Newbie Cable Modem Home Network Question

I have three computers on my cable system, and all can access at the same time. The laptop accesses through a wireless router/switch, and the two desktops are ethernet wired. Why would you need firewire?

Setup is VERY simple, just follow the instructions on the router you buy.

Start with a wireless broadband router. You hook the modem up to that. From that, you can hook up several wired computers (typically 4 for most consumer level routers), and several wireless computers.

Unless you move a computer/laptop around alot, or running wires is very difficult, I would avoid wireless where possible (this will save money, too). It's a big security hole. If you do want to use it, make certain both the router and the computer(s) have the latest firmware/software, and the latest encryption standards. Also, make certain to turn ON encryption and security on the router. I would strongly suggest getting a router where you can limit access to certain MAC addresses (each network card has a unique MAC address, which is different than an IP address.) This way, only YOUR equipment can access it. Also don't forget to rename the router's wireless name to something unique, but not directly traceable to you (like your name.) As it is, if you are in an urban area, you can probably already pick up several wireless connections from your neighbors!! Often, they are wide open and ANYBODY can connect.

You don't need Firewire for networking as both of your computer have ethernet. Just plug in the cable and you are basically set. XP is pretty smart and should connect up fine. I'm not as sure about the Mac. Most routers come with good instructions. You can usually download .PDF's of their manuals if you want to preview them before buying one.

You are correct - but in addition - you all can access the internet at the same time. Also - I think you mean firewall software - not firewire. The NAT router provides a good level of protection, but that is really for inbound. If you want to control outbound - then a personal firewall is a good idea as well.

Check out the following:

Always best to use compatible hardware from the same manufacturer if possible, but as long as they're all G or B or whatever, you should be ok.

Your cable company should probably do the hookup to the cable modem, then you can add the router in after they leave. You could wire one and go wirelss on the other as another option since most wireless routers also have a 4-port switch. You'll want to split the cable on entrance to the house and run the one tap to the cable modem and the other to any TVs with possibly another splitter of using a 1-4 or 1-8 on entrance instead of a 1-2. You don't want any TVs on the cable leg if at all possible.

Splitter ------- Computer Wired ------------------ Cable Modem ------ Router < ~~~~~~~ Computer Wireless

----------| ------------------ TV or splitter and more TVs | ------------------ TV ^ | House Entrance

There's not much to the hookup as you can see above - basically just a good quality splitter and a router with cable.

Oops. I meant to write "firewall." My PC is not near a cable outlet. Would it be worth it to pay to have a cable outlet added?

Also, is there a difference between the wireless router I would connect to the cable modem and the wireless router/switch I would connect to the laptop? Are these different products, or the same product used differently? Could you provide an example model of each (if they are different), so I can look it up and better understand the difference?

Thanks again!

Ken

Thanks. These links were helpful. At linksys, they have an especially good link to a slide show tutorial about how to configure a home network. That's at:

- Ken