Firewall router query

[TheFrog]

At last, my small village is able to connect to broadband. Only 512k at the moment but we are assured faster speeds will be available in about two years time (I should be so lucky).
On dial-up I have used a software firewall such as Sygate, but think (not sure) that I should consider a hardware router.
The ISP (Cegetel) is supplying a USB ADSL modem, and I have been looking at routers. I have read every forum report I can find, but at the end of the day I am so confused that I'm beginning to regret ever starting.

Can someone please tell me in simple terms exactly what type of router I should be looking for? Do I need a card? If necessary can I connect my spare PC to it also?

It will be for a PC running Win XP Pro with 1g Ram, 80g HD and Athlon 2500+. Don't know what else to say.

[Flyfsh]

We use Linksys router. It has built in firewall. It can be configured to connect to your isp without hitting connect.

[Miz]

Whether you can connect more than one PC to the router depends on how many ports the router has. Linksys, for example, sells a one-port and a four-port router (and probably larger ones).

In the two and a half years I've been using a router, nothing has gotten past it to my software firewall.

[TheFrog]

Thanks Flyfsh, thanks Miz - will they connect to a USB modem?

[clavis]

Originally Posted by TheFrog

Thanks Flyfsh, thanks Miz - will they connect to a USB modem?

Routers in the market all use 802.11 protocol and "ethernet" connection (sorry, the code number escapes me for the moment) -- the one that looks like telephone jack, only wider, with more connectors. I am guessing that your ADSL modem connects to the telephone jack (on one side) and to the USB on your system, yes?

And now you want to connect more than one PC at home to this same ADSL modem, yes?

Looks like you may need to get one of those USB-to-LAN convertor to make use of the router, unless your ADSL modem comes with a built-in LAN (ethernet) socket.... or you get one of the routers that supports USB. You may be able to request ADSL-to-LAN modem from your ISP, or buy one yourself.

With that in mind, you will also need a LAN card to connect to the ADSL, or router, when you use it. So it may be an extra cost compared to a direct connection to a USB port. (though LAN cards are cheap nowadays)

And yes, your spare PC will also need a LAN card.

The nature of a router is such that it takes on the IP address assigned by your ISP server, and give your PC another IP address. So it automatically isolates any attempt from outside to access your system directly. Any attempt from outside will have to direct at the IP address of your router, not your PC. And access of router can only be done from "behind" it, not the Internet. So that's the "natural" firewall (if there ever is one), i.e. you don't need to install any firewall software.

Viruses, however, is still a different story. You would still need protection against them.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
clavis

[TheFrog]

Thank you clavis for such a detailed response.
I now have a far better idea of what a router is about! My modem is a simple USB type made by SAGEM for Cegetel. It has only a USB port and a telephone line socket, nothing else.
I have decided against connecting my spare PC to the internet - it is used mainly for transferring VHS to DVD and as a back up machine should the need ever arise. Would a normal one port router simply install between the modem and the telephone line or would I still need a card or such. Sorry to ask so many questions, but the world of routers is totally bewildering to me.

I do have a good AV program - NOD32 - which I find excellent.

[clavis]

Originally Posted by TheFrog

Thank you clavis for such a detailed response.
I now have a far better idea of what a router is about! My modem is a simple USB type made by SAGEM for Cegetel. It has only a USB port and a telephone line socket, nothing else.
I have decided against connecting my spare PC to the internet - it is used mainly for transferring VHS to DVD and as a back up machine should the need ever arise. Would a normal one port router simply install between the modem and the telephone line or would I still need a card or such. Sorry to ask so many questions, but the world of routers is totally bewildering to me.

I do have a good AV program - NOD32 - which I find excellent.

It is still possible to connect your spare PC together. There is one other way of setting up a home network. Use your "internet PC" as a host -- an Internet host, that is.

The way to go about it is this:

You need to install a LAN (ethernet) card on that "internet PC", as well as one for your spare PC. Connect them with LAN cable (10/100base-T cable). Then run the Microsoft network wizard to say you want to use the "internet PC" to connect to the Internet. The rest of the configuration should be automatic. I used to do that. I even had a LAN hub for this purpose, back when I had 2 "spare PC's".

Anyway, yet another alternative to sharing files is to get one of those USB-to-USB cables. I bought one long time ago, which came with a software. The software runs with a split-window, one side for one system. You can basically drag and drop files around. This method is mainly for file sharing and moving. It does NOT let you access the Internet using any of the Internet tools (email, browsers, etc.). If this is what you have in mind, go for it. The USB cable and software were relatively cheap compared to getting 2 LAN cards and a 10/100base-T cable. Not to mention the headache, hair-pulling you may go through in setting up a network.

Not sure, though, where you can buy such USB-link cables. It is easily available here in Singapore.

Regards,
clavis

[TheFrog]

Thanks again clavis. From what you tell me, I think networking the two pc's via LAN cables would be the way to go. I have to purchase most PC items via the web as here in the part of France where I live, they simply do not have dedicated PC shops, only areas within supermarkets where everything seems to be old (and expensive) stuff.
As to 'hair pulling', it would be a miracle! I only have enough to just keep my head warm, certainly not enough to pull.

Brian

[clavis]

Originally Posted by TheFrog

Thanks again clavis. From what you tell me, I think networking the two pc's via LAN cables would be the way to go. I have to purchase most PC items via the web as here in the part of France where I live, they simply do not have dedicated PC shops, only areas within supermarkets where everything seems to be old (and expensive) stuff.

Maybe there is a larger town near by where you can do your IT shopping? Anyway, good luck with your setup. I believe you can ask for help here if you come across problems.

clavis