Small LAN ?

Hi , next monday I will have to install a small LAn in an office and these are the hardware I have :
oneLinksys 4 ports router , oneDSL Modem , one 8 ports hub (10Mbps) and finally 8 computers all with windows ME installed.....so what are your suggestions on how shall set up my LAn ? for example shall I install WIN 2k on one PC and run it as a server ? what are the best solutions to have more bandwidth and faster internet access ( I have only one IP which is through a DSL connection that I want to share among all my 8 computers , I also have enough RJ45 cables )
THANX for any suggestions and advises....

1. RE: Small LAN ?
lbyard Jul-06-02 03:25 PM
In response to message 0

The router should allow sharing the connection with one IP ok. I would replace the 10 MHz hub with a 100 MHz switch. Do you have the correct cable to connect the hub to the router (http://duxcw.com/faq/network/uplink.htm)? …the router to the MODEM? Some network adapters would help. Whether you need a server or not depends on what you are going to do with the network. I would also suggest determining whether or not you need a domain controller (Windows 2000 Server, etc.) and doing some additional planning should be done before proceeding. You should think about the impact this will have on the people who use those PC’s and schedule accordingly. Monday is a bit short fused for doing all of that, wouldn't you say? Larry

2. RE: Small LAN ?
nxsecure Jul-06-02 10:12 PM
In response to message 1

but from which port do I have to link the router to the DSL Modem ? is it the WAN port ? and what are the necessary setting that I have to perform on the router ( internal external IPs) ? do I have to set up a DHCP server on one of the PCs ?
and How about if I decied to leave the router and use an 8 port switch , is it going to work even if the switch doesn't need any setting ? can I just hook up:
DSL Modem----> Switch------> PCs

3. RE: Small LAN ?
lbyard Jul-07-02 01:24 PM
In response to message 2

>is it the WAN port ?
Yes.
>what are the necessary setting that I have to perform on the router ( internal external IPs) ?
Usually none. Read the book.
>do I have to set up a DHCP server on one of the PCs ?
Usually no. The router has a DHCP server. Read the book.
>How about if I decied to leave the router and use an 8 port switch , is it going to work even if the switch doesn't need any setting ? can I just hook up:
DSL Modem----> Switch------> PCs
That won't work unless you obtain an IP from your ISP for each PC. Many ISPs charge by the month for additional IPs. The router shares one ISP-provided IP address with a NAT. See http://duxcw.com/faq/ics/waysshare.htm and http://duxcw.com/faq/ics/diffrout.htm for more info. Larry