Opinion on router and modem set up w/ wireless

[Ahura]

Currently I am using DSL by AT&T/SBC. My modem is SIEMENS Speedstream 4100 provided by AT&T/SBC. I am thinking of getting this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124190 as router.

Any recommendation/opinion/advice on this set up? I game sometime and surf the web w/ video watching moderately. I want to connect two computers via cables and possibly one laptop via wireless. The wireless part is not as important as the two computer, nevertheless a nice connection would be nice.

[glc]

Yes - put the modem in the bridge mode and set the router up for PPPoE.

[Ahura]

Um, sorry but what is "bridge" mode? Are yu talking about series liek electrical term?


PC---------Router------Modem-------Interweb Liek that?

[glc]

Type in the ip address of your speedstream 4100 into your browser, for the password use the code on the sticker on the bottom of the router. Select the bridge mode radio button and save.

[Ahura]

And I do this w/ the router set up or before?

[patrickt]

I have the Speedstream 5200 and no bupkus about it. It came with the DSL service. I got a Linksys WRT54G so I could share internet service with visitors by wireless connection. I also set up a friend's WRT54G. That's the extent of my experience.

I found setting up the WRT54G to be pretty straightforward. I would encourage you to follow the instructions about when to connect cables and so forth exactly as given in the instructions. I thought I could skip a couple of steps and speed things up and it didn't work.

You use 192.168.1.1 in your internet browser to access the setup page. I still don't understand half the stuff but I didn't need to. Be sure and set a password for your system.

Once it was set up I haven't had to fiddle with it in two years.

[glc]

Originally Posted by Ahura And I do this w/ the router set up or before?

Before. Then you connect the modem to the router, the router to the PC, and access the router setup, set it for PPPoE.

[Ahura]

I C

Thank for the guide

[kilgoretrout]

A little additional info since I have the identical setup. The IP for your modem is 192.168.0.1. Typing this address in your browser will bring you to the modem configuration page. If you select the PPP Location tab, you will be prompted for your access code which is a 10 digit number on the bottom of your modem. After you enter the code, you will be taken to the PPP Location page which presents you with three options: PPP is on the Modem, PPP is on the Computer, and Bridged Mode.

The default setting is the first option, PPP is on the Modem. Here's the text that accompanies this selection:

PPP is on the modem. This is the normal mode for this modem when connected to a single computer. In this mode, the PPP session is initiated from the modem. Gateways and routers should work in this mode but their configuration may have to be changed to do so (e.g., you may need to have the gateway/router IP address changed to 192.168.1.1)

My personal experience is that you can just leave the PPP setting at the default with a Linksys as the WRT54G has the default gateway already set to 192.168.1.1, i.e. you do not have to put the modem in Bridge Mode. Since this has worked fine for me, I would just leave the modem alone and configure your router by using the web interface at 192.168.1.1. If you run into any problems then go back to the router and reset it to Bridged Mode but this will probably not be necessary.

[glc]

I don't recommend PPP on modem - this gives you 2 layers of network address translation and makes it very difficult to open and/or configure ports if needed.

[Ahura]

So......What should I do?
I am looking for security and stability mostly. That particular Router has built in Firewall right?

[glc]

Set the modem to bridge mode and configure your router for PPPoE. All routers act as a firewall due to NAT, and that in conjunction with the XP firewall is adequate.