Switch and setting up ICS

[Growltiger]

Greetings!
I could bore you all with my story of how the @HOME modem installation tech was worthless, but instead, I'll cut to the chase.

I have set up a network with a D-Link Dss 5 port switch. I went with a switch because of the low cost of the switch and because of its superior performance to a hub (based on readings on different web sites). Now, can I use ICS using a switch?

When I called @home support, the guy bascially said I should ditch the switch completely and go with a hub??? In addition, he said I don't need 2 NICs in my PC and that one would suffice. According to everything I've read, you need 2 NICs for ICS....right?

Basically, I need a little reassurance that the switch will work with splitting my internet connection.

Thanks for you help.
Clint

[crazyman]

Yes,a switch will work fine and yes you will need two nic's in the host box.
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q265/7/28.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0
http://www.annoyances.org/win98/features/ics.html

[glc1]

Originally posted by Growltiger:
When I called @home support, the guy bascially said I should ditch the switch completely and go with a hub?Boy r they stupid, don't do that, keep ur switch.


Originally posted by Growltiger:
In addition, he said I don't need 2 NICs in my PC and that one would suffice.Wrong again. Ur "server" (the machine that will have ICS enabled) needs 2 NICs, 1 for the cable modem, 1 for the LAN (so u can connect the server to ur switch). Each client system needs 1 NIC and will be setup dynamically. Be sure to enable File & Printer sharing and share drives on each system that u want access to on the LAN. In the server, the cable modem NIC will use ur ISP's settyings and the LAN NIC will have an IP of 192.168.0.1 and a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0. To use ICS, ur surver needs Win98se, WinMe, or Win2k. If u don't have one of these OSs, then u will have to use proxy software. W/Win98se u will prolly have to install ICS (from Add/Remove under the Control Panel). W/WinMe and Win2k, u can enable ICS in the Network Properties.

[This message has been edited by glc1 (edited 10-07-2000).]

[Growltiger]

OK, thanks fellas! I was worried that I had wasted my $$ in the switch, despite all the reviews saying the switch is better than the hub.

It's nice to find people who actually know what they're talking about!