Small Network Setup

[VirusEJ]

Hello All, not sure where this should be posted so I have put it here.

Basically I am after suggestions for a complete network setup.

I have recently moved into a new house with a few friends and we want to have a general shared network for the whole house.

I have a 2MB Broadband Connection on order, but I would like your suggestions for the best (in your opinion) setup both Hardware and Software.

We would have 1 connection point coming into the house, and then 3 PC's (possibly also 1 laptop) that will need to share the connection.

Although wireless is an option, I would prefer not to go down that route, but obviously wanting the whole network to be protected, wasn't sure if it is easier to go down the router/firewall path or just have firewall protection on each pc?

Anyway suggestions from all you experts would be greatly recieved. Also links to places to buy hardware required would be good.

Thanks

[snowmonkey]

Sounds like you guys know exactly what you want which makes the whole process a hole lot easier.
Since Wireless connection is the secondary option the best move would be a 8 port router (8 port router don't come cheap), you could go bit cheaper in you would buy a 4 port but that mean all your port will be filled right away (1 WAN and 3 LAN). Personally I have two computer and a lap top at home so i bought a 2 port router (1 WAN , 1 LAN) and connect the LAN port to a cheap 8 port 10/100 switch, it works great. Generally, a good router is a firewall by design (doing DHCP,NAT,Port forwarding, MAC filtering) so I would suggest to go the way I did.


cheers

[VirusEJ]

Excellent, thats sounds good.

I already have an 8 port Netgear hun (10/100MB) which I could use.

So do you have any recommendations on what kind of router to purchase? I am based in the UK if that helps. I could get a two port router as you did, and simply use the Netgear Hub.

Also you mentioned about the firewall protection being built in, would this mean I won't really have a great need for security on each PC? or would you recommend keeping something on the PC still? I am just a bit worried of having 3 different types of firewall software different on each machine, and not needed it. Or it causing access restrictions on getting out to the network.

Thanks

[snowmonkey]

once again,, you are half way there

I have a LinkSYS two port router (kind of old) you wouldn't probably find it any more , I have installed D-Link DI-704P Internet router on many home network system and is seem to be very easy to configure as well as easy on your wallet. Works both with ADSL and Cable modem and has VPN capability to (not a great one but none the less).

A far as firewall goes, if you have enough trust in your friends not to screw around then you wouldn't need to add an over head to your system. BTW, what OS would you install on those three systems ? (Windows XP has it's own built in firewall)

cheers

[VirusEJ]

OK Excellent, that sounds like the ideal solution. Any chance of a link to somewhere I could buy? I will try newegg.com

I presume then that the DSL Modem that comes provided with the line, would then connect to the router I buy? Or would the router I buy have a socket for me to connect straight into?

In terms of OS as far as I know all 3 would be XP. Obviously being 3 seperate owners, I am sure they all currently have different firewalls, but if you think the router will cover it I will leave it as is. Otherwise I was just going to see if there was one package to recommend to all users, as I would probably be the admin of the house anyway - lol.

[Miz]

The phone line connects to the modem, the modem connects to the router, the router connects to the hub and the hub is connected to the computers.

It's really quite simple. Just follow the instructions in the router's manual to set things up.