Firewall/Router with old computer?

jumbojp · 02-19-02, 01:06 AM

What would be the cheapest and simplest way to use and old 486 66MHz computer as a router for a cable modem?

I would like to use it to route my cable connection to my main computer(upstairs) and my HTPC(downstairs) so I can transfer files between them, mainly MP3's.

It has Win98SE installed on it which runs slow but it works. I have Zone Alarm Pro I could use for the firewall.

What would be the easiest and most cost effective way to do this? What parts do I need?

Please be as thorough as possible cause I know next to nothing about networking!

Thanks

Dave99 · 02-19-02, 08:16 AM

Cheapest would be Linux, there is a distribution specifically for that purpose, I think it fits on a floppy. The simple solution would be find a good deal on whatever broadband router/switch that is on sale that week from SMC, linksys, dlink or netgear. That would be about 50 bucks probably.

Dave

Dave99 · 02-19-02, 12:35 PM

BTW, here is the link for a howto on the linux floppy firewall.
http://www.zdnet.com/products/storie...503199,00.html

Dave

jumbojp · 02-19-02, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the link, I haven't read it yet, but it looks to be just what I needed

mikehunt · 02-19-02, 03:49 PM

98se has Internet Connection Sharing
works great to share a cable modem

jumbojp · 02-19-02, 03:59 PM

Well I browsed through that link and it seems a bit involved

Since WIN98SE is already on the computer how can I use it for this?

I was hoping it would be as simple as installing some hardware and software and routing the cable modem through the computer, and split the signal out to my other computers!

Can it be that simple?

02-19-02, 01:06 AM	#1
jumbojp DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Dingleberry Posts: 1,662	Firewall/Router with old computer? What would be the cheapest and simplest way to use and old 486 66MHz computer as a router for a cable modem? I would like to use it to route my cable connection to my main computer(upstairs) and my HTPC(downstairs) so I can transfer files between them, mainly MP3's. It has Win98SE installed on it which runs slow but it works. I have Zone Alarm Pro I could use for the firewall. What would be the easiest and most cost effective way to do this? What parts do I need? Please be as thorough as possible cause I know next to nothing about networking! Thanks

02-19-02, 03:49 PM	#5
mikehunt DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Bartertown due to it having a better economy than where I really live, Buffalo NY Posts: 29,149	98se has Internet Connection Sharing works great to share a cable modem __________________ USS Ben Sisko's Mother F***ing Pimp Hand - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT2Xpfm7Iq8&feature=plcp Vote for freedom not political parties. .... MOΛΩN ΛABE If they had a philosophy. If they weren't too busy gnawing on your insides.

02-19-02, 08:16 AM	#2
Dave99 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: US Posts: 7,681	Cheapest would be Linux, there is a distribution specifically for that purpose, I think it fits on a floppy. The simple solution would be find a good deal on whatever broadband router/switch that is on sale that week from SMC, linksys, dlink or netgear. That would be about 50 bucks probably. Dave

02-19-02, 12:35 PM	#3
Dave99 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: US Posts: 7,681	BTW, here is the link for a howto on the linux floppy firewall. http://www.zdnet.com/products/storie...503199,00.html Dave

02-19-02, 03:04 PM	#4
jumbojp DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Dingleberry Posts: 1,662	Thanks for the link, I haven't read it yet, but it looks to be just what I needed

02-19-02, 03:59 PM	#6
jumbojp DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Dingleberry Posts: 1,662	Well I browsed through that link and it seems a bit involved Since WIN98SE is already on the computer how can I use it for this? I was hoping it would be as simple as installing some hardware and software and routing the cable modem through the computer, and split the signal out to my other computers! Can it be that simple?