Finally have broadband at home - PS2 hookup?

[hyunelan2]

Well, finally. We have SBC Yahoo DSL, at only $4 more than we were paying for MSN Dialup. Being new to the HOME broadband arena, I have a couple of questions about hooking up my PS2. I've had the network adapter for the PS2 for sometime, when my brother and I would play over LAN. I think I already know the answer to my question from my computer knowledge, but I'll ask anyway.

If I wanted to play online with multiple PS2s (say my brother brought his over), I could do that on my DSL line right? I also will probably need to buy a router for this too huh? Right now I have a 5 port microsoft switch, but I don't think that'll cut it without a router, will it?

This is my (free) DSL modem: https://www.sbcdslstore.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.asp?ProductId=12A-5100-506&CategoryId=catMRG
I haven't had too much time to play with it, I just got it all put in and running at about 9:00 last night, but I'm pretty sure it won't support just plugging a switch in the back end to hook up multiple machines (CPU & 2x PS2s)?

[Keyan]

If you don't mind losing internet on the home computers, you can hook the DSL directly to the PS2 via the ethernet cable that's hooked into the computer...and when you want net back on the computers, you can unhook the ps2 and hook up the computer again.
That's the free way.


The "other" was is to get a router. DSL hooks into the "internet" slot, computer into slot 1, and ps2 into slot 2 (assuming the router has 4 slots)

[JacksonJ]

If I wanted to play online with multiple PS2s (say my brother brought his over), I could do that on my DSL line right? I also will probably need to buy a router for this too huh? Right now I have a 5 port microsoft switch, but I don't think that'll cut it without a router, will it?

Does your DSL give you more then one IP address? If so then your fine with your switch, if not you'll need the router.

[hyunelan2]

^^^ dunno, have to look into that. Anyone recommend a cheap home router? I'm familiar with the high-end stuff from work, but that's not what I need for home. I was looking at a few of the Netgear routers on ebay like the RP614, but I don't want to pay the sellers' charges for shipping... still looking.

[BlackElantraGT]

I used to be a netgear person. After using 2 Netgear wireless routers, I've realized that Linksys makes better wireless routers. You'll get better and further reception with Linksys models.

The reason why I decided to try a Linksys was because with my wireless router at home (netgear) was never able to provide me reception in my room, but I was able to pick up one of my neighbor's Linksys reception.

If you don't want the latest and greatest, you can easily pick up a router, even a wireless router, for less than $20. Look for some mail in rebate deal.

[hyunelan2]

^^^ Yea, I've had good luck with Linksys products. We use Linksys WAP54G access points for laptops throughout our buildings. I'll probably go with a wired solution for the time being though. Maybe I'll upgrade once we buy my wife's new laptop next spring/summer.

[BlackElantraGT]

If you're going with wired just don't spend too much money, because even the wireless 802.11 b routers are around $20 at most. I wouldn't even be surprised if a member of the forum has a wired router laying around and be willing to give it up for very cheap.

[BlackElantraGT]

Routers suck when the setup process sucks. Linksys and Netgear makes it easy to do the initial setup. Once you do that, you will hardly ever have to do anything again.

[dragonfighter60]

Ok, I have first hand experience with SBC. They use a PPPoE system which only allows one address, but through the Linksys 4 port router I hooked up 3 comps and my PS2. I had to set it as the DMZ host. The only thing I couldn't do is play Counter Strike in the same server at the same time. The setup process was very easy too.


I just bought a new router, if you want this one PM me. Its a Linksys 4 port wired (forgot to mention, its ethernet) router. Works well with SBC. Its not that old either.

[southpawboston]

you don't even need the broadband for network PS2 but you do need the network switch.

[Elantra2.001]

Routers from Belkin will be on sale at circuit city for cheap as **** this week.

[southpawboston]

go to dealnews.com. it's a site that gives deaily updates on all the best computer product prices around the net. i routinely see wireless routers for $20 either straight up or after rebate.

[BlackElantraGT]

also try techbargains.com, and fatwallet.com under their hot deal section.

[hyunelan2]

Thanks for the sites. I also keep track of www.pricewatch.com for prices, but I'll look into those sites.

[felixr]

i have a router from belkin i believe . . . i'd have to go look at which kind it is . . i was gonna put it on ebay but if you pm me or remind me somehow, i will hook up dsl at home finally(its been sitting there in the box still) and look at it and tell you which kind it is. and we can go from there

[JacksonJ]

If you do get a wireless router, please disable the SSID broadcast and put a WEP key encryption on it, and definately change the default login password. I live in an apartment and I have about 4 wireless connections that are completely open that I can log into. A few times I have even been able to browse the hard drives of the other computers on the network too. One of the guys has some really good stuff ;)

[hyunelan2]

^^^ yea, disabling SSID broadcast is the first thing anyone should do. In addition to what you said, changing the default radio channel is a good idea too, since most people keep there's on default - it can slow you down if your neighbor is on the same channel.

[BlackElantraGT]

Courtesy of http://www.techbargains.com

Netgear Wireless Router Sale - MR814 $9, Dec 11

Ends Sunday. Amazon has lowered the price on the Netgear MR814 802.11b Wireless 4-Port Cable/DSL Router to $9.24 after $30 rebate, free shipping. You may need to select Amazon.com as the source from the right column.

Amazon has the Netgear MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card for a low $15.49 after $20 rebate.

Amazon has the Netgear MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter for a low $16.99 after $20 rebate.

Amazon has the Netgear WMB521 802.11b Wireless Kit which includes the MR814 router and MA521 PC Card for a low $22.99 after $45 rebate. Free shipping.

$30 rebate Exp 12/12/04

Lowest price search

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One Day Sale Only
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Netgear MR814 802.11b wireless router $4.99, Dec 13

1 day sale. Compusa.com has the Netgear MR814 Wireless Router for $4.99 after rebate. Penny Shipping. $2.99 after rebate in store.

$45 rebate Exp 12/13/04

Lowest price search