new Linksys Router/Switch driver & features

[dchip]

My cable provider will only install 3COM and D-Link NICs which I see are at the top of your list. I will purchase one of the two in advance. Proably 3COM. Wonder if I can install the network card and just leave it dormant while waiting for cable modem installation day without messing anything up with my existing internet connection and overall computer function? Hope so.

[Dr Mordrid]

If it's MediaOne they should.

That's what I did with my Linksys EtherFast 100TX. I told them I already had a NIC installed and working and they could connect to it. They said "OK". Worked like a champ.

Dr. Mordrid

[dchip]

My service is with Cox. It seems if I want 3COM, the 3COM 905B-Tx from your list is the only choice unless I want ISA, which I don't. Is the 3COM 905B-Tx a PCI card? I'm going to put in a WEB order this evening for the NIC and single port Linksys.

[RBryant]

Hey Doc, can the DMZ mode of the LinkSys allow more than one machine to be outside the firewall? Everywhere I've looked says no... but I was wondering if you had tried it... We have two MAC addresses registered on our DSL account and we need to get back to both of them via VNC... Which brings up my next question: Does it do port forwarding so that I could ftp to different machines behind it? Thanks!

Garrett

[Dr Mordrid]

No more than ONE DMZ machine per router.

It does do not only port forwarding but it can also forward ranges of ports with the new beta firmware update.

The way they're adding features who knows what will be possible down the road? That's a big benefit of a router with upgradable firmware and a company that seems to like using it.

Dr. Mordrid

[dchip]

Hey Doc, quick question concerning NIC's. Looks like the prices vary tremendously. The cable company will put in a fully supported 3COM card by adding $30 to total installation charge. It is just a basic card. Can you list a few important advantages of having a NIC with more features. I see that the better 3COM's can go for well over $100. Would I be able to using things like PCAnywhere or other remote software with the more expensive cards? I'll pay the extra if the features translate into benefits. As always, Thanks!

[Dr Mordrid]

The more expensive cards add features like wake-on-lan support, bootrom sockets and the like. For 99% of us these things matter not. Perhaps the most important feature is full duplex, which most all of the 100mbps cards have.

The cards I use, the Linksys Etherfast 100Tx and SMC EZNET-10/100 Rev C, cost $15 and $8.75 USD respectively

Dr. Mordrid


[This message has been edited by Dr Mordrid (edited 07 August 2000).]

[dchip]

The card the cable provider will install for $30.00 probably cost them about $8.00 too. Over 200% profit on each card. I'll get a 10/100 ethernet card by the suggested manufacturer and have it in the computer when they get here. Not going to let them milk me. Wish I could be a bit more patient on this. I suspect when sales slow down a bit, they will be running some free-installation specials.