[golfking222]

My friends and I have LAN parties every few weeks (mainly CS:S), but we've been encountering some problems. We have it some what set up using 3 routers, 2 wired and 1 wireless. It goes something like Modem -> Router + PCs -> Router + PCs -> Router + PCs. This doesn't really work very well, and we're usually only able to get a few people into a LAN. The wireless people don't see the wired LAN game and some wired people don't see it either.

I posted this same problem on another site and one person recommended using a switch. I've been reading a little bit on switches and I have a question.

If all the PCs (Desktops and Laptops) are connected to a switch through a CAT5 cable will each one be able to connect to the internet?

Modem -> PC -> Switch -> Rest of the PCs

I plan on being able to connect to the internet on all PCs by using the windows ICS utility.

The site I was reading said that only 1 PC would be able to connect to the internet because most ISPs only supply 1 IP address. If we were to manually set the local IP on each PC (similar to a router) would each PC be able to connect to the internet? Or would we just have to settle with LAN only, unless we were to get a wireless + wired router with atleast 8 ethernet ports, which cost a fortune.

Thanks in advance.

[smokie mcpott]

get an old machine...plop in 2 network cards, install ipcop or smoothwall..
modem->ipcop 0r smoothwall box->switch->rest of the pcs
no hassles with ICS or multiple routers or anything

[golfking222]

On the other forum I was posting on (xoxideforums.com) they said that I would get what I needed by setting it up Modem -> Router -> Switch -> PCs.

I think I'm gonna try this and see if it allows all PCs to connect to both the internet and one LAN CS:S game.

[smokie mcpott]

it sounds like your original setup was trying to make use of the wan ports on each of the routers...when trying to daisychain routers, dont use the WAN port and turn off DHCP server

[golfking222]

Hmm, whatever. I think I'll just get some money from everybody to buy an ASound 16 Port Switch. Just seems like it would be neater and would require less hassle then the chain of 4 port routers.

[brakezone]

you definitely shouldn't use the routers unless you are going to create multiple subnets. You might be able to use the switches on the routers but I don't think those work very good when you daisy chain them without the use of spanning tree protocol. Just get 1 switch with more ports on it is the best solution.

[smokie mcpott]

daisy chains work fine, if you know how to set them up...basically it involves, turning off DHCP service and using only the LAN ports...dont use the WAN port on any of the routers except for the main one which will also be doing the DHCP service

[brakezone]

That can work as long as the switches are able to communicate across the subnet to determine how the MAC address to switch port tables should be built. I'm not sure if regular home router/switches do that or not.

[smokie mcpott]

ive linked linksys routers with other linksys routers as well as netgear with linksys

[golfking222]

The

Modem -> Router -> Switch -> PCs

seems easier, so I think I'll try that, but thanks for the info smokie.

[The_Jizzler]

Originally Posted by golfking222

If all the PCs (Desktops and Laptops) are connected to a switch through a CAT5 cable will each one be able to connect to the internet?

yes, as long as they are all pointed towards a gateway.

Originally Posted by golfking222

I plan on being able to connect to the internet on all PCs by using the windows ICS utility.

just use one of your routers for this.


Modem -> Router -> Switch -> PCs......this is the best way to go.

[TalRW]

Originally Posted by golfking222

The

Modem -> Router -> Switch -> PCs

seems easier, so I think I'll try that, but thanks for the info smokie.

I agree go this way, simple and it WILL work.

[golfking222]

K sounds like a plan, now all I got to do is collect money from my friends (quite a task) and order the switch