Re: Networking Question

[ABrady <kcsmart kc rr com>]

On Sun, 11 Nov 2001 09:56:55 -0500
"Darkoth ." <mud_dev hotmail com> wrote:

> Hey all,
> 
> I'm new to the home networking scene and wanted to
> make sure I have all the info before I delve into
> this new project of mine. Here is what I'm thinking
> about doing. (let me know if I'm posting in the
> wrong list).
> 
> I want to set up a home network consisting of
> two PC's. One running RH 7.2 and the other running
> Windoze ME. I have @home cable modem service I want
> to share between the two.
> 
> My first question is this: Would a setup like this
> diagram be feasable and how would security be?
> 
>                     CABLE MODEM
>                          |
>                     HUB or SWITCH
>                       |        |
>                    WME Box    RH 7.2 Box

Even better if you have the resources:

			CABLEMODEM
				    |
		LINUX ROUTER/FIREWALL
				     |
			     S W I T C H
			       | 	|
			DOZE	   LINUX

If you don't have the extra PC, your way will work. I'd just get a
really good firewall for the Doze box. And make sure you have the one on
linux set up really well, too. An alternative would be to replace the
router/firewall box with one of the hardware router/firewall things,
like Linksys makes. That would eliminate the need to maintain 2 separate
firewalls, just like the drawing I made. But if it's needed on the
cheap, it's understandable why your way might be needed.

> Obviously I'm not even sure where to start when
> it comes to networking my two PC's. Can anyone
> suggest what I need to buy? Should I just go
> out and get a HUB or would a switch work better?
> I already have a network card in each PC I want
> to network...

If done your way, use a switch. They're faster. If done by my drawing, a
PC with 2 NICs in it, one connected to the cable, one connected to a
switch on which the linux and Doze boxen are on a network of their own.
And obviously there's still need of a switch. If done in the similar
fashion, but with a hardware router, you can eliminate the 2 extra NICs
and the switch, and the extra PC as well.

> I basically want to know what I need to buy. I
> understand setting up samba, as I've read the
> howto on that. It's just the getting them connected
> and sharing the cable modem and diagram I'm confused
> about :). Thanks!

You wouldn't need samba under your drawing. It would be hard to get it
working. Under my first drawing, samba from Doze to router would be best
(not necessary, though), and could be extended to make the other linux
machine and the Doze box talk to each other as well. Under the modified
version using a hardware router, samba isn't needed. I'm not sure
because I haven't used one of these things, but I would think it would
be hard to get samba working properly between the two machines without
using additional NICs. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm totally
clueless on that point.

Hubs are OK for internal lines that don't need really high speeds.
Switches are better for circumstances where several machines may be used
at once. It also helps when sharing internet links, even for only a
couple of machines (as I found out when I went to cable). If you only
use 10 NICs, hubs will do. If you have 10/100s, use a switch. If you
want to save yourself from headaches trying to maintain 2 different
firewalls all by yourself, use a router. If you want to connect
everything and share files and export NFS volumes and so forth, use a
linux box for the router. If you only need to share internet and have no
intention of sharing anything else (except possibly the printer), you
can use one of the hardware routers available.

-- 
If only closed minds came with closed mouths.