Just a few questions from a newbie in networking

[KIF]

Well i guess my first question is what router do you guys prefer. I've researched Linksys, SMC and a few others, even Cisco (cant aford them). And ive come to one conculsion. I dont know which one to pick. I do know that I want to make probably 6 drops in my entire house so no matter where im at in the house i can get Internet/network access to my main machine (server for network).
2nd Question: DSL just came available in my area and i just ordered it. Im currently using a Cable but I was wondering if there is a software or hardware solution for running both and combining my bandwidth. My cable has a Dynamic IP and require to know my NIC mac address while the DSL provider is going to give me a Static address. Any ideas would be great thanks.

KIF

[azscary]

NetGear makes a reliable and affordable router. They also have a small router/switch combination and multiple port switches. LinkSys are also good but a bit more money. If you have DSL however, there should be no need for a router, just a switch to connect your machines together. The DSL provider should provide the router because it is necessary in most DSL applications. Hope this is of help.

[Confused]

I use SMC Barricade and have been very pleased. I don't believe your DSL provider will provide a router (modem perhaps, but you will be charged for it).
You might also want to read the entire thread titled "Linksys Router", posted by Mairving in this same forum.
Chas

[christo418]

I have several friends who swear by D-Link.
http://www.dlink.com/

[azscary]

Some DSL modems actually perform similar functions as a router. All a router does is split the bandwidth into 25 channels. There are 24 lines and a control channel. For a small application of 6 workstations I do not see the need for a router. A simple 10/100 network switch that uplinks to the DSL modem should be quite sufficent and efficient as well. On the other hand, if you are going to be passing ENORMOUS amounts of information back and forth simultaneously from all six machines to the Internet and each other then you might want to look at a router. I have DSL service and my speeds are capped at 272 up and 640 down. I have three computers networked together using the same DSL modem and have not noticed any real performance loss. All you need to do is give each machine its own internal IP address, such as 10.0.0.3, 10.0.0.4 and 10.0.0.5 and they share the same DSL connection. You cannot assign 10.0.0.0 - 10.0.0.2 because the router and DHCP server use those. My 3 machine network runs at 100 MB with no packet loss. Keep in mind that the length of your drops and the distance between machines will help determine the final performance.

[azscary]

I have done some contracting work for a marketing company that uses a LinkSys router. The have 30 computers networked together using four different network hubs. They are having NO problems with the LinkSys router. Here are some of the possible reasons. They use CAT5 enhanced cable and network jacks. They have taken all of the steps to ensure speeds of 100MB. Even though they do have several 50 - 75 foot cable runs there is very little performance slowdown. They are running NT, Win98, Win 2K, and Win2K Server. The type of OS you use for your server is VITAL to a network/router situation. Windows 2K Server was designed with Networking and Internet in mind. Win NT server does not cut it. I have no experience with Linux, and we know that Win98 is not server material. I would check my network speeds and eliminate all bottlenecks to bandwith restrictions INTERNALLY before they reach the router. The quality of service after your data leaves the router and leaves your server room into the netherworld is also determines your performance. The above office has DSL with several T-1's providing connectivity. Also, LinkSys works much more efficiently if all machines are patched into a hub and then uplinked to the router. Hope this helps.