Why do I need a "Router"

[Cannibal Corpse]

OK, now that I have got your attention, let me tell you I know what a Router is. (in a very basic form)

Since I am NOT going to install a second NIC in my primary PC (that one that is currently is connected to my ISP via DSL Modem), I want to get a Router, so I can have my secondary PC, and finally my Xbox (using the Live Kit) all connected to DSL line.

I am using RasPPPoE for connection to my ISP.

http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~normanb/

Questions:

1 – What is the best Router out there? (for the type of thing that I need, I don’t need super feature packed one)

2 – Can I connect my TWO PCs and Xbox and do not create a Firewall? (since whenever I enable any form of ICS, it automatically creates a firewall – I don’t need it, because my VoIP Blaster (a telephony device that allows me to talk to my friends overseas, reports that I am behind a firewall)

thanks!

 

[Zedric]

1. Don't think there is one. I'd go for Linksys, Netgear or D-Link. Netgear and D-Link have a very cheap router each*:
Netgear RP614: http://www.netgear.com/products/prod_details.asp?prodID=131&view=hm
D-Link 604: http://www.dlink.com/products/broadband/di604/

2. Yes. Most cheap routers don't have a real firewall anyway. They just call it "NAT firewall" since the NAT itself gives some extra security.


*Don't know prices on Linksys since I can't buy them here...

 

[koko]

i highly recommend one of these. i've been using it for over a year...non-stop...and it has performed flawlessly.

but, i think that netgear makes great routers too.

 

[madmax1345]

I too have been using the Linksys router for over a year and now the Linksys wireless router with no problems at all. Even one time used the wireless router just as the wireless access point behind the wired router.

 

[keylo]

The BEST router ?? well, if you want the best, i would go with cisco, and then maybe a DELL router, which they are not too bad, i had the chance to take a look at a few... but if you want the best router for the best price, well... i would lean towards the linksys models. Only downfall is that over a long period of time, the linksys router will get pretty warm, and may just stop working. You will have to shut it down and let it rest for a while before firing it back up. This is after a long time use, without shutting it down. There is not a fan on this router.

Linksys does support RAS, SingTel users

I think its buy.com that has a good deal on a linksys 4 port router atm

 

[Ewok]

"Why do I need a "Router""

thats an easy one, if you have to ask that question then....you dont.