Hi, we just found out that we can (finally) get ADSL, so naturally, I have a few questions. What we want to do is have the modem plugged into my PC (USB), run an ethernet (Straight-through) cable from the modem into the next room where there'll be a router. From the router, I want to run another ethernet cable into a 3-port hub. From that, I'll run cables into my brother's room, my room and a wireless access point (for my mum). In my room I'll have another 2-port hub for my PC and my Xbox. I know this sounds like a crazy setup, but it's only so I can't cut my brother's net off by unplugging his cable (my mum doesn't trust me, thanks to a mate of mine who does it to his brother). So yeah, should this work fine? (btw, the modem is a Siemens SpeedStream 4200 and we haven't bought the router/hubs yet. I wouldn't mind some reccomendations on them.) AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 512MB RAM 120GB Maxtor DiamondMax Plus/60GB stock HDD Nvidia GeForce FX 5700LE 256MB 16x DVD-ROM 42x CD-RW 16x External DVD RW

What's with all the cables and hubs? Why not go completely wireless. Connect a wireless router to the ADSL modem ( Or buy a combination modem/router... they do make them) Then just instal a wireless NIC in each PC. You will need one PC with wired connection to the router for admin login purposes. If you already have the place all wired up then just be aware you need the WAN port of the router to be direct connected to the modem then hang switching hubs and downstream devices of any of the other router ports you like. I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

Forget about buying a router. The Siemens SpeedStream 4200 is in fact a modem/router with a single Ethernet port and a USB port. It has DHCP and NAT built in which is what you need and you only need one router. Plugging the Siemens Modem into another router will introduce all sorts of complications you can do without and don't need. You can take an Ethernet cable form the Siemens direct to a hub. In fact don't buy a hub, buy a switch. A switch is better for many reasons and the price difference is negligible. I doubt if you will get a two port switch or hub. Four ports is the minimum I have ever seen. But that's not a problem as it gives you extra ports for future expansion. You can plug the wireless access point into any of the ports on the switch and configure it from any computer that has a wired connection to the modem. Stuart

Thanks for the info, StuartS!! AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 512MB RAM 120GB Maxtor DiamondMax Plus/60GB stock HDD Nvidia GeForce FX 5700LE 256MB 16x DVD-ROM 42x CD-RW 16x External DVD RW

oh, Richard59, I would, but the interferance would be horrible. we live in a pretty small house with loads of rooms (and walls) and my Xbox controller is wireless and on 2.4GHz. I know it's probably not the EXACT same frequency, but if you look at the reviews for wireless conrollers on EBGames.com, you can actually tell who has wireless by who says "MY A BUTTON DOESNT WORK DONT BUY THIS CONTROLLER THIS CONTROLLER SUCKS.". AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 512MB RAM 120GB Maxtor DiamondMax Plus/60GB stock HDD Nvidia GeForce FX 5700LE 256MB 16x DVD-ROM 42x CD-RW 16x External DVD RW

ok, another (probably stupid) question. At the moment, I'm on ISDN, so obviosly, I have an ISDN modem. When we get ADSL set up, we're gonna have to have the current phone jack replaced with a normal one. I have an RJ11 (I think) to RJ45 cable. What if I just plugged that into the ADSL modem? I'm thinking it would work, but be limited to 128K. either that or... well... bye bye modem. one last question. what the hell is the "I/O" button on the back of the ADSL modem for? I have read it's manuel but I didn't find anything. and yes, I do know I/O is Input/Output. AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 512MB RAM 120GB Maxtor DiamondMax Plus/60GB stock HDD Nvidia GeForce FX 5700LE 256MB 16x DVD-ROM 42x CD-RW 16x External DVD RW

another, hopefully smarter, question. what if I just plugged my RJ11 to RJ45 cable into the Line One jack on the ISDN wall jack and into the modem? The chance of it working seems pretty low, but is it worth a try? AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 512MB RAM 120GB Maxtor DiamondMax Plus/60GB stock HDD Nvidia GeForce FX 5700LE 256MB 16x DVD-ROM 42x CD-RW 16x External DVD RW