>>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.) While we are on the subject, I use MacSense serial modem routers. Do be aware there is a huge difference in router technology and feature sets. NAT is absolutely vital, along with extensive capabilities for configuring filters and such. My routers are now only used for LAN web surfing -- they are NOT suitable for Intranet or Internet servers or specialty products which query the ports they cannot be custom-configured for, so CAUTION. For eight months, I have been begging them to rewrite their firmware to make these boxes more useful to me -- but they have not been able to. The firmware and boxes are made in SE Asia, and MacSense appears to be an import/export business, not the manufacturing. They are very pleasant people, but their product is NOT suitable for serving purposes. MacSense also makes a DSL router -- based on my conversations with them, this box would also fail to be a good router for webserving. Hell, you can't even play Starcraft BattleNet with it. If all you need for your office or clients is mail, ftp or http access to the web, then they are mostly fine. paul ---- Paul Vail [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- http://www.afterhoursconsulting.org/ After Hours Consulting: Macintosh Service, Support & Web Hosting ---- ---------- 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>
