DSL connection

Larry,
First of all let me say how much I enjoy browsing these forums, and congratulate you on a great site!!
I have a small home network of 2 PCs running Windows ME and intend to have DSL (It's called ADSL in my country - I am assuming it is the same?) installed, using a USB/nic modem.
I am considering using an old P120MHz pc which I no longer use as a gateway, connect the 2 PCs to it through a hub and use some Internet Connection software and firewall on the server/gateway. But somehow I am not convinced this is the best solution! Can you please advise me what are my options as regards internet sharing?
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Lawrence

1. RE: DSL connection
lbyard Mar-22-01 01:45 PM
In response to message 0

Lawrence, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber) is a form of DSL. ADSL and DSL are often used interchangeably…
By far, the best solution and one that costs about as much (or a little more) as hub and network adapter for that old computer is a router/switch such as the SMC Barricade (http://duxcw.com/digest/Reviews/Network/smc/smc7004br/smc7004br.htm). Use the old computer for a doorstop. Larry (my real name, not Lawrence)

2. RE: DSL connection
qajfat Mar-22-01 05:16 PM
In response to message 1

Thanks Larry for your prompt reply. After I posted my query I did some research and I tend to agree with what you reccommend! I have been to the smc page you pointed me to and I like the router very much.
I have one question though:
I live in Europe and I found that here the price of the router is about 4 times that in the US. I was hoping I could get it from the States but am afraid there would be some differences in design. The voltage would definitely be different - we use 240V - but would I have to consider anything else, you think?
I appreciate this may be outside your area, but once again any help you provide me with will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks & regards
Lawrence

3. RE: DSL connection
lbyard Mar-22-01 06:04 PM
In response to message 2

Lawrence, It’s really not outside of my area/experience. I lived in Germany for seven years. Check http://www.smc-europe.com/country/order.htm for sources in the UK. 136.23 pounds or about $190! My goodness, you Brits pay to the nose for things. I hope that wasn’t too offensive. I hear tell, you can get them here for about $85. Larry

4. RE: DSL connection
lbyard Mar-22-01 06:14 PM
In response to message 3

I just checked the AC adapter for the Barricade. It says Input 100-240 Volts, 1 Amp, 50-60 Hz; Output 5 Volts, 1 Amp. It has a cord that plugs into to the wall and also plugs into the adapter. It looks like one that would work with a PC. So, I think you will be in business if you can afford it. If it were the only router available and it cost that much here, I would still buy it. Larry

5. RE: DSL connection
qajfat Mar-22-01 06:34 PM
In response to message 3

Larry thanks once again for your help!
I am not offended at all - I am not from UK, I am from Malta. Besides we do have to pay through the nose for things here! And that price you mentioned has to be increased by 17.5% tax!!...so it makes it even more expensive than you thought.
Well, that's out of the way, back to my original question:
If I get it from the States will it work here! (You can say we have the same sytems as Germany)
Thanks again
Lawrence

6. RE: DSL connection
qajfat Mar-22-01 06:44 PM
In response to message 5

Hi Larry
It's me again, sorry I jumped the gun! Now I see your 2nd post and my answer Has been answered. If the power supply says 100-240V etc. the cord can be chnaged, so we are in business.
I guess I'll start looking for a dealer who will be prepared to ship outside USA.
Thanks for your patience and your great help.
Keep the good work up!!
Regards
Lawrence

7. RE: DSL connection
qajfat Apr-06-01 09:39 PM
In response to message 6

Hi Larry
I got my SMC Barricade router today. But the problem is I haven't got my ADSL connection yet.
Until I do can I use my dial-up connection using an internal modem on the router or do I still need to use ICS?
Thanks Larry for all your help!
Lawrence

8. RE: DSL connection
jaq1967 Apr-07-01 05:56 PM
In response to message 0

I had problems when I changed from old 56k to ADSL USB modem with the ICS from windows. There is no real solution except purchase a third party piece of software to route your pc's to the internet. After looking for sometime I found Vicomsoft's 'Internet Gateway'(Ł66.00) as the solution. BTW do not get SurfDoubler - it will not work, especially if you need ports to be open for gaming etc... (Inbound Mapping. It works, it has its own firewall. Its fine!
hope that helps