Hi All,
I'm looking for a little guidance on sharing a DSL modem. I've been using mine by plugging it into my 10 BaseT hub and so far all three computers on my network can access the DSL okay, even simultaneously. Is there anything to be gained by using a DSL router instead? Am I taking a speed hit or exposing myself to potential hacking by using the hub? I've been getting great results from numerous download speed tests that I have run on all three computers. I guess I'm just curious because everything I've ever read or heard leads me to believe that the router is the only way to go for sharing DSL, yet here I am doing just fine without a router.
Can anyone fill me in on the issues involved or point me somewhere? For what it's worth, here are the machines that I'm using:
PowerMac 8100 w/G3 card running 8.6
imac 400 DV running 9.2.2
ibook 600 running 10.2.6
If you are accessing the DSL line simultaneously you are getting multiple IP addresses. Your ISP may sooner or later clamp down on this, either insist you pay or block access to more than one IP simultaneously.
A router does provide a great deal of protection from outside hacking as there is basically no way in unless you set up port mapping. And while Macs tend to be harder to hack than Windoze, even if they can't get in they may still be trying. Before I got DSL I had dial up with a router and port mapping. My server log showed intermittent hacking attempts from at least on of the Windoze supported worms. The router can block this, especially if it's firewall capability is up to snuff. If you have filesharing or websharing or any other services enabled on one of your machines, even if it's only for internal use it is accessable to the world.
If you are doing transfers between computers a router can speed it up. First depending on your ISP's specific configuration data transfers between machines may have to go through a router at your ISP, making two trips through your DSL line which will severely limit speed. Second most routers include a small 10/100 switch which would, in the case of the iMac and iBook, increase transfer speed between them to 100BaseT.
I would strongly recommend the router, especially as the cost is so low now. If you are only using the network to access the Internet it isn't so critical.
--
Clark Martin
Redwood City, CA, USA
Macintosh / Internet Consulting
"I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway"
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