Hey Outlaw's,
I am considering an IR1000 when they are released. I have a question. Since I have significant network at home how does hte IR1000 get it's IP address (I assume it requires one). Can it be changed if I am already using the IP it has specified or does it use DHCP or do I have to set the default gateway? How does it work in general communications wise? Anyone?

Thanks

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Stott

I'm guessing that we won't have definite answers until a manual goes up, but I'd expect the IR-1000 to do one of two things (and probably give the option of whichever one you prefer): manually assign an IP address, or get one through DHCP. If your home network has broadband, I'm guessing you've got a router (I have a D-Link at home, and a Linksys at the office) -- that router probably has a DHCP server that can be used to hand out IP addresses.

They can't be pre-assigning these things addresses, so there will have to be some flexibility here. I'm personally curious to see how this thing hangs itself onto the net.

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Gonk

I'm wondering the same thing. I'm also wondering, along those lines, if my broadband connection will see it as a second computer and I'll have to pay my ISP for two computers if I use it, or is it masked somehow? Been holding off asking too many detailed questions until the manual goes up, or until I get a call saying I'm a beta tester (wishfull thinking I know, but hey, ya gotta dream, right?).

Depending on your broadband connection it may see it as only one computer or two. I have a DSL router that only sees one machine that is a firewall/DHCP server/Router. So technically the ISP only ever sees one computer. My firewall. This isn't the only way to do it of course. Regardless you shouldn't have to pay no matter how many computers you hook up on the back end.

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Stott

[This message has been edited by stott (edited January 29, 2002).]

Not having spoken with Scott or anyone about these details yet, I agree that the only thing that really makes sense is for the IR1000 to request an IP (and the other info - Gateway, DNS, etc) via DHCP. Thus the best option would be to have a home router that can act as a DHCP server. Like Stott, I've got a D-Link (mine's the DI704).

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pat----

email: pat@sklenar.info ---===--- home page: Grumpy's Lair

I actually had an unrelated question about the IR1000 that I e-mailed Outlaw about recently, and part of my answer also answered this question. They confirmed that the IR1000 will have DHCP, and that you can alternately select an IP address manually. From the description I got, it will be very similar to setting up TCP/IP for a computer or a router (no surprise here, as there are just certain things that such a device has to be told) -- DHCP is the easiest way, but they're giving you the option to do it manually.

Owl's_Warder, your question of the ISP seeing two computers or one is a good one, and I'm sure one that will be addressed in the manual (and probably the FAQ). Stott pretty much nailed it on the head, too. Apparently the IR1000 doesn't require any monthly subscription to use, but it will need Internet access. If you have broadband with only one computer on it (for example, cable modem with your computer's network card plugged directly into the cable modem), adding the IR1000 without a router will mean that you'll have to lease two IP addresses, which typically costs extra (you'd also need a hub or switch). A router will hide all of your computers (and computer-like devices, *cough* IR1000 *cough*) from the ISP, presenting itself as the only computer. If you don't already have a hub and want to hook one of these up, I'd suggest one of the combination router+hub devices (Linksys makes a 4-port switch / router that we have at work, it's pretty nice).

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Gonk

Owl,
I have my home network set up the same way that Stott does. With Routers for under $100(I have a Linksys-very happy with it), I would recommend everyone with a broadband connection and more than one computer get one. They are relatively easy to set up, add a level of security and as Stott said, you only need 1 IP address from your service provider. The Router hands out internal IP's for the rest of your equipment. Hands down the way to go in my opinion.

Kent

Hey, thanks for the ideas guys! Just when I thought I had a handle on what I'd need for home networking... So any particular model of the Linksys router? Sounds like the solution for me. I was planning to set up home network anyway and that definitely sounds like the best option to me.

The Linksys router/switch that I mentioned is a very good way to set up a small home network. It'll let you network up to four PC's (or three PC's and one IR-1000, or two PC's and two IR-1000's, or....). The model number is BEFSR41. Here is a link to it at DataComm Warehouse, and here is a link to it at Linksys's site. It is a 10/100 4-port switch, which is similar to a network hub -- only difference is a switch offers more bandwidth. A 10/100 hub has up to 100mbit of bandwidth that all connections share, whereas a 10/100 switch can provide 100mbit between any pair of ports. Not really critical for a home network, but certainly a plus.

I also came across an interesting product when I was looking for the info on the unit above: Linksys also makes a router/4-port switch/wireless access point . It sells at DataComm Warehouse for $175 ($15 more than the wireless access point alone).

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Gonk

And just to present an alternative view (on this BBS? ) ... I use and highly recommend the D-Link equipment. I use the DI-704 Broadband Gateway for my router, it includes a NAT Server, DHCP Server, hardware firewall & a four port 10/100 Switch. They also have a verion that includes a print server called the DI-704P . And versions that include a wireless port and 3 wired connetions, an 8 port switch, etc etc etc. I've been very happy with mine and have three friends who've bought DI-704's are are happy with them.

A quick search of Price Watch shows new DI-704P's starting at $53 plus S&H.

Either way, Linksys or D-Link, I suspect you'll be just fine. Good luck,

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pat----

email: pat@sklenar.info ---===--- home page: Grumpy's Lair