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Neighbour wants a hand setting up a network of PC & 2 laptops using wireless links. He's on an AOL/BT ADSL line. If we do a normal network of the ADSL modem linked to a wireless/wired Netgear router - the PC linked to this via ethernet and the 2 laptops using wireless cards, would this work? I can't get my head around the fact that each computer would have to dial up for access & what happens if 2 computers want access at the same time, If one computer's already connected, would the 2nd one just use the same connection? I'm used to always-on broadband, but not the dial-up ADSL bit - can't get my head around it. Any pointers appreciated. Would prefer not to get into ICS if we can help it.
ADSL is always on and is broadband. You don't dial-up the same way you would with an analogue modem.
The ADSL connection is established through the router/modem and once that has happened, any computer, properly configured, connected to the router can use the Internet.
Very similar to the way you would with cable.
Stuart
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Ditto Stuart.....
Also...don't be confused with the fact that the DSL connection uses the telephone line. It is the same wire....but at a different frequency. The signals are invisible to one another (like being in different dimensions, ooooooooh).
The DSL part is always on. Just make sure that the other phone jacks in the house (that have a phone connected to them) have a DSL filter. The phone guy will leave some (or send some with the installation).
You will NOT put a filter on the jack which connects to the DSL modem...of course. If a phone needs to share that connection....get a basic splitter and plug a filter into one side...and the phone in to it...then the dsl modem directly into the other unfiltered one.
Again, if you're receiving a self installed kit...all those little do-hickies will prolly be in the box.
HTH
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in the router config you put your username and password and as long as the router is switch on then connection to aol will be constant.only trouble you might have is aol do not allow multiple pc's on one connection(networking).
again in the router config you will have mac spoofing capabilities here you have to get the mac address from the main pc (start -run-cmd- type ipconfig/all the physical address is the mac address) add it in space provided, this should fool aol that there is only one pc connected.
hope this helps some
mark
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hmmm...the AOL part...
What type of broadband do you have? Is it specifically AOL's brand of broadband? OR are you getting bband from the phone and also happen to have an AOL account?
I'm not sure about the former...but the latter (seperate company for your broadband)...there should be no problems.
Just configure the router to connect with the bband account info (not AOL's login)...again....IF you are getting broadband from a seperate company other than AOL....and like Mark sez...that is entered into the router's bios...it is stored there permantely.
Once that is done...and the other pc's are connected...they will be able to just open a browser and be connected to the Internet.
If they have AOL accounts....each computer will just open up AOL. From the main screen....you need to configure it to connect via a Network (NOT dialup). Just look around the connection options in AOL and you'll see it.
HTH
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The confusing bit is that when you open a browser, there is a normal looking log-on box, with a phone no. in it to be dialled - hit it and the connection is almost instantaneous, but it definitely isn't an 'always on' system.
It is provided by AOL - it's an AOL/BT branded USB modem
AOL do appear to support networking now according to their web-site - as long as it's using 'Thompson' routers.
Still confused but thinking about it - thanks for all replies.
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Things will be a bit different with AOL brand broadband. They prolly force access via the AOL software only. This will make the connection less flexible.
IMO...unless your friend is committed to a year with AOL BBand....he may want to check around. If he HAS to have the AOL software interface, he can switch to a $15/month account (basically an unlimited AOL account as long as you provide the connection to the Internet) and then check with his local phone company or cable company. They often have some very good deals with broadband service.
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hey john
as kev says bin the aol and go for another one that doesn't force you to use there software. www.plus.net use(mjsparshott)as your referal and i get 50p off my bill, (only joking) :-) i've been with them for 1.5 yrs now with no probs at all, i have 3 pc's and an xbox all using the same connection.
if not then the only way i can think of doing it is Dont use the software, you shouldn't need it if you have a router,what the router does is it logs in to aol for you using the username and password you've input into its memory, just the same as when you hit the dial up connection box. your not actually dialling up your just logging into their server.
after that use IE to access the net i know its not an ideal situation but its something your gunna have to live with.
The usa use a different system i think?
we are stuck with BT as our phone line and dsl provider:-(
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Just had a long conversation with AOL - technical support - got through 1st time & they were very helpful!!!
Evidentally since Christmas they have been supporting networking - they recommend a number of different Thompson routers, but also recommend a combined Netgear ADSL modem/wireless router (the DG834G) which we can get for arond £90. If we do get it they're quite happy to help with all set-up problems & it's a freephone number! Neighbour's happy & so I'm happy as he has someone else to call ;-).
Thanks for all help.
Johnr
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John,
Sounds okay if it all works.
However, I would triple-check about being able to use the conection without the AOL software (even when using a router).
It could be that their servers require something in the uplinking data packets that is specifically from the AOL software.
If this is the case, while each computer on your network may be able to access at the same time, they may still have to use the AOL software, or the servers would simply ignore the requests (this may not be a prob. if you don't mind using the AOL interface all the time)
HOWEVER....
If the service does require that the AOL software be used by all computers (even if using a router) it Could be the case that only One computer can actually log on to AOL at a time....this would, of course, be a real draw back.
Not to be too uptight about all this....but ...I've just learned to be absolutely sure about these seemingly little details beforehand.
HTH
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I'd also advise avoiding AOL, have a look at metronet or plusnet, both are cheaper and don't require dodgy software.
An all in one modem/switch/wireless router is a good idea I can recomend the Dlink 604+ and since its just been replaced by a faster 54Mbps model (its 22, which is easily fast enough for most uses) you should be able to pick one up cheap.
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