At 9:22 AM -0700 4/26/00, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>Hmmm ... this is not a bad idea. So, the DSL modem plugs into the hardware
>router which then plugs into the network, no need for a dedicated server
>anymore, nor do I need a Mac with two Ethernet cards. Right?
Correct.
>Just so I understand hardware routers a little better: I assume they come with
>software too that allows you to program the firewall --- would this be
>something akin to a flash ROM, or is one computer still acting as a server,
>allowing and restricting access?
They will come with some sort of utility you run on one of your
computers to configure the router. The exact details vary. If
you're looking at one, make sure it supports configuration from a
Mac. The neatest method offered (in my opinion) is Web-based
configuration; you just fire up your favorite web browser, point it
at the IP address of the router, and you get a web page which lets
you configure the router. (Naturally, the router won't let the
configuration page be accessed by a computer which isn't on your LAN.)
>So the difference between an all software
>based solution and a dedicated hardware solution seems to suggest that the
>hardware solution would be faster and more efficient, too, than an all
>software based solution (kind of like Apple's Geoport software based modem
>technology vs. a "real" modem?).
Not really, because the guts of these routers are really an embedded
microcomputer running either a custom operating system or some kind
of free OS like Linux or BSD. IP routing and firewalling is complex
enough that for small cheap routers like this the most effective way
of doing it is to use a small computer, especially since there are
chips which implement almost everything needed for a simple IBM PC
clone in one chip (just add RAM). In fact, Apple uses an AMD 486
PC-on-a-chip derivative in the AirPort base station to perform its
network routing functions.
The real benefits of the "hardware" DSL routers are that they are
easier to set up, use less power, and are probably generally more
reliable than a full fledged computer (no moving parts and fewer
chips).
Tim Seufert
----------
Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net!
A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables.
FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml>
Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400>
XRouter | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers!
Dr. Bott | Now $199.99 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH120.html>
PowerBook Guy is | Click here!
Everything PowerBook! | http://www.powerbookguy.com
Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com>
After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][
MacResQ Reader Specials: 2.5GB Seagate SCSI: $119, 4GB IBM SCSI: $199,
Norton Util. 4.0: $29, Mac Parts, Systems & Repairs <http://www.macresq.com>
