Erm, alright, I'm a complete amateur when it comes to routers so brace yourselves.
Basically, I'm looking into TekSavvy's 5M/800K DSL service and when I was having a look at the subscription form, I noticed they can provide a router as well. I'm planning to have my computer plugged into the DSL phone jack with a modem but I also need another computer to have internet access. Nothing special though, just enough to view simple webpages and email.
So I'm asking exactly how do you go about doing this and what hardware is needed?
My main concern is latency with the first computer. This is the gaming machine and it should have the best download/upload speeds at all times. Can a router control how much bandwidth the other computer is limited to? Also, when the internet on the second computer is not used, does that mean that all 5Mb are in the gaming rig?
I believe those are my questions for now =)
PS. Is it possible to do this without actually networking the computers? I don't want one having access to the other.
Question about possibly setting up network
*cracks knuckles*
Okayyy in a nutshell:
The router they provide will be a modem, router and switch all in one. They're 3 seperate components in one box. The modem converts the phone line to your network. The router allows for sharing the link between PCs, and the switch is the actual unit that allows you to connect your network together. So all you need for a shared DSL connection is a DSL Router. They're cheap as hell anyway, probably better to buy one than get the 'rented' one from the ISP.
When you've got multiple computers on a connection, the bandwidth is available fully to each one. However if one of them is using a load of bandwidth, less is available to the other PCs.
For gaming, it's tricky. The best policy I ever used was to disconnect all other PCs when I was gaming. However, if the other PCs aren't actually doing anything while you're gaming, it won't have any impact on your game. The problem comes if you have someone surfing the net on one PC while you game on the other.
Several people gaming through the same connection works fine, as its a constant flow of data rather than surfing where data flow comes in bursts. Likewise someone using voip is probably fine too.
I think that about covers it.
Okayyy in a nutshell:
The router they provide will be a modem, router and switch all in one. They're 3 seperate components in one box. The modem converts the phone line to your network. The router allows for sharing the link between PCs, and the switch is the actual unit that allows you to connect your network together. So all you need for a shared DSL connection is a DSL Router. They're cheap as hell anyway, probably better to buy one than get the 'rented' one from the ISP.
When you've got multiple computers on a connection, the bandwidth is available fully to each one. However if one of them is using a load of bandwidth, less is available to the other PCs.
For gaming, it's tricky. The best policy I ever used was to disconnect all other PCs when I was gaming. However, if the other PCs aren't actually doing anything while you're gaming, it won't have any impact on your game. The problem comes if you have someone surfing the net on one PC while you game on the other.
Several people gaming through the same connection works fine, as its a constant flow of data rather than surfing where data flow comes in bursts. Likewise someone using voip is probably fine too.
I think that about covers it.
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AmIdYfReAk
- Posts: 6926
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Thanks Foo.
So basically, the router replaces the modem on my desk? How does the other computer connect then?
Also, as long as the other computer isn't used, I'll have full bandwidth on the main PC, right? If not, does the router have a switch that can disconnect the other PC?
Also, since the router replaces my modem, would that make me vulnerable to all the nightmares I've heard about gaming under a router or would that only be for the other PC? The bottomline is, I want to get the most out of the 5M/800K DSL for the main PC
So basically, the router replaces the modem on my desk? How does the other computer connect then?
Also, as long as the other computer isn't used, I'll have full bandwidth on the main PC, right? If not, does the router have a switch that can disconnect the other PC?
Also, since the router replaces my modem, would that make me vulnerable to all the nightmares I've heard about gaming under a router or would that only be for the other PC? The bottomline is, I want to get the most out of the 5M/800K DSL for the main PC
Yeah I know, guess I wasn't clear enough on that.AmIdYfReAk wrote:dude, you need o BUY the router from them...
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AmIdYfReAk
- Posts: 6926
- Joined: Thu Feb 10, 2000 8:00 am
that or i dident read your whole post... it was long as hell...
anway, with the modem's they offer, yea, it will replace your current modem... Get the one with the 4 port switch in it allready, then all you need to do is plug your Current PC And the other PC in..
As for the banwith, as long as someone on the other PC aint Downloading the internet you wont have an issue with banwith.. if they arnt using it, you get full raign.. past that you will need to get into QOS and etc to limmit the banwith/transfer rates that the other computer can use..
p.s. With this modem, it does the PPoE dialing for you, Your computer wont need to have that Software setup on it anymore.
anway, with the modem's they offer, yea, it will replace your current modem... Get the one with the 4 port switch in it allready, then all you need to do is plug your Current PC And the other PC in..
As for the banwith, as long as someone on the other PC aint Downloading the internet you wont have an issue with banwith.. if they arnt using it, you get full raign.. past that you will need to get into QOS and etc to limmit the banwith/transfer rates that the other computer can use..
p.s. With this modem, it does the PPoE dialing for you, Your computer wont need to have that Software setup on it anymore.
It should do. When you buy a 'Router' typically it's actually a modem + router + switch + wireless access point. Check out the specs of the model before you buy it. A router which is actually JUST a router is very rare nowadays, and would just consist of a box with 1 input network socket and 1 output network socket. But there's very little chance they're trying to sell you just a true router and not a combination unit.Captain Mazda wrote:Thanks Foo.
So basically, the router replaces the modem on my desk? How does the other computer connect then?
Yes.Also, as long as the other computer isn't used, I'll have full bandwidth on the main PC, right?
Disconnecting the other PC would be just yanking the network cable out at the router end.If not, does the router have a switch that can disconnect the other PC?
The problem you speak of is usually due to the way a router shares the connection between multiple PCs. Bottom line is, all you'll have to do to fix gaming issues with a router is to put your machine in the 'DMZ' in the router settings. This is dead easy and just involves putting your computers LAN IP into a text box and clicking 'save'. Then its fixed forever.Also, since the router replaces my modem, would that make me vulnerable to all the nightmares I've heard about gaming under a router or would that only be for the other PC?
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+JuggerNaut+
- Posts: 22175
- Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2001 7:00 am
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+JuggerNaut+
- Posts: 22175
- Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2001 7:00 am
On DSL you need to install phone filters on each telephone outlet in use except for the one that the modem plugs into.
Either get the modem with the built-in 4 port switch or get a normal modem and a wireless router.
Run a cable from the router to any computers in close proximity. Install a wireless card in the computer that is further away.
It's a myth that you can't game over wireless. I'm running wireless on my main gaming PC and I have no problems with network lag. You just need to know how to set up the hardware correctly.
Wireless G should stay at a pretty consistent 54mbps while your internet connection maxes out at 5mbps (typically more like 3). You do the math.
If you're going wireless, I don't recommend one of those all-in-one modem+wireless boxes, I prefer having a separate router since the stand alone wireless router is more specialized and less likely to give you a hassle. The Linksys WRT54GL is probably the best router on the market and the software for the WMP54G wireless cards is far better than the basic Windows WZC service.
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Here is how I have things set up here:
Telephone filters installed on all telephones. Modem plugged directly into telephone socket.
Modem is connected to my Linksys WRT54GL wireless router via ethernet cable. I have the wireless encrypted and set up PPoE (TekSavvy ID and password).
My home server and 1 other desktop is connected with ethernet cables to the router.
My main gaming PC, another PC and my iMac are all connected wirelessly to the router.
Either get the modem with the built-in 4 port switch or get a normal modem and a wireless router.
Run a cable from the router to any computers in close proximity. Install a wireless card in the computer that is further away.
It's a myth that you can't game over wireless. I'm running wireless on my main gaming PC and I have no problems with network lag. You just need to know how to set up the hardware correctly.
Wireless G should stay at a pretty consistent 54mbps while your internet connection maxes out at 5mbps (typically more like 3). You do the math.
If you're going wireless, I don't recommend one of those all-in-one modem+wireless boxes, I prefer having a separate router since the stand alone wireless router is more specialized and less likely to give you a hassle. The Linksys WRT54GL is probably the best router on the market and the software for the WMP54G wireless cards is far better than the basic Windows WZC service.
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Here is how I have things set up here:
Telephone filters installed on all telephones. Modem plugged directly into telephone socket.
Modem is connected to my Linksys WRT54GL wireless router via ethernet cable. I have the wireless encrypted and set up PPoE (TekSavvy ID and password).
My home server and 1 other desktop is connected with ethernet cables to the router.
My main gaming PC, another PC and my iMac are all connected wirelessly to the router.
Mmkay, so basically if I were to set it up like Obsidian, I'd have a stand-alone wireless router connected to my modem. If the wireless router is on my desk right beside the main PC, there shouldn't be any signal/latency issues, right? So both PCs would require a wireless card. Do they have to be bought separately?
BTW I appreciate all the help here
BTW I appreciate all the help here
More or less the way I have it set up. Savvy?
Pretty much all wireless routers will also have 4 port on the back for wired connections. You can go wired on computers close to the router and wireless on computers on the other side of the house.
Wireless speed, latency isn't typically an issue. It's usually a matter of either getting a signal at all or not. So as long as you are getting a signal, you shouldn't experience any slowdowns.
Pretty much all wireless routers will also have 4 port on the back for wired connections. You can go wired on computers close to the router and wireless on computers on the other side of the house.
Wireless speed, latency isn't typically an issue. It's usually a matter of either getting a signal at all or not. So as long as you are getting a signal, you shouldn't experience any slowdowns.
Last edited by obsidian on Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks, and that's pretty much it, minus all but one other computer
Thanks a lot, I'll look for the wireless router you suggested. I'll also need a wireless card and another ethernet cable. Methinks after I've got all this set up and running, I'll be back here to discuss optimal configurations.
EDIT: Since you mentioned it, I can just plug another ethernet cable from my computer to the nearby router? That would be great.
Last edited by Captain on Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
BTW, Linksys router usually comes with a 3' ethernet cable in the box. That might save you from having to buy another one (unless you need a longer one).
And try to get the WRT54GL, not the WRT54G. Difference being extra memory so you can flash it with DD-WRT firmware for uber-leetness. It's usually the same or just a few bucks more in price and I think it's worth it.
Oh... and when you actually set up the router, use a cabled computer to set it up. If you get a dropped connection on wireless for whatever reason while setting it up, you risk bricking your router.
And try to get the WRT54GL, not the WRT54G. Difference being extra memory so you can flash it with DD-WRT firmware for uber-leetness. It's usually the same or just a few bucks more in price and I think it's worth it.
Oh... and when you actually set up the router, use a cabled computer to set it up. If you get a dropped connection on wireless for whatever reason while setting it up, you risk bricking your router.
So here's the hardware I'll need:
WRT54GL - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... u=L48-2468
Now are you sure it comes with an extra ethernet cable?
Wireless card - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... u=L48-2294
Good buy?
Since I'll have the main PC connected to the router by ethernet and the second comp on the wireless, will they be networked with file sharing? I really do not want the ability to move things from one computer to the other. Can the sharing be disabled?
WRT54GL - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... u=L48-2468
Now are you sure it comes with an extra ethernet cable?
Wireless card - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... u=L48-2294
Good buy?
Since I'll have the main PC connected to the router by ethernet and the second comp on the wireless, will they be networked with file sharing? I really do not want the ability to move things from one computer to the other. Can the sharing be disabled?
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+JuggerNaut+
- Posts: 22175
- Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2001 7:00 am
Yes.Captain Mazda wrote:So here's the hardware I'll need:
WRT54GL - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... u=L48-2468
Now are you sure it comes with an extra ethernet cable?
Wireless card - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... u=L48-2294
Good buy?
Since I'll have the main PC connected to the router by ethernet and the second comp on the wireless, will they be networked with file sharing? I really do not want the ability to move things from one computer to the other. Can the sharing be disabled?
Looks it.
by default simple filesharing in XP is enabled. you can most certainly disable it.