Go to Main RDSL Support Page

Local Area Network

 

You may want to set up your own network for use with your new DSL. We think that's a great idea, and have created this page to help you learn how to do it.

Although not difficult, networking does require an understanding of basic concepts, such as IP configuration and basic hardware functions.

This page is by no means an exhaustive study of networking! The intention is to give someone new to networking a basic overview of the concepts involved. Feel free to call us and ask questions if you're stumped.

Learn more: Check out some of the tutorials on our Links page.

Reference

The hardest part of learning anything new is understanding the jargon! You may want to take a minute to look over this information before you continue:

Selecting the appropriate type of network

Asking yourself the right questions will help you select the right type of network for your needs.

You'll want to consider the future growth of your network, your budget, and how mission-critical your data is. Try this questionnaire.

Preliminary questions

Before you decide on a network type, you should first determine what your needs really are.

  1. Do I need more than one IP address (i.e., will I have more than one computer on the Internet)?
  2. Do I need a static IP? If so, why?
  3. How many computers will I want to put on the network?
  4. Is it more expensive to get the extra IPs I need from LISCO, or to buy a router?
  5. How will I protect my network from attacks?
  6. How will I protect my network from viruses?
  7. What is my budget for the entire network?
  8. Do I have someone to help me with networking problems, or do I have a budget to hire a consultant if I run into problems?

NOTE: Extra IP addresses, either server-assigned or static, cost more. It may be cost-effective for you to purchase a router instead of extra IP addresses.

Learn more: See our pricing here.

How much will it cost?

The total cost of this endeavor depends on your equipment. Here is a very basic comparison, using LISCO's prices as examples.

A basic LAN may only include the cost of your DSL modem. Perhaps you'll need an Ethernet card, too. (These prices are approximate.)

  • DSL modem $212
  • Ethernet card $35
  • software firewall $35 - $50

A more robust network, with a router, will have added costs.

  • DSL modem $212
  • Ethernet card, each $35
  • Ethernet cables, each $6.50
  • DLINK firewall/router $106.00

NOTE: Consider that either one of these may have the added expense of a telephone technician or networking technician if problems you can't solve happen to arise.

Think about the future

Remember to try and predict the growth of your network. Perhaps you have three computers today, but expect to have two more by the end of the year. This would suggest that you to buy 6-port devices instead of 4-port devices.

A Basic LAN

The most basic network will consist only of your DSL modem and your computer. You will use a DHCP IP address (one comes with the connection) and you will not have any other devices on the network.

Learn more: See a diagram of a basic network.

To set up this type of network, you need:

  • the DSL modem
  • an Ethernet card installed in your computer
  • Ethernet cable

Depending on the type of NIC card you have, you may need either a straight-through or a crossover Ethernet cable. One of each comes with your modem if you purchased it from LISCO.

Pros and Cons

The benefit of this type of network is that it is easy to set up and maintain, and that it is easy to configure.

The drawback of this network is that you cannot add another computer without buying more equipment, and your data not protected by a hardware firewall.

Tips & Tricks

Be very certain to install a software firewall and virus protection software on your computer before using your DSL!

LAN with router or firewall

This type of LAN has a router on it, and therefore requires more configuration. Your router will behave as the gateway to your network, and will assign private subnet IPs to the computers inside your network.

You will need:

  • a DSL modem
  • Ethernet cards on each computer
  • Ethernet cables for each computer and for the DSL modem
  • a router (we recommend one with firewall capabilities, but any multi-NIC device will behave like a firewall)
  • a hub, if you have more computers than ports on your router

Learn more: See a diagram of this type of network!

Pros & Cons

The benefit of this network is that it is easily scaleable; you could add a new computer or laptop with a minimum of configuration.

The drawback of this network is that there's more equipment to buy, and that setting up and maintaining this type of network requires you to have a basic understanding of DHCP and NAT (which isn't too hard, really!).

Tips & Tricks

Read your router manual completely before setting up this type of LAN. Everything depends on your router! LISCO can only support the routers we sell, but we will try to help you if you run into trouble.

Learn more: How to add your new router to an existing RDSL connection.