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Re: [OT] Purchasing a wired switch; advice needed



On 20/04/11 18:52, Ron Johnson wrote:
On 04/20/2011 06:08 AM, Klistvud wrote:
[snip]

What I had in mind is something like this:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6823201_use-switch-hub-instead-router.html .
Unfortunately, there are many posts on the Internet affirming that such
a configuration can't and won't work, because a switch can't give out
two IP's if your ISP just gives you one. So, in doubt, I turned to this
list for advice. I don't want to buy a switch (or the wrong switch) only
to discover that it won't work in that configuration.


As others have mentioned, this is the sticky wicket, and why you *do*
need a router. (Unless your broadband modem is also a router.)

An old PC running Smoothwall will give your a "router" with enough
horsepower to handle the situation you describe.

I run Smoothwall on an old Athlon (K6) system that I was given. I upgraded the memory to 128MB, which is fine for what I use it for. I have quite a few boxes (Linux and Windows) using it to access the internet with no problems at all.

The only issue I have is that the latest upgrade to Smoothwall Express (the free version) no longer supports this CPU. When I tried to update it I had to reinstall from the original CD, restore my settings and apply all updates apart from the latest one.

Other than that, Smoothwall is an excellent product.

--
Dom


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