To network or not to network

  • Thread starter Thread starter RichardM
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RichardM

Hi all, I wasn't sure where to put this so I hope this is a good place. The
family I'm living with has what I think is an "interesting" setup. There is
a cable modem which is connected to a hub and then all the computers in the
house are connected to it. This means the security procedures have to be
put on all the nodes. However, we are about to add a handful of users and
computers to the mix and that make the situation that much more complex. If
we add a second hub the cable company may decided to charge for the extra
users. I'm kind of ignorant about home networks but I made the suggestion
that we convert to a home peer-to-peer network. That way the interface to
the outside world would be a little more controlled. (I think) Now the
point was made that if that primary machine went down, then no one could
access the internet.

Now after all that preamble, let me get to the questions:
First, should we leave everything as it is with each machine/user
responsible for that machine's security?
Second, if we go the networking route, is there some place where I could go
(webpage) for a step by step on how to install said network, share the
appropriate devices and so forth?
Three, what about having two networks? Is this where we get into the
workgroup configuration? The bottom line that there could be a primary
server which but there could be second machine which is the backup server.
Would be able to have the two networks "talk" to each other.
Lastly, I've read some stories which I didn't really understand about when
you are using cable modems that it is much easier for your neighbor across
the street to access your files. I think the fix was something to do with
passwording your devices and shared files.
I think you all in advance for your comments and suggestions.
Richard
 
RichardM said:
Hi all, I wasn't sure where to put this so I hope this is a good
place. The family I'm living with has what I think is an
"interesting" setup. There is a cable modem which is connected to a
hub and then all the computers in the house are connected to it.
This means the security procedures have to be put on all the nodes.
However, we are about to add a handful of users and computers to the
mix and that make the situation that much more complex. If we add a
second hub the cable company may decided to charge for the extra
users. I'm kind of ignorant about home networks but I made the
suggestion that we convert to a home peer-to-peer network. That way
the interface to the outside world would be a little more controlled.
(I think) Now the point was made that if that primary machine went
down, then no one could access the internet.

Now after all that preamble, let me get to the questions:
First, should we leave everything as it is with each machine/user
responsible for that machine's security?
Second, if we go the networking route, is there some place where I
could go (webpage) for a step by step on how to install said network,
share the appropriate devices and so forth?
Three, what about having two networks? Is this where we get into the
workgroup configuration? The bottom line that there could be a
primary server which but there could be second machine which is the
backup server. Would be able to have the two networks "talk" to each
other.
Lastly, I've read some stories which I didn't really understand about
when you are using cable modems that it is much easier for your
neighbor across the street to access your files. I think the fix was
something to do with passwording your devices and shared files.
I think you all in advance for your comments and suggestions.
Richard
Click to expand...


Buy a router.. Like a Linksys or Netgear. Hook your hubs up to that if
necessary. It hands out your IPs (up to 255 of them) and separates you from
the Internet, gives you private IPs and only pulls ONE IP from the ISP. You
can configure said router to forward certain port requests to certain
machines and such, but otherwise, the only publically accessible IP is that
of the router - and that's usually NOT that accessible.
 
You're referring to a NAT server acting as a firewall.

Yes its true, if the PC doing this function goes down, then use of the
internet is lost for all. This is also true for a router with a built-in
hub as well.

I use a router without a built-in hub from the cable modem. The single
output from the router is input into a NAT server. NAT server's LAN
connection goes to a hub for two other PCs for internet access.

The only problem I have is when the cable service resets its address, and
the NAT server fails to reconnect properly. Then, I have to reboot and it
works fine again. This happens about every two or three weeks.

A 486 grade cpu in a PC is adequate, and probably the most reliable for a
NAT server. Store above floor level, away from dust contaminants. Use
proper power protection for all PCs.

If you intend to use a NAT server, establish the LAN first using a protocol
other than TPC/IP, use your shared drives/printers on this protocol ONLY.
Then, the internet connection on the NAT server. Then, the internet
connection on the LAN. TCP/IP is required for the internet connection for
the parasite PCs.

You can use 2 NAT servers, one as a backup. Both will have to be assigned a
different and permanent IP address in that case. If the cable server
resets, expect temporary connectivity problems once in awhile irregardless.
A router does a reconnect automatically upon cable server reset. In both
cases, the use of the internet will be lost in the interim.
 
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