WOuld This Work?

Cal_G · 28 Sep 2006 at 16:48

Currently have 3 network cards in my PC, 1 = Cable Modem, 2= Xbox, 3 = Tv box with ethernet that can directly record to CIFS/Samba shares. All work fine, with a network bridge enabled on NIC's 2+3 and ICS enabled, Xbox can go online e.t.c no problems.

What I am now wanting to do is add a LAN server external HDD enclosue that supports / FTP / Samba / Configurable IP address / DHCP client/server.

I hope to be able to get this on the network so it is connected to the xbox so I can stream films / music e.t.c off it, connected to the PC for storage and connected to the tele box so I can record onto it, I need it to work for the xbox and tele box without the PC being switched on.

Would a 4 port router work for this? Would I still be able to use the xbox online and have it work as stated above, independant from the PC for recording to and streaming from?

Any help much appreciated

Thank You

shine · 28 Sep 2006 at 16:53

A switch should sort you out, have a look for options here. Reading over your post I can't see if you have a hardware firewall. If you haven't you may wish to get a all in one router/switch/firewall now. It will do everything you want and offer extra security.

Cal_G · 28 Sep 2006 at 17:21

Thanks mate, didn't think I could use a switch because I need the PC and the xbox to both be able to access the internet, how would I go about setting IP's for the devices? currently the network bridge is at 192.168.0.1, xbox is at 192.168.0.2 and tele box at 192.168.0.3, all using 192.168.0.1 as the gateway, works perfectly like this, no idea how a router would work?

Can you offer any advice as to which router you would recommend?

I also don't have a hardware firewall, just using the one built into XP SP2

Many Thanks

shine · 28 Sep 2006 at 18:01

In that case get the Linksys WRT54G-UK

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Cable_Routers.html

It's a router/firewall/switch and dhcp all in one. Its simple to setup and as a bonus it will also do wireless should you choose to go down that route in the future.

Cal_G · 28 Sep 2006 at 18:24

Thanks, what is the difference between that one and the WRT54GL?

The plan now is to have the modem to the router, xbox wired, tele box wired, NAS drive wired and probably a second PC using the wireless. Will i be able to use the second PC and xbox internet wise without the main PC being switched on? Can you see any problem recording to the NAS drive without the PC being on if everything has it's own IP address configured correctly.

It says it has 4 ports, is one of these used to connect the router to the main PC leaving 3 for other devices?

Sorry for all the questions, pretty in depth project for me and want to get it right first time

Thanks

shine · 28 Sep 2006 at 18:31

Cal_G said:
Thanks, what is the difference between that one and the WRT54GL?

In terms of functionaility none, they're identical. The GL model has linux installed so you can download 3rd party firmware to add extra functionaility. If that sounds like something you would do then there is no reason not to buy the GL.

Cal_G said:
The plan now is to have the modem to the router, xbox wired, tele box wired, NAS drive wired and probably a second PC using the wireless. Will i be able to use the second PC and xbox internet wise without the main PC being switched on? Can you see any problem recording to the NAS drive without the PC being on if everything has it's own IP address configured correctly.

No, that should all work fine.

Cal_G said:
It says it has 4 ports, is one of these used to connect the router to the main PC leaving 3 for other devices?

4 ports are for use on the LAN (Local Area Network) side i.e. your PC/Xbox etc. The WAN (Wide Area Network) port is where your cable modem will connect to.

Cal_G · 28 Sep 2006 at 18:37

Thanks very much for the help

Guess I will have to swap between the xbox and 360 as all the ports will be used. Last question if you don't mind, can you recommend a cheapish wireless NIC, the router will be in 1 room and the room next to it will have the second PC connecting via wireless, total distance about 4 metres apart with 1 wall in between :rolleyes:

Cheers

shine · 28 Sep 2006 at 18:42

You can get wireless adaptors for the XBOX/360 too should you wish.

As for the PC you've got the option of either WUSB54GS (USB) or WMP54G (PCI). Both will do the job, the PCI option is cheaper but the USB is more flexible as you can use it with other PC's and don't have to open them to install. Also the USB is more expensive. Have a look at both here

Cal_G · 28 Sep 2006 at 18:48

Refuse to pay the silly money they want for the 360 wireless, especially since the 360 will be inches away from the router

would get a good signal level though!

Think I will go the PCI route, no stranger to building PC's and the second machine is only USB 1.1 so file transfers will be horrible.

It's all making a lot of sense now, thanks again for your help

shine · 28 Sep 2006 at 20:37

No problem, glad I could help

Cal_G · 30 Sep 2006 at 21:10

Forgot to ask, only ever used crossover cables, sure they dont work with a router, am I looking for a few of these?

Belkin Cat5e Network Patch Cable 5m - Grey (CB-003-BE)

Available here http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Network_Cables.html

tolien · 30 Sep 2006 at 21:19

Cal_G said:
sure they dont work with a router

In the majority of cases, they will work fine.

Avalon · 1 Oct 2006 at 21:21

Most modern routers have auto sensing ports that will detect the xover and change the port output accordingly but check the spec sheet to be sure.

Cal_G · 10 Oct 2006 at 00:19

Got the router and after a few problems (check the post of the admin page being in French!) it's now all working perfectly, thanks for all the advice