Router for W98SE and ADSL

Use Dlink or similar router with built in firewall.
Prices are under $50 after rebate for a 4 port model.

I would also use Zonelab free firewall on all PC's in addition.

More info see :

See          http://www.practicallynetworked.com/
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/ics.htm
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/specialapps.htm 
Need to map the port, as you are using ICS (network address translation)
  http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/icsconfig_maps.htm
  port list

I hope this helps !

  http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/app_port_list.htm
http://www.sohointer.net/howto/
http://www.sohointer.net/top/kwe-faq.htm
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/peer.htm
http://www.dslreports.com/information/rated/PPPoE
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/using/homenetworking/articles/default.asp
 www.speedguide.net
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html Firewall and security for home and offices
Test firewall ports  and port blocking http://grc.com/
http://www.nipc.gov/warnings/computertips.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/columns/security/aus1001.asp
Protect DSL or boradband connection. ICF, ICS firewall security
Home PC Firewall Guide - http://www.firewallguide.com 

Hi Asta,

Best I've found is Winroute Pro/Lite at http://www.kerio.com It handles DHCP Internet connections, port forwarding (including IPSec and PPTP) and has proper rules, DNS cache, HTTP/FTP proxy, DHCP and remote GUI configuration.

From the makers of Tiny Personal Firewall.

As stated above, D-link makes a good one (I use one, the DI 704P, 4 port 10/100 switch and router combo), also Linksys makes a good one, both under $100 US

if you use vpn or file sharing clients, I would recommend you take a close look at the port forewarding features of the router.  Especially if the router can foreward ranges of ports.

I don't know if this is even possible because I'm not that familiar with the features of routers.  But, I would also look into being able to possibly foreward the same ports to more than one computer.

I forgot to say the Linksys has a hardware firewall built in and I have tested it out and it works well. :>)

My 2 cents:
I am new to the world of routers but I just bought a Gnet (GVC) 7 port 10/100 Mbps model IP0008 and it seems to have everything the others have listed above (firewall, DHCP server, virtual server, port configuration,) plus DMZ zone which removes firewall for specified ip, print server and different group or ip ranges that you can restrict or allow different port access.  It was kinda pricy at $250 Canadian but I only use one small computer seller that might charge me a few bucks more but has let me work in his shop and taught me enough that I can make a living at computer consulting.

Specs: http://www.gvc.ca/products/discontinued/ip0008.html

I think the 4 port is about 150 Canadian.
Specs: http://www.gvc.ca/products/broadband/internetgateway/bintgateway-specs.html

I will suggest that you skip on the software solution if you can spend a little money on the hardware.

Also, I was using a great quantity of Linksys 1 port, 4 port, and 8 port devices. I had about a 33% failure rate of the Linksys cable routers.

The SMC Barricade is the same as what 3Com was selling as a # 3C510. This is a very good device, and has the added feature of having a print server built into it, and a dial-up modem port as a backup for your cable connection. It also has 4 10/100 switched ports. You can find the 3Com 3C510 on ebay these days since 3Com was having them made by SMC and 3Com no longer sells it.  The firmware of the SMC device will work in the 3Com and visa-versa.  3Com has a newer firmware version on their web site, and it is advised that you update the firmware of any hardware cable router/firewall.

The other features of the 3Com/SMC router are comparible with all the rest. Built-in DHCP server, NAT, DNS, Hacker pattern inspection and blocking (I don't think the DLink has this, nor the Linksys), Also VPN passthrough support, IPSEC, PPTP, and much more.

The built-in print server is nice because you don't have to leave other computers on to share the printer. This is an impressive list of features.

Also, I have not had one of these fail yet.

Last bit of advice: Find the models that interest you and go to google.com, click on Groups, and do a search of the news groups on the model you want. Try using key words like Help, Problem, Love, Hate and see aht turns up in connection with the product model number.

Good luck.. Joe

PS  I use the wireless Linksys, knock on wood, it's been going OK.  I have two PC's that use wireless USB adapters, and the hub has firwall features, and a print server. Becauseit's wireless, you can put it where your broadband connection comes into the house and not worry about running cables everywhere. If you already ran cables, adding this hub would allow you to put a wireless NIC in a lap-top or PocketPC PDA and use it in the yard, or by the pool and surf the net.

Good info Joe, I am also running the wireless that I hooked up to my 4 port Linksys and not having any problems except tin foil backing on my insulation, but an external antenna will fix that (signal sometimes gets screwy because of the tin foil). :>)

WOWIE!  Thanks everyone, so much great feedback.  I'm going to ask for a Moderator to help me out here so I can split points.  Linksys was the one many have recommended as well.  

Hi, Dave, long time no see.  I've been busy as a beaver doing other things.

There are only 2 systems I need to deal with for this installation, and hubby already drilled a hole and fed the cable so all I need now is the Router.  ROFL.

Re. existing software, have McAfee Personal Firewall Pro, and about to add their new Internet Security Package.

The wireless Linsys sounds particularly inviting, though that leaves a hole in the floor/ceiling and a hubby about to pop me in the head (kidding of course).

Thank you soooooo much.

Would it be OK with everyone if I split points here, since I won't have time to actually evaluate and implement anything for another two weeks and I sure don't want you to wait that long.

Back soon,
":0) Asta

P.S.  no VPN

Listening,
Here to accomplish a split if requested.

Computer101
E-E Moderator

Dave, I love my wireless network too.  I have been doing wireless ISP work for the past 8 months. I have been using all Lucent/Orinoco/Avaya equipment. All of this is Lucent made.  Starting next month I am moving over to Breezecom FHSS, no more DSSS for me.

Thank you so much, Computer101.  You're always there when we need you.  Please reduce this question to 100 points, and I can then post points I have left for others.  

":0) Asta

Doh, what's DSSS?

Points reduced to 100 as requested.

Computer101
E-E Moderator

Sounds cool Joe!
Asta! no points for me, as I said I just elaborated on what had already been identified to you!  Dave

Oops, sorry Dave too late.  That was exactly what I was hoping to see, and I thank you and everyone here.
Points for stevenlewis ** https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?qid=20295656
Points for bartsmith ** https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?qid=20295655
Points for SysExpert ** https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?qid=20295654
Points for jpanderson ** https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?qid=20295658
Points for joe_massimino ** https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?qid=20295659
Points for Crash2100 ** https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?qid=20295661
Point for Computer101 ** https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?qid=20295662

Sure hope I didn't forget anyone.

Thanks again,
":0) Asta

None for me either Asta! Just glad to help out
Steve

Just give them all to me.  Oops, I can do that on my own, LOL.

Question for Computer101 DELETED


C101

Asta, thank you for the offer, but we as mods cannot accept point questions.  E-E deducts this from our salary with a penalty.

C101

Payback will come! hehehe

FHSS compared to WLAN DSSS
http://www.palowireless.com/infotooth/knowbase/othernetworks/57.asp

Dying laughing over here, thanks guys, I needed that.

C101, you're sooooooo funny.  Well, I tried to say thanks but see you did, in fact, delete that little puppy.  

Payback, huh, Dave?  LOL.  Thanks for educating me, I'll check that link out soon and get some "learning" done, the brain has been on ice for a bit.

Please, Steve, do take the points.  Everyone, I really appreciate the time you took to help me.

I know you're not point mongers, etc. and you've always been there to help me when I need it.  It's not like the points will buy you a new house or car, but please do comment in your questions, it'll make me feel SO good.

Happy rest of the day.

":0) Asta

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DSSS.html

Thanks, Joe.  Please comment in your question link above so I can finish the points for you.  I'll be logging off soon and would love to get these awarded before I do.
":0) Asta

Thanks, Joe.  Please claim your points here:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qShow.jsp?ta=win98&qid=20295659

Joe's question is still open, points not claimed today.  Are you still here, joe_massimino?
Asta