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Thanks again to all who replied to my previous post. As you may be begining to notice were in the process of switching to broadband connections. Its all new to me!Heres the situation:
Systems connected by a central hub.
Each independent from the network.
Can we connect the cable modem direct to the hub to share that way, or does it have to run througth a system?
It depends on what configuration you're using, what modem you're using and how many IP addresses you get from your ISP. If your modem has a DHCP server build it, and you get enough IP adresses from the ISP then you can simply plug in the modem in the hub. If not, then you should probably use a little router (Linksys, or another brand) that will take the IP address assigned by the cable modem and multiplex it (using NAT). You can also use another computer running ICS (or NT Server) and doit that way, but a router is cheaper and more reliable.
Being that you're in a coporate setting, I would use a firewall/ internet sharing device. DO NOT JUST BLINDLY CONNECT OPEN SYSTEMS TO THE NET!!! That's just asking for trouble. Use almost any hardware firewall solution, or MS proxy, or Linux. :D
both very good suggestions mentioned above. i use the linksys befsr41 cable dsl router. it is a breeze to set up and you should get adequate protection from outside hackers.
cost ill range between 120 140 dollars us
there areother ways that may be cheaper but this is by far the most hassle free way to go about a cable internet network
CMT
If this is for a small business, I would recommend the new Netgear Firewall Router (FR314). It's a bit more expensive than the Gateway Router, but offers better control over content and better DoS protection. I think it was $279 at Fry's.
Thanks for your help. Im going to get in touch with our provider and see what they say. Then I will see how much money I have to spend! :p
The NetGear RT314 is not quite as good as the FR314 but it does have built in DHCP, a simple firewall, spoofs the MAC address of your original NIC for the Cable modem (if your ISP uses that, and has a built in 4 port 10/100 HUB. Under $100.00.