Hi Barry,

There are several ways to network other systems to your DSL line. The
simplest way is to get multiple static IP address from your ISP. This costs
more but setup is the easiest. I have PacBell enhanced service that gives
you 5 static IP address. The cost is $80.00 per month. In this
configuration all you need is a ethernet hub. The DSL modem connects to the
hub as well as your computer systems. Each system is then giver their own
IP address. You do need to worry about security since all of the systems
are connected to the Internet whenever the system is on.

You can also buy a router / gateway / firewall / hub box that can use one
IP address and allow other systems on your private network to access the
Internet. As with the configuration above, the DSL modem connects to the
router as well as all of your systems. One advantage with this option is
better security since the router box acts as a firewall. 

And one other way of doing it is to use one of your computer systems to act
as a router / gateway. In this configuration one computer acts as the
router. There are several programs that you can buy that will do the IP
routing, one is called WinGate.

The problem with #2 and #3 is setup. Configuring everything so that it
works properly is very difficult if you haven't done it before.

I'm CC'ing the PSN, maybe others can use this info or offer other suggestions.

-Larry

At 07:51 PM 5/23/00 -0700, Barry wrote:
>Hi Larry
>   I have a (mostly) non seismic question. I was considering getting a
>DSL service but the phone company says it's designed for a single line
>to one computer. They were not helpful wrt networking. I know a
>reasonable amount about electronics and computer languages and older
>hardware, but what I know about connecting computers together you can
>fit on a pin head. Any help with literature references I can read would
>be appreciated. Also do you think or know if I could hook my and my
>son's computer to the same DSL line?
>Regards
>Barry
>
>
>
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