Re: Networking via router? -- PCTECH

Dan

How many ports on the router? If only 2 (one from the DSL or cable modem, the other to whatever), then the answer is no, until you put another device on that 2nd port - a router or switch. Many of the SOHO equipment (LinkSys, e.g.) can be set up as switch or router - a router creates a different subnet, a switch does not. Your first router can probably do DHCP, maybe, for you internal network.

If you are on Win 98, it is almost impossible to block access to anything. There might be software to do the job. Otherwise, get 2K or XP - I know...

AFAIK, a firewall PC needs 2 network cards - one connected to the outside and one to the inside. Think of it as an extension of the inside of your router next to the DSL/cable modem.

Without IPCop--

Internet <----> Modem <---> Router (gateway) <---> internal network

With IPCop--

Internet <----> Modem <---> - IPCop (NIC 1) - IPCop (NIC 2) <---> Router (gateway) <---> internal network

Someone please correct any deficiencies here on my part.

Vern

At 08:16 AM 10/5/2004, you wrote:

My teenager thinks he can network the PCs in our house via the router.  I
told him I didn't think it works that way.  (Frankly, given his tendency to
throw caution to the wind online, I don't want his PC touching mine at all.)
All he is really interested in is to be able to use the printer on my PC,
which I can agree to. The two PCs are separated by two floors.  It took 25
feet of ethernet cable to connect him to the router.

I guess it would be nice to be able to transfer files without having to FTP
them to our family website.  But I'm not willing to expose my PC
unnecessarily.

Curiousity question:
If I do the IPCop box, and I want to network the in-house PCs, do I need
another PC next to the IPCop box?  (I'm guessing the IPCop box can't double
as a network server.)

tia,
db

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