DSL Router

[Dick Miller]

I want to share my DSL connection with my kids imac. If I get a DSL router what kind of ethernet cables do I need, cross over or regular ethernet cable. Is there software involved ? Both computers are running 9.1.

Thanks Dick

[swhitset]

You need regular cables.
 You shouldn't need any extra software.  If you connect via PPPoE.. make sure your router supports this feature. You may want to consider going wireless.  I use a Linksys BEFSR41 router to share my DSL connection between my two imacs.  This works great.  With the router I get the added benefit that it keeps the connection open 24/7 for me.  OS X supports PPPoE already, but I don't believe OS 9 does.  Therefore if you have to connect via PPPoE in OS 9, you have to use an added application to make the connection (such as macPoet).  If you use a Router (that supports PPPoE), you don't need the extra software.  The router will make and keep the connection.  It will then assign ip adresses to your macs via DHCP.

Steve

[Dick Miller]

 for the info Steve.

Dick

[Bill]

What is 'PPPoE'?

[Gary S]

What is]/b]  'PPPoE'.

I have a cable connection and I use a Router and an Ethernet cable to go between my 2  Macs. I don't know if DSL is different.

[Dick Miller]

Bill PPPoe is PPP "over ethernet"

Dick

[Bill]

I can't find that setting Dick.?.

Presently I have two PMs sharing an ethernet dog-5 for file sharing.
My plans are (some day) to either add my PB [when needed] to that setup or go wireless with a wireless router like the D-link 'DI-614+' or one like Steve has.

Down side is DSL still isn't here (sort of) on my street.
Just thinking a head is all.

[RHPConsult]

Steve and Dick and Bill:

We had had PacBell's DSL (and a hub/router for our 3 Mac LAN) for some time, before I installed X  for the first time.

I was in a brief panic when, in the Network System Pref panel, PPPoE was grayed-out and unavailable, after inserting/selecting Built-in Ethernet and Using DHCP in "the blanks".

One of the marvels of X (for me) is that everything else fell promptly into place, without further attention, while PPPoE remained "unavailable".

PacBell's "need" for PPPoE was somehow taken care of by the set-up, according to The Tortoise, who, at the time, reassured me it was nothing to be concerned about.

I don't think 9, which works seamlessly behind X in our 24-hour "on" set-up, makes any difference.

At least that's how it works out here . . .

[swhitset]

PPPoE (ppp over ethernet) is used by some DSL providers as a connection method.  I have never heard of a Cable modem connection being connected that way.  DSL is a dedicated line that usually requires some bit of user action to connect.  Cable modems are like being on a large area network where the connection is  usually made through DHCP.

OS X has PPPoE built in (as does Windows XP), but in order to connect in this fashion while booting into OS 9, you must use a third party application.  OS 9 does not directly support PPPoE. If you use a router, you can bypass your operating systems connection method and allow the router to connect for you.  You can then just obtain an IP address through DHCP from your router.

RHP, I don't know your exact situation,  I have tried to guess why the  PPPoE option was greyed out for you.  I am not sure.  I can't make that happen on my mac.  My current settings are to configure "using DHCP", and to show "Built in Ethernet".  The PPPoE tab is available to me.  

Steve

[RHPConsult]

I'll see if I can Tortoise to respond. He was my Reassurer-in-Chief at the time of my set-up panic!