Router or modem or??

[steve-rsa]

I am running a small office network (6 pc's) with one connected to the internet via ISDN. No ICS. Software firewall.

I have ordered ADSL512@Work.

I still plan on connecting only 1 PC to the internet-I guess it is better to get a router with firewall etc than a modem? Looking at the Billion 5??? (ADSL2/2+) compatible one when it comes out.

I may want to allow one other machine Internet acess BUT not with ICS or all my large format printers (which are on Win98 machines - don't ask) disappear. Is there another way i.e. Internet ->router ->Machine 1 -> ("NOT ICS" software) -> internal network -> machine 2?

 

[bwana]

The router will take the place of any ICS software and gives you more flexibility than the USB modem.

I havent had any experiences with the Billion 5 but have heard good things about them.

 

[BILLION Tech]

Steve-rsa

A possible solution to your question will be to get a ADSL modem/router that you can switch between Bridge and Route. The 5102S does support this.

With Bridge mode you create dial-up connections on each PC you want to have access to the Internet seperately - NOTE: WinXP or Linux works best for this.
Depending on your ISP you can connect between 2 and 4 users simultaneously on one ISP account.

When you have decided to give everyone access you can change the modem/router to Routing mode and enter your ISP detail on the modem/router self to establish the connection.

Alternatively (depending on how IT knwoledgeable your employees are) you can keep the modem/router on routed mode from the start and just point every PC's (that you don't want to have access) gateway to some strange IP address.
This is just a quick fix solution.

As a 3rd alternative you can go for a more advanced modem/router with a MAC filter on the LAN. The BILLION 7402 support this.

Hope it helps!

 

[Kale]

I just noticed that the Billion 5102S is already available on Jump.co.za for R489! If I recall correctly, this is slightly cheaper than the previous 5100S?