I have an office scenario I need to set up. One PC used for doctor's billing software that transmits the claims electronically and also to access the Internet. A laptop the doctor has that only needs to access the Internet and does not need to network to the other PC. This offic will also use a fax. Upon looking into setting up DSL for this scenario, Verizon wants us to pay an extra $30 for a static IP, is that a necessary charge? Also we were told the fax can share the DSL phone line. Verizon is also in the process of testing the line and said we may need conditioners...how reliable will this be? I was asked to review this and I am not very familiar with DSL and it's requirements, but I didn't think we need to pay for a static IP. I do know we will need a good Firewall, can somebody recommend? We need good security because of HIPAA requirements. I am thinking maybe a good old fashion Dial-up may be just as good. Would be interested in some feedback. Thanks, Kat

If the Doctor is connected to the Internet via a DSL Modem/Router he will end up connected to the Local Area Network whether he likes it or not. However, that should be a problem. He can just igonore it. Most ISP charge extra for a Static IP but £30 does seem a bit steep. I would have though $10 on top of your monthly subscription would be more reasonable. You dont need a static ISP unless you are hosting a Web server or FTP server for example. If you are only going to be browsing the internet and retrieving and sending information then a dynamic IP address will suffice. If people are going to log onto your internet connection to send you information, then you probably do need a static IP. You can use a fax on a DSL line. With a DSL line you retain the ability to use a normal telelphone as well. The Telephone outlet socket will contain a splitter that splits the DSL signal from the voice line so you can use both at the same time. The fax will use the voice line as normal. So you can be browsing the internet and sending a fax at the same time. If Verizon say you need conditioners it suggests that your phone line may not be up to scratch or that your are further than 5Kms from your telphone company. In that case reliability might be a problem. The best thing to do is to ask somebody in your area who already has DSL what they think. Stuart

I would add that you need a wireless router. You want to put two machines on the internet. ONLY way you can do that is with a router [or purchase two ip addresses or manually plug and unplug the computers] A wireless router and a wireless card in the docs laptop will give him portablity. The router usually comes with 4 lan ports so you have room to grow. In the end the router will be cheaper then paying for the limited two ip addresses. Line conditioning is normally the responsiblity of the telephone provider.

You don't need a static IP addy even if you decide to host a server. You could always use Dynamic DNS and port forwarding and this works fine. You will need to purchase an inexpensive router or use some type of internet connection sharing software. I suggest the router verses the software methods. If you want your laptop to be able to roam around then you'll need a WiFi router instead of a standard wired router. If you're just going to use the laptop in one or two places then you can save a few bucks on a wired router. For clarity your DSL modem is just that, don't confuse this with a dedicated router. For wired/wireless routers I suggest whatever name brand you can fine the cheapest. 802.11B wireless routers are all pretty darn cheap but security is limited to WEP. Going to newer 802.11G routers gets you the more secure WPA.