Internet connection sharing and security

[edelran]

My tenants (3 college students) got a broadband (cable) connection. They say I can join in. Sounds good -- 50 bucks split 4 ways -- neat, beats my dialup. But of course I don't want them in my computer, and presumably vice versa.

The current setup is cable modem to Linksys 4-port router in the tenants' premises. What would be a secure setup for me -- CAT5 to a separate router in an area only physically accessible by me? I don't know anything about networks or internet connection sharing, so any tips are helpful. I just have to keep people out of my computer, which is used for business.


Thanks,

edelran

[Rick]

If you do not have a second computer of your own and you don’t use Networking.
Simple start By installing ONLY TCP/IP protocol.
Then make sure that File and printer sharing protocol is Not installed .

To make absolutely sure you can also install Zone Alarm Fire wall and Set the security to HIGH
This will force NO sharing of your system resources..

With the cable modem connected to the Router that is already installed
How many Node connections are available?
By 4 port do you mean 3 nodes and 1 for the modem ?
It should be possible to connect a hub ( Cheaper) instead of a second router
Cat5 cable will work perfectly

[edelran]

I see I didn't give enough information. I just got a laptop and will want to network that with my desktop computer soon. How does that change the requirements for isolating my network from others on the same ISP connection?

The existing router has 4 nodes in addition to a connection to the cable modem.

Thanks for your advice!

edelran

Originally posted by Rick:
If you do not have a second computer of your own and you don’t use Networking.
Simple start By installing ONLY TCP/IP protocol.
Then make sure that File and printer sharing protocol is Not installed .

To make absolutely sure you can also install Zone Alarm Fire wall and Set the security to HIGH
This will force NO sharing of your system resources..

With the cable modem connected to the Router that is already installed
How many Node connections are available?
By 4 port do you mean 3 nodes and 1 for the modem ?
It should be possible to connect a hub ( Cheaper) instead of a second router
Cat5 cable will work perfectly

[bassman]

Hi edelran,
you don't mention what OS you will be using on these machines.
If you are using NT,2000,XP, you can set permisions for yourself and no others.
Also, as mentioned by Rick, set Zone Alarm to high and then allow your laptop access. With the laptop, allow the desktop access.

Good luck
I think I need to get some college student tenants http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
A real Christian is one who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip.
Frank's Place (http://dreamwater.net/tech/frankscomp/)

[This message has been edited by bassman (edited 04-01-2002).]

[edelran]

I am running W98 SE on the desktop and XP on the laptop. Folks... is Zone Alarm enough to protect me, or would it help to have additional hardware? If I install a router where it is physically accessible by me only, is that a good thing to do here, or is some other solution better?

Thanks!

edleran

Originally posted by bassman:
Hi edelran,
you don't mention what OS you will be using on these machines.
If you are using NT,2000,XP, you can set permisions for yourself and no others.
Also, as mentioned by Rick, set Zone Alarm to high and then allow your laptop access. With the laptop, allow the desktop access.

Good luck
I think I need to get some college student tenants http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[borgdrone1of2]

hello
with 98 and m.e you just set waether or not you want to share and set pass words and yes use zone alarm

------------------
resistance is invigorateing lol

[Rick]

With XP and 98 you should have no problems connecting to each other.
To make it easier you may want to install a hub between them.
Then connecting the hub to the cable modem router lead ..(Cat5)

The cost of a 4 port hub is a lot less than the second router.
Less hassle to setup and maintain as well.

ZoneAlarm with your two systems should be all you need.
With or without the Router installed.