A DSL Router

A DSL router connects your DSL modem to a network hub so your computers can share the Internet connection. The function that the router provides is to translate the internal IP addresses and combine the packets from those addresses into one stream to go to the Internet and properly route incoming packets back to the workstation that requested them.
Some routers also provide a firewall to prevent hacking of your internal network from someone out on the Internet.

The router itself shares only the Internet connection but you can easily share files or printers among the computers on the internal network just by enabling sharing.

Your network will look something like this:

--DSL---DSL router-----hub---- workstation1 |----- workstation2
|----- printer1
|----- printer2

Hope this helps!

paul

My beautiful diagram didn't work out right - workstation2, printer1 and printer2 should be lined up vertically under workstation1.

If you need a better diagram, let me know...

paul

Another tip to add to the previous answer: Many routers include a small hub with the router in the same box, so you can combine the two (router and hub). If you only have a few computers (3 or 4) to network together, this would work out well for you. The file sharing and printing (i.e., internal networking) is handled through the hub portion as a peer-to-peer network, while the external DSL connection is handled by the DSL modem/router. Good luck!

There are several types of DSL all of which can be used to set up a local network. The most Common DSL's in Home use is Adsl, Idsl & Sdsl or in common english..fast , faster and way fast! Adsl runs up to 128k up and about 56 down..Idsl runs up to 1.2 up and 1.2 down (ie, not async), Sdsl (*might as well be a T-line) is about 1.5 m. up and down..second fastest DSL made. Most DSL's Are routers, however there are some IDSL & Adsl's that are the stand alone units, if this is the case you will need to buy an additional router 50-300 dollars. However, if your service uses DHCP, you will also need to have a NAT (can use NT server to do this as well with some slick math). Note, if you get a Nat, you will NOT need a router..just DSL To NAT To Hub.Anyhow, hope this helps you, I already run the above setup with an IDSL router & Hub.. printer,scanner Burner, etc already on Net..this is what I found when I did my homework..> Good luck, Later- Al

Ammar,
I have found a router made by Linksys, Model #BEFSR41 that is a Hub/Router that omits the need for a Hub. I have a 4 port model i use at home with DSL. File/printer sharing not a problem. installation is done by logging on to their web site URL that is supplied,kinda hands off config. Go to http://linksys.com/ they can explain in great detail if you need more information.

Regards,
Ron

Just something else to think about...It sounds like you want a router so that you can share your internet connection among your networked PCs. If you are use 98SE or W2K, you can use ICS to get the same result without purchasing a router. I have 3PCs networked at home. They are all connected to the internet via ICS through my W2K server. I have had no problems with it.

Just a thought...
Greg