Newbie Networker Needs Help...

[Syakoban]

Hi,

I want to finally set up my home office correctly. I currently have DSL on one Windows PC. I want to create a small LAN with shared Internet, file sharing and possibly file back-up. I have 2 Windows machines (XP on one and soon Vista 64 on one) and two OSX Macs.

My questions:

Do I need a server to share the Internet and files or can it all be done with a router and switch? Is a server preferable? (I would pick a Linux variety - no Windows)

I have a couple of printers to network too. Is a print server device better or just print server software?

If there is a Linux server, can it share the Internet connection or is a router still needed to assign IP addresses to each machine? (I believe Verizon only provides dynamic IP's on my current plan and I would rather not pay them for additional IP's)

Thanks guys!

[zxor 1]

need more info on dsl (heres a clue do u have 4 ports or one port on the back of the dsl..
also the manufacvturer of the dsl unit ...sometime there a combination dsl and router

[DimaYasny]

Hi,
Do I need a server to share the Internet and files or can it all be done with a router and switch? Is a server preferable? (I would pick a Linux variety - no Windows)

if what you have is a router, and not a simple modem - yes, you can use it to share the internet link

I have a couple of printers to network too. Is a print server device better or just print server software?

why not simply connect printers to the machines, and share them out?

If there is a Linux server, can it share the Internet connection or is a router still needed to assign IP addresses to each machine? (I believe Verizon only provides dynamic IP's on my current plan and I would rather not pay them for additional IP's)

Linux will be used as a router, so a simple router box, or a linux server running iptables in NAT mode - doesn't matter

[Syakoban]

I currently have a Westel 2200 with one Ethernet port.

Linux will be used as a router, so a simple router box, or a linux server running iptables in NAT mode - doesn't matter

I don't understand: do you mean a router or a linux box will achieve the same thing? If so: if I choose a Linux server, then the DSL modem to the server, to a switch, to other machines, or what config.?

Thanks guys.

[DimaYasny]

never even seen the Westel brand

however, if you set up a linux box as a router, simply set it up as the gateway on the other machines

[zxor 1]

ok i seen the specs according to your dsl you will need a router.... it will have a four port switch built in ...linksys is purfect for the job there cost is 50 if you wqant a wireless router will be more...

jorell

[Syakoban]

Wired is good for me. So you're saying Linux server AND router??

[zeroth]

Syakoban,
Sounds like that Westel2200 is your modem since it has one ethernet connection. You need to get a cheap router to plug in there so you can share the connection. Either a wired router or a wireless router (for visitors or future growth) with 4 wired connections on the back. You don't need a linux machine, just another layer of software to worry about. zeroth