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Thread ID: 36034 2003-07-29 05:50:00 ADSL Modem versus Router parry (27) Press F1
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163622 2003-07-29 05:50:00 Could someone please explain the difference between a ADSL Modem and an ADSL Router. My understanding is that a modem is just for that PC while a router enables several PC's to be hooked up to it and share the internet connection.

If Im thinking of setting up a wireless network in a few months between a desktop PC and a laptop, then cant I just get the ADSL modem attached to the desktop and share the Internet that way or will I need to get a router as well?

I dont think I need a router but just wanted to check.
parry (27)
163623 2003-07-29 06:16:00 A router connects two Networks.

The Internet (Network 1)
Your LAN (Network 2)

If you have the modem as part of your PC, then you will need to use ICS within Windows in order to share the connection, and try to manage the security issues. Without correctly configured firewalls your system will be wide open to the Net. You will also always need that PC on before any have web access.

If you use an ADSL modem/router with Network Address Translation (NAT) then it will manage the interface between the networks. The router just plugs into the ethernet LAN as will your Wireless Access Point. The router may or may not have a built in hub or switch (mine hasn't) and I use an external 8 port hub.

The router is the best way to go.
godfather (25)
163624 2003-07-29 06:39:00 Or why not buy an ADSL router with Wireless Access Point built in like Dynalink RTA300W

www.dynalink.co.nz
CYaBro (73)
163625 2003-07-29 07:53:00 Thank you both very much. So if I got a router then I would still need firewall security on both machines - correct? parry (27)
163626 2003-07-29 08:06:00 You would only need firewalls if you wanted to monitor outgoing traffic.

I do not run any firewalls on the machines on this network, they are a pain to set up. Any incoming traffic stops dead at my router, they simply cannot see the PCs behind it.

Periodically I will enable a firewall to make sure nothing untoward is going on in an outward direction, and nothing ever is.
godfather (25)
163627 2003-07-29 21:02:00 Further to GF comments about not needing firewall I experienced this.
I previously had Nokia Ni500 adsl modem. Worked ok and with Zonealarm (free version) I tested it at www.grc.com and "probe ports" came up as closed.
I have recently purchased a 2nd hand Alcatel speedtouch pro router and the same test without Zonealarm comes up as stealth.

anyone want to buy a Nokia Ni500?

sam m
sam m (517)
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