Hi,
I am planning to 'upgrade' my LAN. Presently,I have 2 pcs using RH 8 Linux connected by a cross cable.
I am getting an ethernet adsl modem and router to enable internet surfing and sharing.
The steps i have in mind goes as follows:
a) Get a 4 port router
b) Connect the 2 pcs from their respective ethernet cards to the router ports via RJ-45 cable
c) Connect the ethernet modem to the router using RJ-45 cable
d) Connect the telephone line from the eth modem to the wall

Are the steps and the hardware correct ?

Also, do all kinds of routers work on linux? The ones I am planning to get are US robotics, SMC, Linksys and Netgear Web Safer RP114RU. All are 4 port routers.

And all ethernet adsl modems work on linux,regardless of brand/model as long as the ethernet card is supported right?

Please reply quickly if you can....thanks!

I actually got an ADSL Modem/Router all-in-one. It does make it simpler, cheaper, and reduces cabling.

If you opt for this 'route' then all you do is connect modem/router to phone line, connect each pc to back of modem/router and that's it.

As far as compatibility goes, every one I've seen is OS independent. I've also seen reports that some Linksys models have security flaws, so be careful.