ADSL Home Network

[lino]

I will have an ADSL connection soon and want to use it with a home network - getting confused (usual state of mind).
I will need an ADSL modem, but then? Will an ADSL modem always be a stand-alone unit - are they sometimes built into the hub, router, or whatever?
At present 2 PCs with crossover cable link. Proposed 3 PCs sharing the ADSL connection.
The more I've read about this, the more I get bogged down in hubs, internet-sharing software, routers, switches, PPPoE, PPPoA, ADSL v DSL, 10 v 100, etc.. Is one version of Windows better for home networking?
Do you know of any website which lays it out (very) plainly for the uninitiated?
Cheers.

[Gallaeglagh]

This site http://www.dslreports.com/ has all the info you need.

The modems differ the best source of info would be your provider but most likely you'll get an external modem.

The best bet would be to get a Router such as the Linksys 4 port then you can connect all comps to that. Choices here include wireless, cable, house electricity or house telephone wires depending on the router you get.

Linksys customer support is real good and will help you set it up.

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"Mr President we must not allow a mineshaft gap!" - Dr Strangelove

[iisbob]

All you need is another network card; install it in your main PC-then enable ICS { internet connection sharing }, if you don't have it installed, then goto add/remove programs and add it.

Once you start the ICS wizard, it will guide you thru the steps necessary to create a set of network disks for the other 2 pc's so they can share internet access.

You'll have to leave the main one on in order for the other two to connect to the net tho, this is the only real disadvantage.

go here; World of windows networking (http://www.wown.com) for a brief tutorial on this subject.

I use ICS with my systems at home, there is no need for a router, a switch works just fine-actually a standard hub would be ok, but with switches being almost as cheap-i'd go that route.

One of the network cards will give you your internet connection; the other one will give you your network connection.

ok? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif



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iisbob

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[lino]

Thanks, both.

Gallaeglagh - am contacting LinkSys.

iisbob - a hub allows PCs to link together and share facilities/files (I think), but a switch? Is that a hub which allows you to manually 'switch' to particular PCs on your network? And a router? (Yes, I know - I'm not joking - I really am this thick!)
Cheers.