for 512kb. Is the 512 significantly faster than the 256? I'll probably be hesitant to pay more for only slightly better performance.

 

[ainwood]

You can actually get external ADSL modems with multiple ports - a pseudo network hub and modem in one

 

[col]

I use a DLink DSL 504 router at home. It has ADSL capability and acts as a 4 port 10M/100M switch. Cost about £80 currently in the UK which is pretty good. It is reasonably featured with NAT and lots of other goodies I dont use and was pretty easy to set up once I'd got my firewall software sorted.