Router Explanation

[fatboyjim]

When ADSL becomes available in my area I would probably a get a router

Can anybody give me an indepth explanation of what they do, how they do it and how to set them up?

Cheers

Jim

[bailey]

that can end up being a lenghty thing, but to be very brief.
a router is used primarly for connecting more than one computer to the internet through a switching device, that gives each one the full bandwidith,

I would stroungly recommend useing on even though one computer will be connected as it is also a hardware firewall that keeps your system invisable from the other systems that my be on the same line or even the internet.

it asigns a ip address to each computer on the network, and the isp only see's the one for the router, and not the ones the router sets for the network computers.

[fatboyjim]

Cheers Bailey,

So is it all connected together with Cat5 cable?

Or do you combine a router with a switch?

Thanks,

jim

[lil Jimmie]

There is no need for a switch all you need is a decent router, the NIC cards and Cat5 cable.

[bailey]

you will only need a switch if you plan to add more computers to the network,

I use the linksys router with built-in 5 port switch and the uplink going to a 4 port switch, as I have 7 computers connected to the internet at the same time.

all wired with cat-5 cables

[fatboyjim]

I'd have 2 computers on the network, possibly to be extended to 3 in the future

So just a router needed?

Can you recommend me one from www.dabs.com? Ta

[bailey]

Originally posted by fatboyjim I'd have 2 computers on the network, possibly to be extended to 3 in the future So just a router needed? Can you recommend me one from www.dabs.com? Ta

a router with a built in 5 port switch would work best for you

[muTe]

Etherfast Cable/DSL Router RTR 4Port 10/100 4 RJ45
Mfr code: BEFSR41
Quicklinx: 15KMWS

This one works well, when it's properly configured just follow the instructions with the manual

[TEEB]

I have the Linksys BEFSR41 4 port router. Bought it about 2 years ago. Very easy to set up and just as reliable. I had one problem but it turned out to be my cable modem not the router.

[ktkendall]

If your studying for a cert exam such as Net+, which emphasizes the functions of the different networking devices, the key thing you look for in the question for a router to be the correct answer is a device that connects 2 dissimilar networks togother. Your lttle home LAN and a router to the internet is really just one small example of how routers are used, but basically the key thing is that the router gives U access to another network via a different protocol than your LAN is using. Your example at home is your PC's are connected via ethernet using tcp/ip or netbeui, or appletalk, or U may have a novell network but into the WAN port of the router if your using DSL and perhaps te protocol is PPPOE the router briudges the gap or inother words translates to and from your network protocol to the PPPOE. From there you are reall not yet even hitting the internet usually, you are connected to your ISP's network which then hits at least one more router but usually more than 1 till your data packets are actually traveling on the net and than reverse that same thing for your info you are sending to reach it's final destination PC. Go to the command prompt sometime and type this:
tracert www.pcmech.com
and you'll see how many routers you hop thru to get to PCMECH's site..It is really interesting stuff..To me anyways, my wife and kids thing it's boring... OH WELL!!!

[fatboyjim]

Thanks for that insight Ktkendall!

And to the two short reviews of the Linksys router, I guess this is the one I will opt for.

Now back to campaigning for Broadband!

Jim

[ktkendall]

As to how U set up your router, I also have the Linksys and it's pretty much just like U set up your PC. U just use a web browser to access the router config, type 192.168.1.1 in the navigation bar, and on the linksys the screen is very similar to your network TCP/IP page on your PC. I am set to obtain IP address automatically, and there is just 1 other thing critical to get things working and that is the protocol, which on mine I choose PPPOE, and just have to add in my user name and password, and WALA.. The router takes care of connecting and keeping the connection alive. The physical connection part is now that you just go from your cable or DSL modem into the WAN port of the router, let it do the connection, and your PC's go into the switch ports and just need set to also obtain IP address automatically, and in that case the router just has to be enabled to be a DHCP server, so it will divvey out IP address automatically, or leave DHCP disabled and statically assign each PC to 192.168.1.x where x>1 AND x<255. The router is 192.168.1.1 and that is simply all U need to do is set that address in the PC's as default gatweway and that is all they need along with the IP and subnet 255.255.255.0 and your Surfin the net. No extra software needed on the PC's anymore, and built in firewall provided by the router, they are really easy and work great..And now that they are really affordable too, it really is the way to go...

[glc]

Being that you are in the UK - make sure that you can use an Ethernet-based ADSL modem and won't be stuck with a USB modem! If you are stuck with USB, you will have to get a Draytek router, which is quite costly.

[fatboyjim]

How can I 'make sure' that I could use one?

Contact the ISP?

Thanks

[glc]

Yep.

[fatboyjim]

Response from ISP:

"As long as the router can send us your username and password, there is no problem"

[LawyerRon]

fatboy,
In non-technical novice terms you can also think of a router's function like this; generally your ISP allows you only 1 IP address for your monthly fee; in theory, you could plug 3 computers into a hub (slow) and try to get all 3 on line at once. But your ISP would detect more than 1 IP address coming from you house and this method would not work. With a router, all PC's in the house "hide" behind the router. Therefore, if you've got 3 PC's or 30, the ISP onlys "sees" 1 IP address coming from your house; the IP address of the router. Most routers now have built in "switches" that mulitply bandwith as opposed to a "hub" which divides bandwith. Most routers also act as a hardware firewall too which is very desireable.

[wilbasket23]

hei recently i have a D-Link Di-614 router, when i set up a rougter and given an administrator passoword. unfortunately i forget the password and can not get to the router configuration. how would i be able to reset it , i hit the reset button several time. still the same things, it stil prompt for administrator password

[TEEB]

Try holding the reset button in for about a min. That's how I reset my Linksys router.

[wilbasket23]

usually how u set up ur roter with internet sharing , i have a wireless router and i buy a SMC wireless lan card i want to sue wireless internet in my notebook how would i be able to do that.

[fatboyjim]

Thanks for all of the comments

I have decided to go for the BEFSR41. Probably going to buy now ready for when broadband arrives in a few month's time

Firstly, any major problems with the BEFSR41 ?

Also, will it be able to send the username and password to my ISP OK?

And also! A few more Questions...

The router acts as the modem and a switch?

I will need, BEFSR41, Power cable, 2 cat 5s and a link to the telephone line?

Thank you!

Jim

[DrZaius]

Hi Jim,

Firstly, any major problems with the BEFSR41 ?

It's a very popular router so you shouldn't have any problems. If you do encounter any, check for firmware updates that might fix it.

Also, will it be able to send the username and password to my ISP OK?

Yep. In the router setup it has a text box where you enter this info, and each time the modem is turned on the router will send this info.

The router acts as the modem and a switch?

It has a built in switch but it is not a modem. You connect the modem to the WAN port of the router, and the computers to the LAN ports (the switch part).

I will need, BEFSR41, Power cable, 2 cat 5s and a link to the telephone line?

You should also receive a modem from the ISP to connect to the router.

Telephone Plug > Modem (from ISP) > Router > Computers

Hope this helps.

[fatboyjim]

Lovely, how does the modem connect to the router? ie. with what type of plug?

Thanks,

Jim

[DrZaius]

Lovely, how does the modem connect to the router? ie. with what type of plug?

An RJ45 type cable, it will come with the modem.

[fatboyjim]

Lovely, thanks for your help Doc

Jim