Looking for a router

[Gib]

hi,

I currently am using a D-link up for my small home network but would like to change to a router for security reasons ect.

I have 3 computers connected to a Hub, all have there own Static Ip address ( RR cable) and all have network cards with cat 5 cable connecting them.

I would like suggestions on a 4-5 port router under $70.

I need it to be easy to open up ports, I do alot of online gaming so I dont want any disruption there. Also will it still be possible to keep an FTP running with a router, All I would need to is open port x correct?

Also it is still possible to have print and file sharing in Windows. All 3 systems are running Windows Xp pro.

I am correct in saying that with a router, The router assigns
a "fake" ip address to each computer, it doesnt use the real one. Is this right?

Thanks

Routers don't assign "fake" IP addys - they simply route packets to your internal IP's on your LAN. Depending on how your router is setup, those outside your LAN (ie the web) will see only one single IP (the ISP one).

But a good router will also protect your internal IP's from showing outside (via NAT, mostly).

Anything on your internal LAN will still work provided the PC's are still connected on the LAN (ie the router needs to route internal packets as well). Most routers with multiple ports do this.

Hope that helps

Cheers
Mick

[M_Six]

You got it. With a router, you won't need the extra IP addresses and your router will hide all your PCs from view.

D-Link and Linksys both make excellent, inexpensive routers that do what you want. Both are easy to set up and use. Others include SMC and Netgear. Take your pick.

Personally, I like Linksys. But that's just my preference.

Quote:

Originally posted by M_Six
Personally, I like Linksys. But that's just my preference.

Some of the linksys routers have some probs with changing FTP ports, from memory. I'd do a search (either at TIMO or google or both) on the model number you are thinking of getting, and looking for comments about opening ports.

Another option (and MUCH more configurable), is to use an old PC as a software router. I currently use IPCop. Lots of fun to set up and use, and has many more options than most hardware routers.

Cheers
Mick

[chapmc]

If you have an old PC you can use it as a router. I found a free download that builds a Linux system that will run off a floppy and will run on a 486 with 16 meg RAM, no hd required. I tried it and it set up easily and worked!

Link to Coyote Linux

I forgot to mention, 2 nic's are required in the pc. If you don't have them a router might be a better deal.