Router questions

I'm planning on purchasing a router so I can use both of my computers on my home cable system. My cable modem uses a dynamic IP. I use Windows XP on one machine and Windows 95 on the other. They will be about 75 feet apart.

I plan on purchasing a Linksys BEFSR41 or a Netguard RP114 router. Not sure which but Netguard seems to be more popular?

Will either of those routers use the same 5E cable?

Where is the best place to purchase this cable?

Any problem since my modem uses a dynamic IP? I know there is nothing to input into the modem or computer as far as configuration for I did a self install when I got cable. Just plugged the modem in and I was online. Will the router be this simple?

I use free ZoneAlarm, does having a router not require a firewall or is it best to continue to use ZoneAlarm?

A bunch of questions so you can tell I know very little... any help appreciated.

 

Hi, I would try Radio Shack. Good luck

 

I had my hands full configuring a older Linksys router and this forums help got it working BUT I have to mention that a friend just bought a new Linksys router from Office Depo and it came with a install wizard CD that all he did was connect the cables and stuck the CD in and BANG...it was done.

Yu don't need a firewall with a router, just virus protection....correct me if i'm wrong.

 

"My cable modem uses a dynamic IP. "

Fine, routers don't care if your ISP assigns you a static or dynamic IP --they can work with either. Dynamic is actually simpler for you.


"I use Windows XP on one machine and Windows 95 on the other. They will be about 75 feet apart. "

Not a problem except that some software/hardware is not XP compatible yet. Distance is fine.

"plan on purchasing a Linksys BEFSR41 or a Netguard RP114 router. Not sure which but Netguard seems to be more popular? "

Popularity is not always the best criteria. You should also consider the SMC Barricade. I'm not familiar w the Netguard, but the SMC has printer sharing, and ext modem connection(as a backup in case broadband is down). So it is an especially good deal for about $100.

"Will either of those routers use the same 5E cable? "

Yes, all of these routers use Cat5 or 5E cables. If you can buy the correct lengths ready made you will avoid possible crimping problems, plus having to buy a crimper etc.

You need to run a cable to the Router from each computer network card (so that is the distance you need. If you place the router close to one of the machines close to where the Cable/DSL modem sits, one of the cables can be much shorter.

"Where is the best place to purchase this cable? "

Computer supply stores.

"Any problem since my modem uses a dynamic IP? I know there is nothing to input into the modem or computer as far as configuration for I did a self install when I got cable. Just plugged the modem in and I was online. Will the router be this simple? "

Probably. Most routers I've setup are factory configured for NAT and DHCP (to automatically assign dynamicIP address starting with 192.168.1.1, or 10.0.0.0 for your Local Network. This creates a kind of Firewall already (your machine will not be as visible on the internet).

Be sure to run winipcfg ( type into "Run" to release and renew IP address assignments (lease) on W9X machines) and ipconfig /renew on Wi n2k and I think also for WinXP from the "Command Prompt" box.

I use free ZoneAlarm, does having a router not require a firewall or is it best to continue to use ZoneAlarm?. A software firewall is less important if your router uses NAT, but Zone Alarm adds additional protection.

Good luck,

Dan

 

I have a question about a LAN 10/100 connection.......

My new PCchips P4 motherboard has it built in....and i've been use to having to use a PCI nic card in the past.

These network lan adaptor's must be cheap if they come with the MoBo because I've been paying $20-30 bucks for NIC cards.

and the question !!!

Are they just as good ??

Thx

 

Thanks Dan, for the very detailed information. You answered every question.

You have helped me a bunch!

Thanks to the others that have posted information.

 

I recently set up a Lynksys router at my bosses house with Win98 on one machine and Windows XP on the other and had no problem connecting to the internet and sharing a printer.

I also set up a Netgear RP114 at my own house with 2 Win98 machines and 1 XP machine. Again no problems. I haven't set up the printer sharing at home yet but I don't think it will be any trouble either.

 

Purchased a Linksys BEFSR41 router at Walmart. Ran 75 ft. of cat 5E cable, plugged in the router, cable from modem, cables to my two computers. Turn the power on and I was online with both computers....

No configuration.. right out of box online... that is the way to go!

 

ossa - maybe the built in NIC wouldn't be as good as a PCI one (not sure) but unless you were building a huge network, it should absolutely not be an issue.

I expect you would find them just as good anyway since they avoid the cost of the connectors for the PCI slot and some of the chips you find on the PCI NIC. The mfgr knew exactly what mobo etc. he was dealing with and could make the built-in simpler because of not having to allow for variations in PCs.

FWIW we are running about 2000 IBM 300PL PCs where I work - with a built in NIC - and I have never seen any problems related to them except an occasional dead failure. In that case, you either have to replace the MOBO or put in a PCI NIC but the occurance of this is very rare. In fact, I will be surprised if all systems don't come with the built-in in the near future.