[EnVoy]

My friend is just got a second computer and needs to get it connected to the net. So he now has one PC (WinXP) and one iMac (10.3.9) He has SBC Yahoo DSL, and one of their DSL modems. I am trying to get him to NOT install the SBC crap software this time (as he did on the Mac) and set it up the right way. I dont use DSL so I want to make sure this setup will work good. Here is what I am suggesting:

Get a Linksys BEFSX41
Not install / remove the Roadrunner software from the machines
Use the BEFSX41 to do the PPoE
Plug the DSL cable from the wall straight to the BEFSX41, not use SBC's modem

Will this work good with his provider being SBC Yahoo?
Will he have any problems with his provider (I think their "Home Networking" software is quite invasive")?

[asxless]

Originally Posted by EnVoy

...I am trying to get him to NOT install the SBC crap software this time (as he did on the Mac) and set it up the right way. I dont use DSL so I want to make sure this setup will work good. Here is what I am suggesting:......

Your advice is good I wouldn't even consider installing the SBC Yahoo software or their "home networking".

I've been running a LinkSys 4 port router BEFSR41 as a hardware firewall with SBC Yahoo DSL for many years. I currently only have 4 Macs active but I've had as many as a half dozen Macs connected this way over the years -- It works fine.

Note the BEFSX41 does not act as a DSL MODEM. But even if it did, I recommend that you do NOT try to eliminate the SBC DSL modem. It makes dealing with SBC tech support much easier if you are using their modem. In my case the LinkSys is connected to the SBC provided DSL modem. And the rest of my LAN is connected to the LinkSYS, including an 8 port switch and a couple of AirPorts configured as bridges for seamless wireless thru-out the house.

Background: I have one of the few remaining SBC DHCP DSL accounts. Roughly once or twice a year their DHCp server hoses itself. By keeping the SBC modem I am able to plug one of my Macs directly into their modem (eliminating all of my LAN equipment) and demonstrate that is is not a "personal problem", so that they will actually bother to look a their side of the DSL modem.

-- asxless in iLand

[ghporter]

Seconded. I have SBC DSL, and have NEVER, EVER even thought I'd need their software. The primary puropse of the software is to get a single computer to establish a PPPoE connection through the modem. It also provides a customized browser (IE on the Windows side, I don't know what for Macs), and a bunch of other crap. These discs are great for keeping birds away from your tomato plants, much like AOL discs... That's about it.

My setup is an old (I mean OLD) Westell modem wired to a BEFSR41 4-port wired router. I have a number of computers wired to that, along with a WAP54G for wireless connections. EVERY computer, wired or wireless, works great and has full access to the DSL connection. At the same time, too!

[EnVoy]

Turns out my friend has a 2Wire 1000s gateway. It's a DSL modem, router, and firewall. So I assume he cant put another firewall/router after that, right?

[asxless]

Originally Posted by EnVoy

Turns out my friend has a 2Wire 1000s gateway. It's a DSL modem, router, and firewall. So I assume he cant put another firewall/router after that, right?

No. You CAN chain routers. it just usually isn't needed in a simple home application. And I'm not sure what you would gain in this case (assuming you have admin privs on the "2Wire 1000s gateway").

-- asxless in iLand

[ghporter]

The 2-Wire all-in-one is not a bad device-as long as the user got admin rights to it. Otherwise, it'll act like a modem and maybe log him into the DSL connection. Once you know how it's configured, we can either advise you on what to do next or stop sweating.

[EnVoy]

Well, he's a bit green when it comes to computers, and I dont have access to it. I'll do my best to find out if he has admin rights (he'll have no clue what that is).