Forum Moderators: bakedjake
Thanks!
I was looking through a catalog at the netgear routers and they mentioned set up wizards, etc. for installing. I would think those would be some kind of software and that they would need to be linux compatible to work.
I didn't know they actually made linux anti virus software. Wasn't sure about firewall software. I still need to find out what's available with my distribution. One problem is though, I can't update anything on my system now because my dial up is too slow, so I need the cable connection to even be able to update or get new software for it.
It's not necessary, especially with cable broadband, it's much easier to setup dsl if you use a router though.
Since you can buy a router for less than most antivirus packages cost, it's probably a good idea. Setting them up is easy, it's just a web interface, you browse to your router in a browser, type in its IP address, then enter your username/password, that comes with the router usually as a default, do a few simple setup things, and you don't have to think about it again.
My next step will be to get back to the company that I got the computer from, preinstalled with linux, that suggested the router and see what they say.
The ones I'm looking at are around $40 dollars though, but cheaper would be nice.
Unfortunately, our phone lines aren't ready for dsl yet, so cable is my only choice.
Unfortunately, our phone lines aren't ready for dsl yet, so cable is my only choice
What! I'll take cable over DSL. I've had cable for about a year and can't remember it ever going down(and it's faster!).
I'm VERY new to Linux, but I'm pretty sure you can get your network set up without too many hassles. If I were you, I'd search the net for "connect <your distro here> cable internet modem" or something along those lines. You should find some examples that way.
I just called the catalog and was told that even the one that is not wireless still has software needed to install it and it is just windows compatible.
They all say that, and virtually none of them mean it.
If you're looking for recommendations, I've got a "Netgear RP614 v2", which works perfectly with Windows, Linux or anything. It came with a CD of Windows software, none of which is needed. I paid $40 Canadian after a rebate.
It's a basic router which can connect up to 4 machines, and has a simple web-based interface for setting up port-forwarding and such. It does DHCP, so setting up the internet connection is a breeze - you set it once on the router, then anything connected to it gets an IP address automatically and is automatically connected to the web.
I did a search, didn't help much, but I can check at the distributions official site too.
The Netgear RP614 is one I was looking at too. My catalog has it for about the same price.
On the other hand, the Netgear MR814 is apparently wired or wireless and is the same price or cheaper (with rebate). I don't have immediate plans to set up a wireless system, but if I can get a router that can handle both for the same price or cheaper that would make more sense to do.
I have more questions though. On the Netgear site - if I'm allowed to link to it: [netgear.com...] - is says it has NAT, SPI and VPN. Seems a little too good to be true - am I missing something? As far as security features in a wireless system, do I need more than this?
And what is really the difference between 802.11 and 108 Mbps routers? It seems the 108 Mbps are more expensive, in my catalog. Is it just because its faster and is a newer wireless protocol? Or do they have better security features?
Or maybe I now need to take this over to the wireless forum and ask there?
DSL connections require some configuration to setup dsl in the router, almost none for cable.
You don't need software to install a router, that's just something they say to keep tech support calls down. Just read the documentation and it tells you everything you need.
When you set up a cable modem -> router connection, there is no configuration necessary for linux, just plug it in and away you go, it's a lan connection. The router will also do your dhcp stuff, not important with one box, but with 2 or more it's useful.
Wireless is a headache, nothing works better than wires plugged into plugs. From what I've read linux wireless stuff may or may not work, depends, but can't say from personal experience. All in one units tend to not do either task well.
All in one units tend to not do either task well.
Really? I've now been considering the one that can be set up either wired or wireless.
All in one units, of any type, are never as good as component type units, they will work ok probably or maybe not, it's not a way I like spending my time, I just like stuff to work. My netgear is 4 years old, solid, metal, it will last until a circuit dies, who knows how long, I never touch it except to change settings or ports.
When I turn on my computer it's always connected, no interference, nothing, wires in general just work much better than wireless, phones, whatever, it's just the way it is.
For the most part you plug the router in, configure your (computers) networking to go via DHCP and hit 192.168...you will minimally need the ip address of the router and generally a username and password. You might also need, dependant upon whether your isp gives our addresses via DHCP or staticly, some internet connection settings.
Strictly speaking you do not need a router to run a single connection. If you are new to linux and have a static IP address (usually cable will be dynamic) then you might purchase one for the ease of DHCP.
If you are concerned about computer security and are uncomfortable with IP Tables (linux firewalling stuff but it is EXTREMELY user unfriendly compared to router firewall) functionality then a router might also be a good investment.
If you need functionalities such as VPN then it also might be an appropriate purchase.
In short, probably 99% of the routers you but today will work (network functionality wise) under linux and there are benifits to owning one, but running a single computer behind one does not necessarily provide any functionality that cant otherwise created.
If you get a wireless unit, go for the "G" model. It has a better range and can carry up to 54 mbps
I would tend to recommend B/G over G (many G's support this but read the small print on the box as some of the models will support G only).
I have found linux support for 802.11G based cards (and to a lesser extent 802.11 in general) is lacking. To my knowledge the only G cards that work run using a compatability layer and windows drivers - broadcom the company that makes the chipset for most G models has not released the specs necessary for a native driver (there may or may not be FCC regulation preventing them from doing so, its been awhile since I looked into it but it was the case for some time that the FCC did not want G spec released because the hardware can be made to disrupt other wireless communications).
Wireless support on linux is a different beast then a router or a wired ethernet card because it is definativly one of those areas where you want to check compatability before purchasing equipment, particularly with mini-pci (laptop) cards. To make everything only slightly more complex you also have to deal on occasion with the hardware issues for laptop mini-pci or pcmcia stuff (for instance many Dell Inspirons necessitate modifying pcmcia configuration file...probing on one of the "safe" pcmcia hardware address ranges will freze the machine because of buggy BIOS issues. The fix in this case is not difficult, but diagnosing the issue might be).
Thanks for all the advice!
