dsl/router question
 

I am being forced to change providers - and DSL is a possible solution. I have a Linksys router/switch. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that have the capability of holding the username/password so I won't have to install/configure any software to use DSL (like window$, which requiers all kinds of software)?

I currently have a cable modem, and it requiers NO configuration (found that out in my many reloads when I first installed linux (suse 8.2).

advice/tips/etc? THANKS in advance -tom

I have an Athalon 1.8
plenty or ram
Intel 10/100 PCI NIC
Suse 8.2
Linksys BEFSR41 v.2 (Instant Broadband cable/DSL router w/ switch)

I don't know if this will help or not, but you should be able to set your router to log onto your ADSL provider for you.... here's how mine works anyway....
I go to my router's IP (192.168.10.1 or something similar) and it's got a groovy little web interface for configuring the router. Log in, and click on WAN setup (your router should see the world outside your house as a wide area network) From there you choose your connection type, most likely ppoe for your ADSL provider, enter your username and password, and away you go :) You can also disable incoming connections from the WAN which you should do unless you're running a server locally that someone outside needs to get to, and you can tell your router to disconnect from the DSL line after a certain period of inactivity (I don't do this, and no one's called and threatened to kill me or shut me down yet)

Good Luck
Smee

BTW you should also enable your router as a DHCP server for your computers, makes configuring the network almost brainless

thanks
 

Thanks a lot - I thought thats how it would work, I just wanted to make sure. I am trying to weigh all the possibilities before switching/changing internet connections. The cable has been GREAT for my linux. I was just a little worried about changing.

THANKS A LOT !!!!!!! -tom

Just as a side note, I've found cable to be a lot less cluttered than DSL is (speeds seem a bit more consistent than dsl)

Smee

Yes, I agree. I have been more then happy with the cable. It does have very consistant speeds. I am just weighing all my possibilities. There are a few other non-linux related issues I have to pour over as well.

Thanks to all - tom

Cable vs. DSL speeds wil vary by area. The trouble with cable is, in a high traffic area your speed will be effected as more people use the network at one time. So, if you live in a city, or say an apartment complex you will likely see periods of aggravating slow downs. This is not the case with DSL. Speeds should remain almost totally consistent regardless of traffic. Cable is usually a little faster. But, I get like 250kb/s downloads with verizon DSL and that is plenty fast enough IMHO :)

... I just stumbled on this thread while searching for router info ;)