My home network is connected via an Efficient Networks Speedstream
5800 DSL 4 port modem/router.  Three of the ports are used for 2
desktops and 1 laptop in my office and 1 of the ports goes to a 5 port
hub (Linksys NH-105) in another part of the house.  At that hub, 1
desktop and 1 laptop are connected.  In order to use the hub, I had to
use my 5 assigned IP addresses for each of my 5 computers (DHCP would
not work).  I would like to find the cheapest/most effecient way to
add wireless capability for my 2 laptops.

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Request for Question Clarification by mathtalk-ga on 06 Sep 2003 08:46 PDT

Hi, subterranean_rodent-ga:

In order to provide the least expensive options, I'd like to undertand
your comment that "DHCP would not work".  In many ways DHCP with a
Linksys router is a very effective "firewall" that blocks a lot of
poking around on the Internet which you may not be aware of.

I use both a "wired" and a Wireless Linksys router in my home, and
I've installed wireless routers for both my parents' homes, so that I
can easily equip my laptop during extended visits.

regards, mathtalk-ga

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Clarification of Question by subterranean_rodent-ga on 08 Sep 2003 15:04 PDT

From my router/modem, I have run a long CAT5 cable under my house to
another office.  In that office is the Linksys Hub.  When I originally
connected the computers in that office to the hub with my router set
to DHCP, I could not access the web.  When I changed the setting on
the router to static IP addresses and assigned them to the same
computers, I was able to access the web.  Hope that clarifies the
issue for you.

Do you think I am better off getting a stand alone DSL modem and
wireless router?

+++My home network is connected via an Efficient Networks Speedstream
+++5800 DSL 4 port modem/router.  Three of the ports are used for 2
+++desktops and 1 laptop in my office
 
if your desktops are on att all times you can configure one of your
desktops (running windows 98 2nd addition,2000 or XP) to run "internet
connection sharing after installing a additional network card usually
about 10 $s. then connect this new network card to the hub downstairs
and you are done.

total cost 10 $s.

Thank you  
Aziz

I answered your question keeping cost as a major factor with out
adding Wireless capabilities.

But you can laternatively buy a wireless router ( there are too many
to name and they are all good and easy to setup. i have used linksys
about 69 $s) you can connect it to one of the ports on any hub. the
configuration is rather easy.

you will need to buy wireless cards ( about 39-49$s)if the wireless
capabilties are not already builtin in your laptops.

I can provide you with details if interested. Once again this stuff is
very easy.
azizi

I would insert a wireless router immediately after the speedstream DSL
modem

disable the router function in the speedstream

use the wireless router as a router and NAT and DHCP server, and use
DHCP for all your PC's

i assume you don't need the your PC's to actually use any of the 5
assigned IP's?  it would improve your security to use private IP's
anyway.

It sounds like you have enhanced DSL with possibly 6meg of downstream
bandwidth.  The five IPs are assigned to the DSL circuit.  Why not
simply assign the router one of the IPs from the ISP and then have the
router assign IPs for the computers?   You may need to eliminate the
Speedstream and go with a different router. to accomplish this, I'm
not sure.  However, I think that one port off the Speedstream could
feed another router.