I'm quite new to this, and I'd like to know if I've got everything [hardware-wise] correct.

When setting up a home network to share files and hook up multiple PCs to the internet [via DSL], do you just need a router and the PCs with Ethernet cards? [with the appropriate cables of course :P]

Do I need anything other than those three items?

Also, what's the difference between these?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...Tab=2&NoMapp=0

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...=T156-1016%20P

Can they both connect me to the internet via DSL aswell as share files?

Thanks for your help, I'm still rather new to all this.

[PS: Using Win98 and Win98SE, possibly Damn Small Linux aswell.]

The first item is a switch, the second is a router. Switches are layer 2 devices which means that they operate at the Ethernet packet level. A router is a layer 3 device which can operate on Internet Protocol (IP) datagrams. Basically, the router can route between to different networks (e.g. your home net and your ISP's network). The switch cannot do this.

In your case you definitely need a router, not just a switch (most broadband routers today come with a 4 or 8 port switch built in -- the TRENDnet router you linked to has a 4 port switch to plug your local machines into). You need to make sure your DSL modem has an Ethernet port so you can connect the switch to it. This switch supports PPPoE which is what most broadband providers use, but if you have one thatuses PPPoA or something esoteric you might have issues. Your ISP probably uses PPPoE but if you're not sure you might want to double check.

To add to that think of the switch as a sort of "concentrator". With a switch only one port needs to be dedicated for connecting to the router the rest of the ports remain available for use by the PCs. This is particularly useful if u have more PCs than ports available on the router.

Ah, I understand the difference now, thanks

How do I check if it's PPPoE or not? Should I call my ISP, or is there a way I can do it manually?

If you are already using this ISP you may be able to find out by the software you use to connect if any. Calling them might be quicker becuase or the variation of software ISPs use. You modem may also have a built in router. You may want to search the make and model on google to see what it's features are. Does your modem connect to your PC using USB or ethernet?

It connects via Ethernet, and I think the company who made it is Terayon. Rogers is my ISP, if that helps.

I'm not familiar with your ISP. What is the manufacture and model of the dsl modem?

Rogers is a big Canadian media corp. I don't think they work in the US, though I heard something about them working with AT&T, but I think that's just for mobile phones.

I'm not sure about the model type; all it has on it is a serial number, name & logo for "Terayon", and at the back it mentions "10BaseT" next to the place where the cable that links the PC and the modem goes.

You should probaly call Rogers and ask. From what i have read it is cable broadband not dsl, and it doesn't use PPPOE. They may only offer cable in some areas and DSL in others.