1.  A router is much more stable than Internet Connection Sharing.
2.  With internet connection the computer that is actually connected to the boardband modem must always be powered on when any other computer on the network wants a connection.
3.  Depending on the type of modem you have, you usually need two network cards in the computer that makes the connection (this is not true if the modem is a USB modem, but USB connections are less stable than ethernet connections).
4.  If you need to connect more than two computers at the same time, you will need a hub or switch that costs almost as much as a router.
5.  Although Internet Connection Sharing may seem cheaper at first, it has limited expansion ability without adding a hub or switch - which then makes it cost about the same as a router.
6.  Trust me, using a router is easier, more stable, and allow for future expansion.

Steve

Message Edited by volcano11 on 03-01-2004 11:49 PM

Steve, thanks for your reply. I thought about those pros you're describing for a router. But I think about a problem with routers: sometimes certain programs that use the internet (like MSN and other communication programs like VoIP) won't work because of the firewall inside the router and one has to go into a lot of trouble tweaking the software until all works fine...what do you say about this?

Thanks again.

No matter which way you go you will need a firewall!! Otherwise you could have a very dead machine. Try turning on the XP firewall and turn logging rejected packets on and see the number of hits on your computer.

The router is the still the best option.

Yes, you probably do have to fool around with Port Forwarding on the Router to get some of those functions to work.  On some routers (link those from Linksys) this is much easier than on others (like those from Dell).  But, note that Internet Connection Sharing also provides a NAT firewall similar to that of a router, and there is even less documenation on using port forwarding through Internet Connection Sharing there is on most routers.  So you would still have to tweak things in order to get the Internet Connection Sharing to work with some of these functions.

Steve

Ostell, yes of course you always need a Firewall for security purposes, I just mentioned it because many routers come with a Firewall built-in which is sometimes less flexible to tweak than a software firewall installed in your PC and it may pose difficulties for some VoIP or communications (MSN, etc) programs.

Steve, based on all these comments:

1) Which Router brand/model do you suggest? Is the US Robotics one good?

2) If the router comes with a Firewall, will a software PC firewall (like for example Norton Internet Security) add more security or it's not necessary?

Thanks.

Steve, I think there's another factor making Microsoft's "Home Networking" solution appear easier to configure than an external router, and it involves port forwarding. The feature, enabled by default on Windows XP, is called "Universal Plug and Play" (UPnP), and is able to open ports for inbound traffic without the user's knowledge. I don't agree with all of Steve Gibson's rhetoric on the subject of UPnP, but I definitely consider anything that opens an Internet-connected PC to traffic without any action required by the user to be inherently flawed.

I wonder if UPnP is a factor in establishing the "zombie" listeners for some of the distributed denial of service attacks that have occurred in the past few years.

So yes, get a router. And if the router supports UPnP, and there are some popular ones that do, disable UPnP at the router.

Jim

I only have experience with Linksys routers and can vouch for them.  I'v never used a U.S. Robotics Router so I have no opinion.  In general, a router only provides a firewall against incoming attacks.  Most security experts recommned also running a software firewall like Norton or Zone Alarm to protect against information being sent out from your computers by trojans that somehow get installed.

Steve

- What Linksys model do you recommend?

- I understand that the router needs to be connected to the DSL/Cablemodem on one end and to each PC via their respective NIC's on the other end. What type of cables are needed for this?

Thanks.

The BEFSR41 for a wired connection (4 wired ports) or the WRT54G for a wired (4 ports) + wireless connection.  The cables are all regular CAT 5 network cables with RJ45 connectors.

Steve

Thanks