Is it “OK” to have each of my 5 computers connect separately to the internet or should it only be one.
I have 5 computers connected to the internet with separate firewalls. 3 notebook computers and 2 desktops. I could have ONE computer be connected to the internet, then connect each to the one (which I do not have now) or is it “OK” to have each one connect to the internet separately?
I currently have the DSL modem hooked up to the router, then the other computers to the router to see the modem. I did it this way because I have 3 wireless connections to the wireless router … I did it this way because this is the way I could figure out easily. I keep the firewalls and virus protection programs up to date.
The reason for the question is I don’t know if it is better to have each person “sign on” to the system instead of just having it available. I feel it is secure because of the 128 bit WEP security the modem has, but I didn’t know if that was the best way. It does work very well this way, but I have heard it is not the best way.
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Tags: 4 Responses to “Is it “OK” to have each of my 5 computers connect separately to the internet or should it only be one.”
OK? yes and no.
Yes in the sense that it (5 separate connections) can physically be done.
No in the sense that it probably shouldn’t be done. Having 5 separate connections means you have 5 times the amount of maintenance as far as firewalls and all your “anti” software (anti-spy, virus, spam, etc). Also it gives hackers 5 times the hacking targets.
As long as you have fully and properly configured your good quality firewall and “anti” software, you shouldn’t have any problems using one computer as your gateway to the internet for the other 4.
That is not to say that the other 4 don’t need any kind of “anti” software. As a minimum, ALL of your computers should have good quality antivirus software that you update frequently. (once a week minumum)
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As long as they are working, and you have the local net working ok between, just leave it working. Otherwise you would have to leave one connected to the Internet on all the time.:)
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If you have router, this should be easy and should do the job. Most routers have built-in firewall and other security measures. Beside, your own Operating System (Windows XP, mac OS, Linux) has their own firewalls too. Or you can install commercial internet protection.
Having 5 different computer connecting separately sounds unneccessary … and “why??”.uu
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How are your five computers currently connected to the internet? Are their ethernet cables all connected to a switch, and then the switch to a modem? Or is your switch actually a router/firewall? Or is your router/firewall actually a combination router/firewall + modem?
Thank you for the additional details.
Short answer:
If your situation is what I think it is, then your router is already acting like the “ONE computer” situation you are suggesting. And if it is a newer model, then it most likely has a firewall built-in (which for the daring means you don’t have to run firewall software on your computers, and for the paranoid means you have an extra layer of protection). 128 bit WEP is generally considered fine for keeping out opportunist neighbors and tourists trying to leech your bandwidth. I have a similar setup with 4 desktops and 1 laptop, two of them wireless, and have never had any problems. You should not have any problems either provided you keep your operating system and defensive software (anti-virus, spyware detection, etc.) up to date. (And just to clarify, you have confirmed your 128 bit WEP settings in the router configuration by logging in via web browser? Typically this is a web address like “http://192.168.0.1″ or something similar; check your router’s documentation or search the router manufacturer’s support website.)
Long answer:
However, I am a little confused about the “sign on” process you are describing.
If you are talking about the regular Windows login (I assume you are using Windows?) when you start your computer, then it sounds like you are asking about general security issues, in which case (1) it doesn’t matter how many computers you have logged on and using the internet simultaneously, and (2) the ease of access to your computers depends on how comfortable you are with other people in your home/office using your computers. And in this case, the router is already acting like the ONE computer you want to set up.
However, if the “sign-on” process is something your ISP requires you to do every time you want to access the internet, then I am very confused. I have had both cable and DSL internet service (I currently have DSL), and neither of them required me to provide the router with any kind of login information. I am surprised that your ISP requires you to complete a login process every time you want to use the internet. And if that truly is the case, then I am surprised that your router doesn’t allow you to configure it with that information so it can handle the login process for you automatically. Which makes me wonder, are you absolutely sure your “router” is actually a router, and not in fact a switch? Switches are dumb, whereas routers are smart and act like the “ONE computer” situation you describe. If you have a switch, then get a router. If you are sure that you have a router, then your setup with your ISP is more complicated than I have had experience with.
I hope that helps!
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