Network upgrade path

Hello
I have a three questions I'd like to pose to the panel if I
may.........first some background.

We have two desktop PC's running windows XP Pro and both have onboard
ethernet ports. One is connected to the internet via an ADSL to usb modem.

I need to set up a network so both machines can use the ADSL account
(with Zen, if that matters) for web surfing, usenet and p2p. I have
decided to use wired networking and will cable between surface mounted
wall sockets with cable hidden in the walls. That will mean I need two
short cables as well, to go between the sockets and the two PC's.

Reliability is of paramount importance as if the network falls over
regularly it will bug me to death. Security is important to me so as
well as running a software firewall on both machines I would like a
hardware firewall. I am prepared to tackle non automatic setups provided
clear instructions are given. As in most of life, one gets what one pays
for, so I'm prepared to pay for good value, probably up to &150, but
less would be better :-))

If I had to rank, it would be:
1)Reliability
2)Ease of use
3)Security
4)Price

Option 1 is to use a combined router/firewall/modem and despite spending
hours and hours on the web I can't decide which box to go for. I
thought that I'd look at what Zen offer, but I read too many tales of
problems with netgear. The Vigor seems to have a better reputation for
reliability, but poor documemtation.
Does any make or model stand out to meet my requirements?

Option 2 is to use a crossover cable until I can pick a solution to
option 1. Would I be correct in assuming I would use a "non crossover"
cable for the 20 metre run between the sockets and one of the short
cables, and a crossover cable for the other short cable?

Any obvious flaws to my approach?

Cheers
Graham
header is munged. replace nospam with gbb

"Graham Bowers (Zen)" <(E-Mail Removed)> ???????/???????? ? ????????
?????????: news:421f1a3f$0$32608$(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hello
> I have a three questions I'd like to pose to the panel if I
> may.........first some background.
>
> We have two desktop PC's running windows XP Pro and both have onboard
> ethernet ports. One is connected to the internet via an ADSL to usb modem.
>
> I need to set up a network so both machines can use the ADSL account
> (with Zen, if that matters) for web surfing, usenet and p2p. I have
> decided to use wired networking and will cable between surface mounted
> wall sockets with cable hidden in the walls. That will mean I need two
> short cables as well, to go between the sockets and the two PC's.
>
> Reliability is of paramount importance as if the network falls over
> regularly it will bug me to death. Security is important to me so as
> well as running a software firewall on both machines I would like a
> hardware firewall. I am prepared to tackle non automatic setups provided
> clear instructions are given. As in most of life, one gets what one pays
> for, so I'm prepared to pay for good value, probably up to &150, but
> less would be better :-))
>
> If I had to rank, it would be:
> 1)Reliability
> 2)Ease of use
> 3)Security
> 4)Price
>
> Option 1 is to use a combined router/firewall/modem and despite spending
> hours and hours on the web I can't decide which box to go for. I
> thought that I'd look at what Zen offer, but I read too many tales of
> problems with netgear. The Vigor seems to have a better reputation for
> reliability, but poor documemtation.
> Does any make or model stand out to meet my requirements?
>
> Option 2 is to use a crossover cable until I can pick a solution to
> option 1. Would I be correct in assuming I would use a "non crossover"
> cable for the 20 metre run between the sockets and one of the short
> cables, and a crossover cable for the other short cable?
>
> Any obvious flaws to my approach?
>
> Cheers
> Graham
> header is munged. replace nospam with gbb

A modem/router will do well. The router will hide all your computers from
internet unless you setup dmz or forword ports to a computer. A software
firewall on each PC is recommended. The will secure all outgoing
connections.
There are d-link modem/routers that will do and are easy to setup. a 4 port
router will be best (don't think they have 2 ports). You can get single port
router but you will have to buy a switch in that case. so, going for 4 port
is best. Most routers with build in switch these days automatically detect
the cable type. read the manual online for that before buying. If you use
sockets, the cable part is difficult, read articles below and calculate for
yourself.
See this model if you like
http://www.dlink.co.uk/?go=jN7uAYLx/...hLPG3yV3oVo97k
P98f8p8Nqtm6D86VHqqnHtB84gKFN3k2qrnK04Uue0=

Reading these won't hurt http://computer.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/router.htm
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ethernet.htm
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/lan-switch.htm
http://www.makeitsimple.com/how-to/dyi_crossover.htm

Ashok S.