Setting up Verizon DSL network?

I am trying to set up a Verizon DSL network. My host machine has WIN98 First Edition and is connected to a hub, which in turn is hooked to a Westell Wirespeed DSL modem. I connect to the Net using the standard Verizon dialer.

I've been successful in getting the other machine on the network to "see" my machine's shared folders, but I've been unsuccessful in getting it to share the Internet connection. It doesn't help that WIN98 1st ed. doesn't have Internet Connection Sharing. What's a good no frills, easy-to-configure alternative?

Sorry if this is a common question. I did a search for "Verizon DSL" and came up with zip.

[This message has been edited by NoAssemblyReqd (edited 01-05-2002).]

[This message has been edited by NoAssemblyReqd (edited 01-05-2002).]

the best thing to do would be to replace your hub with a router that will make internet connection sharing the absolute easiest way possible. I suggest the linksys brand. I use the linksys befsr41 4 port router...but since you have the hub you could save a few bucks by getting a one port router and connecting it in between the dsl modem and the hub

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Does the configuration you describe take into account the fact that I must connect manually using the Verizon dialer? Will the other machine(s) on the network only be able to use the Internet if my machine (the host) is dialed in?

It actually isn't a big deal if my machine must be dialed in -- I just want to make sure I'm understanding this setup.

didnt realize you had to dial in to use the verizon dsl but yes the router would still work in that fashion....if the host machine was connected to the net the other machines would have instant access if it was not dialed in then you could set the client machines to make the host machine dial in so they could receive connection

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This is sort of related to my original question...

My Verizon service uses WinPoEt to dial in. What exactly is this? I thought that DSL was an "always on" service, and didn't require dialing in.

I'm not all together clear how you were set up, but from the sounds of it your connection sharing problem was ultimately do to the fact that your ISP only provides for one connection at a time (unless you pay them for more). With the hub, unless you use some sort of proxy software (Windows ICS, WinProxy, etc) on one of the computers you won't be able to have both systems accessing the internet at the same time. With a router, like Sarrkazztic mentioned, the proxy capability is built in (to the router), thus your connection can be shared (your ISP sees things as if there's only one connection).

As for WinPOET...

ISPs have tended to like to authenticate access and monitor/measure user traffic. With straight dial-up that is possible because of an extension to the TCP/IP protocol used called Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). PPP's main function is to enable TPC/IP transmissions over serial communication lines, but it also provides the above functions.

Now DSL is an ethernet connection, so PPP functionality isn't needed to communicate from the PC to the ISP. However, ISPs may still want the authentication/monitoring capabilities. Unfortunately standard PPP cannot operate over ethernet connections. So
an adaptation was come up with called PPPoE, Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet. With PPPoE the user goes through the same "logon" process as they did in the regular dialup days. However some sort of software is required to to handle the PPPoe transactions (like DUN and ISP dialers for regular PPP). WinPOET is one such piece of software ISPs often provide/use. When PPPoE is used the connection is not "always on".

Generally only DSL providers use PPPoE. But cable providers could as well (and may).

Most routers today, like the Linksys suggested by Sarrkazztic, have built-in capability to handle/do PPPoE. So if you do go the router route then you won't need your WinPOET (client) software anymore (you'll configure the router with the necessary info).

And if you do go the router route then don't get locked in to thinking only a Linksys brand will do the job. There are several brands available (D-Link, SMC, Netgear to name a few) that will also do the job. Find the models that have the features you want then look for the brand with the best price.

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[This message has been edited by DrMDJ (edited 01-07-2002).]

I've decided to go with a router. I'll post back the results.

Thanks, guys, for your help!