How are you using your broadband with multiple computers?
 

Me, personaly, I'm using a dedicated Linux box.

Wireless router, great to be able to wander to the deck with the laptop.

Linksys 4 port router here...

Windows ICS, it has a few disadvantages. But its cheaper than a router, and when you computer is as stable as mine.... :)

I've got a debian box that's been running almost constantly as my firewall/router for the last 3 years (I only apt-get upgrade it every few months). The last time it went down was due to a few days without power (damn bush fires).

Just using XPs version of ICS at the moment. Once upon a time I would have installed a software NAT router, but I can't see the point anymore when XP does it for me without having *another* program loading on startup. Sure, I don't get all the extra administrative options such as logging and restrictions etc. but I don't need them, this is only a small network of computers.

Currently I have a Linksys 4port/Wireless router. I know some people on this board have expressed a distaste for Linksys products but I have had no problems with it. It works exactly the way I want it too. THe only difficulty I had was getting WEP set up. Since there are two households living in my house we figured that we could get one broadband connection and split the bill. We went with wireless so that we would not have to install wires in the walls or have them running throughout the house.

I use M$ Internet connection sharing through HPNA adapters.Talk about easy..... (and cheap) but it works great, I have not had a problem with it at all.

Linux Router here, Redhat 7.3

Regular netgear hub..

I have OS X and an additional ethernet card. I simply turn internet sharing on and teh other computer is connected. I voted for BSD based cause that seemed fair enough.

For those with the knowledge and ability to do so, I would always suggest a DIY solution. Its much more flexible and inexpensive than a pre-packaged router. But when someone who doesnt know what TCP/IP is wants to use 4 computers on their RoadRunner modem- the simplest and fastest choice is to buy one.

I have a D-Link DI604 consumer-grade router from BestBuy. Cost me $29, but it's a piece of crap. Overheats often due to the fact i'm running it at full speed all the time. Soon I'll have a DIY Slackware router (I hope)...

Yup. For example, try port forwarding access to apps with hardcoded listening ports on two computers with a Linksys. Can't do it? Aw.... too bad.... My Linux box can. Your Linksys can't assign the same IP to your computers every time with DHCP? My Linux box can. My linux box also does traffic shaping, IE, I can play games without lag when downloading, and still have great download speeds when I upload files.

linksys 4 port BEFRS and I have an SMC Barricade wireless. i could have just gotten an access point, but it was just easier to use a left over from a customer upgrade.

Both are easy to configure. I have lots of spare computers, but I didn't want to be bothered with all the items of making it a router. I want simplicity in my technology... don't have the spare time to sit, tweak and play...

Yotta what are you using to do all that? My current setup splits off to like 8 computers (im a student with 3 roomates), its really basic now, a few port forwards are setup, the box is also our web server. We were looking for a way to possibly limit download/upload to each specific computer, or limit our upload speed on a specific port... just wondering if you have any neat software you use.

I've got a D-link 4 port wireless ethernet router. Never had a problem with it, I think it's just great.

dlink 4port router+ printer server and a backup SMC 4port router

Have an SMC barracade. Wanted to set up the old 200MHz computer as a linux box to do this but the SMC was too quick and easy.

My Linksys has never completely failed me. When it does, I just unplug it, and plug it back in again and everything is back to normal.

Holy crap! This turned into "mine is bigger", "I am a guru", post. Frikken wankers!

<b>wakelagger</b> Making the Linksys recognise the card(s) is better now. Do a firmware upgrade.

My Cisco DSL modem also does duty as a nat'd gateway/router.

dsl modem + cable modem -> nexland pro800 turbo router -> computers

the pro800 is ok for the "channel bonding" but it sucks elsewhere it can only do about 15-20 port forwarding rules, then it messes up.

i just finished this new pc and i think i'll get a router

I've got an old-fashioned Asanté 8 port hub that both our computers and the cable modem plug in to. We pay Comcast for an extra IP.

5 years ago when I got the cable modem, this was the best solution because we used several programs (eg CU-SeeMe) that use UDP and didn't play nice with NAT. Not the case any more but the inertia of a system that works has kept me from changing it up.

I have a linksys router and it works great

Currently I'm using Linux 2.4.20 (A minimal Redhat 9 install works fine) with iptables and a script to set up traffic shaping. I use the HTB version of the wondershaper, and a firewall script I created with Easy Firewall Generator, with some manual tweaks (multiple forwardings to internal SSH). The wondershaper could be modified to dole out bandwidth more or less evenly between hosts, giveing the spare to anyone who wants it. It will take some reading to do everything you want, but the power you will gain is WELL WORTH the time needed to read documentation. Stock setup, however will do some cool stuff, namly mantaining little or no lad while up/downloading. Also note, that the wondershaper works best with DSL/any line that provides a steady maximum bandwidth, but you will still see benifit on a cable modem.

I use a linksys 4 port router like most people. I haven't had the time to use linux to actually try out some of the advanced things that yotta can do, but for basic internet sharing a router is the easiest way to go.

Using a Link-Sys 8-port router here.

Linksys. Better than my old SMC Barricade and better than the D-Links I've seen.

Waiting for Cisco to put IOS on the Linksys. :)

Oh, for those of you uncomfortable settin up a full-blown Linux router, try BBIagent

Started with just a 100' crossover thru the attic.
Next setup a p200 to run Freesco.
Moved on now to a Linksys Router.

I am using a combination of hubs and a router

netscreen 5 firewall/router/vpn gateway

You guys that use linux routers-

Do you use the linux box plus a hub or switch? Cause wouldn't it be more efficient to just have a regular router? I'm not really against linux, but it's like adding another complication that you don't really need.

I use a linksys 4 port router at home with 2 computers and a ps2 and a linksys 8 port router + 8 port switch for lans.

i just use the uplink port to connect to the cable modem and connect the rest of my pc's to the hub - its a generic netgear 4port10/100hub.. not switch.. can anyone notice a substantial difference between the two?

I use a Speedstream 4 port router for my 2 computers. Its been working very well since I set it up about a year ago.

netgear router and a switch, I used to run linux and share it that way but it was a pain in the ass when I took it down to add more toys and 30 seconds after power off I would hear " THE INTERNETS NOT WORKING!" hence the router

I use a Linksys router-wireless access point

Linux box + swich/hub yeah. The PC is cheap, just get a used pentium syste, and a 5 port switch can be had for $30. You can also pop extra NICs in the linux box, but that's kinda annoying to setup.

at home it's a Linksys and a hub with at least 4 computers online

at work it's multiple cisco routers, hubs, switches and multiple public IPs

My firewall handles NAT just fine, so everyone internal gets a non-routable private class C address.

2 comps, 3 nics, 2 cat5 cables, 1 X-over cable..
Until more computers are needed, i spit on your router/hub solutions :)
Yay for recycled parts!

Wireless DLink router, with a linksys hub plugged into one of the wired ports. I'm the only one in my college apartment willing to spend the money on wireless, and with as many computers as we have, all of theirs don't fit in the four wired ports on the router, hence the hub.

just a switch... got 4 IP's

I've heard that some providers will allow you to run multiple PPPoE sessions over the same line.

Broadband usage
 

My ISP (roadrunner) charges for more than one IP.

My main machine runs Winroute Pro, which is a firewall, router, and NAT solution (with other things like proxies and mail servers included).

I use the main machine mostly, but use the NAT part for other computers (like when I want to work at a laptop in another room).

I also occasionally run the proxy for personal use from work (my employer blocks sites like TFP, archive.org, adult sites, blogs, etc. now).. but, apparently, from a list of ips or site names. Using a proxy (on a non-standard port) allows me to get to those sites such work.

Draytek 2600, not cheap but has most of the feature's I will want down the road.

Few of the biggest ones I like are:

1. VPN ability, great when travelling.
2. NAT/No NAT thru two subnets, need this as I want Xbox and Web Svr (coming, eventually ;)) on public IP's and everything else on Private IP's
3. DOES Allow assigned DHCP address' just have to use telnet instead of Web interface.
4. Firewall's pretty good and very configurable.
5. Allows for web config from specified IP's, whilst denying pings.

Downside:
1. Pretty sensitive - Once tried to do a whole lot of stuff with MSN and it completely blocked ALL traffic, had to reboot.
2. Not the easiest to configure because they don't provide comprehensive Documentation, it's ok for your normal connx, just when you want to do the "neat" stuff. On the other side there is a forum for users set up by the co. so eventually you get your answers. -
3. The fuckin' company release shady ROM flashes, so you gotta be careful b4 upgrading, always do your research.

Overall Very pleased with it. In fact I wish I had spent a bit more and got the wireless version, but alas 20/20 hindsight.

I have a Win2000 Server running as Router, with NAT enabled, dhcp and DNS server

+ a hub offcourse

I just got a DI-604 router hooked up. It was fast and easy. Have two Linux computers on it. I've noticed that it seems to get pretty hot. Hotter than I would expect it to. I haven't noticed any particular problems because of it, though. What problems have you noticed?

Someday I'll convert my old computer into a Linux based router, but I have to build a new computer first.

When I got the smart idea to network, I was going to go with a simple ethernet network, unfortunately the network card was bad and it fried my motherboard. So now...I have a cable modem with an ethernet and a USB port on the back. Its not the best but it works.

It's truly amazing what $80 can get you in a router these days...

I actually use a linux box with BBIAgent running currently.. the cheap easy solution.. Found a Pentium Pro and a handful of nics, popped them in and i was up and running for no cost... hence why im not using a router

i would like to switch over to a regular hardware router for electricity/noise/wireless ability concerns but until then I am ok...

i have been thinking about picking up a 300mb hard drive from around my room somewhere and actually putting either a barebones Slack or Gentoo linux on it and rnuning the router from that with a few neat features, but I havent had the time.. would rather get my server box up and running before i do any router tweaking (plus the whole roommates "The internet isn't working" is annoying).

actually going with my girlfriend to go buy a wireless router.. I think she will be getting a Linksys.. i told her we could get one online cheaper, but she wants it now so we are heading to bestbuy.. anyone have any thoughts regarding linksys (or any bestbuy) wireless routers?

I too use the Windows ICS, although I've been seriously considering upgrading to a wireless router.

Netgear Wirless router.. locked down tight..

At work I run a lRedhat proxy box.

I have a Linksys 4 Port Router. I have 2 PC's and an Xbox hanging off the bad boy. Fine for my PC's, no real performance degredation. The Xbox however is HORRIBLE when I go through the Router, even when none of the other hardware is in use. I now unhook my Router and plug my xbox directly into my modem for performance issues. I have downloaded all of the correct patches and firmware upgrades.... To no avail. XBox live requires far too much upload performance for the Linksys to manage.

Linksys befsr41 router, cascaded Linksys 5-port 10/100 switch, 3Com 24-port 10mbit switch, and Asante Ethernet-AppleTalk bridge.

I have been at least 100% satisfied with the Linksys router in the 3+ years I've had it. Previously I had OpenBSD running NAT...that worked pretty well too.

Here's my post to justify my 'other' vote. We have one linksys 4 Port router split out via switches around the house. Downstream from that we have a wireless linksys that's providing connectivity to 3 of our neighbors in the surrounding community. We're in the process of building a win2k DHCP/DNS/RRAS/Exchange server to provide all of the necessary bits to our neighbors that want email and security and whatnot.

As it stands we don't warchalk, but you've got a pretty good chance of getting >90% signal anywhere in our neighborhood.

With everybody splitting the monthly bill, and most of the equip/software 'donated' from our respective jobs... Life is good in my neighborhood.

Wireless linksys router, works great with my dsl...

Then why even use DHCP? Just configure each computer to use a static internal IP.

used to use a linksys 4-port and a 16 port Hawking switch.

Modem fried in a lightning storm and SBC sent me a new 2-Wire dsl modem/router/WAP all built into one. All I gotta do is plug in my switch and I'm good to go.

I have Road Runner Cable running through a Linksys BEFSR41 router to 4 computers and it works just fine for what I want it to do, which is just to share the internet connection with the rest of my family.

It is nice to keep a laptop on DHCP for roaming network access. It's also nice to leave everything on DHCP because there is only one file to change to reconfigure any of your computer's IP settings.

I have DSL with a linksys wireless router and ~5 computers hooked up to it. We even subsidize our internet costs by renting a connection to our network to the people living below us. How much? They will never know.

I have a Linksys 10/100 switch and connect using Enternet, Winpoet, and just XP connection. I get different IP's for each computer.

I've used BBIagent, and it's pretty good. I prefer a homebrew solution because it gives me more power. I like power, muwahahahhahahh.

Get a D-Link, the linksys ones are shit.

Same here - works a treat - wireless home and office - it would take a very convincing arguement to make me plug back in!

I love my lynksys baracade router. Never a moment of trouble with it.

Somebody could hijack your network, and intercept traffic, and there's very little you can do about it. WEP is horribly broken, and can be cracked in a few hours. You probably don't even have it on, though, which means all someone has to do is aim an antenna at your house to intercept your data. Then again, I'm quite paraniod.

paranoia is good - so is the combination of 128bit WEP and REALLY thick walls - If I can't get a stong signal in my garden then I don't see how anyone else could from the road which is about 150yards/meters away!

Netgear Wireless router. Works great.

I've got an SMC Barricade, too.
It works great, with built-in print server to boot.
It's pretty much what I've been recommending to friends and family.

We're using a Microsoft router. It is NOT very Mac friendly (big shock there)

when I need to have direct access for my headless I use Proxy. It's a lot less headache than ICS.

We have a D-Link router. Dont remember the model number, though it is an 8 port 10/100 with a built in print server. I have thought about building my own, but I dont want another machine that has to be on 24/7, making noise and sucking power.

Using a high-power directioal antenna, and a WiFi card that can connect to such an antenna.

Linkage....

http://www.cantenna.com/
http://fab-corp.com/
http://www.demarctech.com/products/r...mcia-card.html

Then again, wardrivers tend to abuse low-hanging fruit. People that live nearby might prod at it, though.

windows with sygate :) works far better than Internet Connection Sharing with a complete configurable nat router

This should have been multiple choice :p

On our home network we are using a netgear router, a switch plus mulitple IPs and other.

Other being a windows 2k3 box running RRAS and NAT. :cool:

LinkSys BEFSR41 4 port routing for a PC manually configged, Laptop on DHCP and a PS2 with assigned IP addy and set as a DMZ, since DHCP cannot be used (as far as I know for a DMZ host)

As my Westell DSL modem has a built-in router, I use a simple hub.

I too use a linux router...it's an old 486 that I salvaged and run debian on...rock solid.
pretty soon it may be replaced by an old pentium 2 someone I know is getting rid of.

Using a Linux router now, but switching to a hardware one. Not because it works bad, but because I'm sick of having an extra computer making extra noice in my small computer room.

Linksys router with it uplinked to a 16 port switch.....gotta love 1500feet of Cat5e ran throughout the house.

Right now Im hooked up to a US Robotics Router with Wireless Capabilites... To bad thats completely disable cause I dont like Wireless.

I used to run a FreeSCO box, but alas, it died a horrible fiery death.

Using a Cisco 2620 router and a Cisco 2950 Catalyst switch. An Aironet 1200 is used for my wireless. I have my CCNP, so I used the equipment to practice on.

I choose "Consumer-grade router (Linksys, D-Link, etc)" but that is because I am lazy. I have also had:

1) Modem -> Transparent Bridge/Firewall (Linux) (To take advantage of multiple IPs) -> LinkSys Router (as a switch only, not router) -> Comps
2) Modem -> IPTables/NAT/DHCP (Linux) -> Comps in ohter configurations.

The Linksys Router being used AS a router is just easier and I don't need the power of Linux to manage my home connection. I have 2 desktops and 2 laptops connected (some wired, some wireless) and will soon have 2 more desktops (just the towers anyway) and don't really see the need for a Linux router.

Consumer appliance here (Linksys), my needs are fairly simple right now. I run no servers that need to be seen from the outside world, so simply disabling WAN requests entirely and forwarding a few port ranges works just fine, and keeps me safe from the more mundane crap out there (IE exploits aside). I can see where I will run into the limits of how many port ranges can be forwarded as I add more devices, I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Geez, how much did you spend on that?

I have a linksys router with the integrated wifi access point. but I am going to bring home a cisco pix 501 from work, we had 20 satellite offices we shut down that each had vpn tunnels back to HQ. So we have a bunch of them lying around we were selling off, I am going to snag one for myself. I'll just put my linksys behind it as an access point. Overkill, most definitely but it gives me something to mess around and learn more Cisco stuff at home.

Linksys Wireless-G. 4 PCs wired, 1 Laptop wireless. :thumbsup:

Yotta:

About $2200 for the router, around $900 for the switch because it has gigabit uplinks in it (usually they are around $650 though), and around $580 for the Aironet because it has a Cardbus Slot available.

It was all brand new though when I bought it, so its a lot cheaper if you buy it used. You can get some pretty good deals on used cisco equipment that may be "last years" model.

netgear wireless router with an additional netgear WAP in the basement to have a rock solid signal throughout the house and over-ride any interference caused by other wireless devices (like 2.4ghz phones) that might cause interference. That's the folk's house. (where I am currently crashing for the holidays)

my apartment also has a netgear wireless router, had to buy a 5.8ghz cordless phone to get around the interference it caused in tight quarters near the router.

NetGear router..

Laptop is wireless

Main PC supporting the router

and my PC up in my room running off a 50FT Cat5 cable

I bought a 5.8 ghz phone for the same reason. I have a friend who was always talking on speakerphone with a 2.4 ghz phone and it caused the most hideous ping sounding staticy noises on his end. So I made sure to buy a 5.8 phone.

Linksys Wireless - had it for over a year now with no issues. Is first house though, so I'm never more than 70 feet from the sending unit (including going around corners and down the stairs). :crazy:

Here I have just a simple Netgear router. At my parents house I had to put their D-Link wireless router router behind a Linksys router since the DHCP timeout for the D-Link was like 10 seconds -- either not long enough to negotiate the DHCP lease or the D-Link wasn't sending the correct DHCP options. Either way, that is why the Linksys is in between the cablemodem / D-Link (D-Link is wireless, Linksys isn't). I don't think I would buy D-Link, their customer support was far from helpful. Actaully setting up the two routers to get everything to route properly between them was a pain as well.

I would love Bendsley's setup, I could actually set this up properly with professional hardware. Plus it would be a nice learning experiance.

D-Link 707P 7 port router. I'm planning to add a wireless access point once I get a laptop. Sometimes the router freezes, but it doesn't happen all that often. On the other hand it didn't cost me a lot. I'm happy with it.

My configuration has now changed. Cable Modem->Linksys VoIP Router (Vonage)->Linksys Wireless (DMZed from VoIP Router) which connects 1 computer (wifeys desktop) and 1 switch. Switch has 2 computers (my desktop and file/web server) on at all times and any computers I may be working on (family, friends, etc). Wireless is for the iPaq and 2 laptops when they are being used.

I Used to use OpenBSD and ipf, but I got tired of having to administer it (read lazy), so I got a D-Link wireless router. At first I had some problems with the D-Link, but now..... well actually, yea I still have problems with it. Especially when there is a lot of wireless traffic going on. Yea, I don't recommend D-Link. Or Linksys for that matter. I will probably end up replacing it with a 3Com or something.