Do I need a router?

Question

This may be a simple question but still… I currently have a laptop connected to an ADSL modem via a standard RJ45 cable, and also to a HP LaserJet 1300 via USB. I have now purchased a Dimension 4600, which I would like to connect to all three devices. In other words it would be good to have both computers connected to ADSL (independently, so no Internet Sharing), to each other so that I can access files when both are on, and also connected to the printer (again independently). The reason I want independent connections is that the laptop will be in and out of the office, and when it's in the stationary system will not always be on.

If I'm not mistaken the purpose of a router is to be able to interconnect several devices (though this may be the purpose of a switch too?). Therefore, will it suffice to get a router to connect both computers to each other and to the ADSL modem? Or do I need to get an ADSL router, thus bypassing the need for an external ADSL modem?

As for the printer, well the HP website says it's "network-ready" when you "use the USB/parallel port connection to add the printer to an office network environment." Now, how can I use a USB cable to connect to both computers; is there such a thing as a USB split cable, or is there an easier solution?

I would appreciate feedback on this dilemma, and also a recommendation on which router is a good, and not too expensive, choice.

Many thanks.

_Paladin · Answer

Misiowiec,

You are correct about the router. Your DSL modem will connect to the router using the router's WAN or internet port and each PC will connect to one of the router's LAN ports. The modem and router should stay powered up all the time. The PCs will be able to share the internet connection independently or simultaneously.

A simple 4 port router like the Linksys BEFSR41 will work great if you plan on connecting both PCs with wired connections. Expect to spend about US$40. If you want to connect one of your PCs wirelessly then the Linksys WRT54G would do the job. Of course, whichever PC connects wirelessly will need a wireless network adapter. Expect to spend about US$80. The WRT54G supports 4 wired PCs and another 250 wireless PCs.

You have several options to share the printer. The least expensive is to leave it connected to its host PC and perform an Add Printer function on the second PC, telling the second PC the printer is a network printer. In this case, the printer's host PC must be booted if the second PC needs to use the printer. The other option is to get a print server, which will connect to the router and then the printer. You can see Linksys print servers here. This alternative provides maximum independence, but you will have to buy a print server.

There are other manufacturers for these products, such as D-Link, Netgear, Belkin.

See sites here and here for good tutorials about home networking.

Post back if you have additional questions.

Message Edited by _Paladin on 12-02-2003 06:14 AM

_Paladin · Answer

Misiowiec, 'I wonder, however, if using a router such as the Linksys BEFSR41 will enable me to share files between the two systems when both are on?' - Yes, you will be able to do File and Printer Sharing as well.  The BEFSR41 is really two devices in a single housing.  First, it is a router, sending internet traffic from the LAN to the internet and back.  Second, it is a 4 port switch, connecting up to 4 PCs in a Local Area Network, so they can share files and printers.

Misiowiec · Answer

Paladin,

Thanks for your exhaustive reply - much appreciated. I wonder, however, if using a router such as the Linksys BEFSR41 will enable me to share files between the two systems when both are on?

Thanks.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Do I need a router?

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