Can you use a router to connect computers and have one of the computers with the internet connection instead of an ethernet modem? I know you you can use a router with an ethernet model but I have a USB one at the minute on the one downstairs and currently have my computer networked to that one (crossover) and use the net while the one downstairs is on. Can I use a router to connect my computer and the one downstairs (router is for future laptops) and use the net as long as the one downstairs is on and connected? Hopefully I can get an ethernet modem soon or try and get a router/modem in one... Thanks Matt
The best way to do this is with IPCop, if your USB modem is supported. In that case IPCop would act as your firewalled NAT router.
Yeah I have thought about this but I don't want to leave a computer on all the time, and I don't have the right computer for this, I will hopefully be getting a router soon, if not then I will get a modem, router/'firewall' in one, but if not then would it be possible to use the downstairs computer with the USB modem and connect it to the router and then have my computer (and laptops in future) connected?
Not really, no. It would cause routing problems with your Windows systems; they wouldn't be able to visit certain sites or use certain services. Besides, it'd be complicated and troubleprone. My strong advice is to make the setup as simple as possible -- setup one always-on PC or hardware router to act as a firewalled gateway to your network, and connect everything else through that.
Okay cool, I'll look for a Modem/Router (wired and wireless if possible then) combination to keep things simple, thanks for the help AT!
