I respond to a gentleman who is looking for a hardware router, and I respond with a free software solution that would accomplish the same goal.
Date: June 22, 2001 01:02 PM
Subject: Re: broadband router recommendation
> Hey all,
>
> Currently I’m using an evaluation
> copy of Microsoft ISA Server, but when that runs
> out I’m probably going to want to switch to a
> hardware solution to connect my LAN to the
> Internet over DSL. I know the Linksys routers are
> the most popular, but they also were the first
> ones on the market. Has anyone looked at the SMC
> or other broadband routers and compared them to
> the Linksys? Any
> opinions?
>
> _–Will–_ http://www.inside-corner.
> com http://www.mp3.com/hypnoticsuggestion
Will,
How many users are you supporting on your LAN? Is this an “in-home” LAN, or a business LAN?
If it’s an “in-home” LAN with a small amount of users, may I suggest trying Internet Connection Sharing, which is built into Windows 98SE, Windows ME, and Windows 2000? I am currently using an evaluation copy of Windows 2000 Advanced Server on my server, and I have Internet Connection Sharing setup to share the Cable connection. This piece of software uses an IP masquerade to make computers on your LAN appear as one computer to the remote network, as far as TCP/IP addressing is concerned…
And best of all? Internet Connection Sharing is a free solution. I have been very happy with it so far, with a total of 4 computers accessing the Internet. Can’t beat the bang for the buck!
Brian Klier
Forum Pro
http://kliernetwork.net
(http://www.connectedhomemag.com/Forums/thread.cfm?CFApp=80&Message_ID=186415)