ok: these are the FACTS:
a) get either a dlink or possibly linksys, I am using dlink
b) since you already have an ethernet modem, all you need is the router. this router can possibly wireless even..
ok: so why do I recommend dlink/linksys.
I have tried various adsl router/bridge combos and other brands of routers such as
netgear/smc/prolink/aztech/3com.
the most ANNOYing thing is that for those cases, the dns/nat does not allow you to access your local application via its external ip address..
ie: no loopback
eg; you have your webserver at port 80, and you expose it to the internet via NAT.
your internal ip is 192.168.0.2, your external one is whatever your isp assigns you from the ethernet modem: eg: 202.127.100.2
if you were to type
http://202.127.100.2/index.htm , you will be denied access on those brands of routers above. you can only access your webserver from
http://192.168.0.2/index.htm
now, some might think this is pedantic/feeble excuse not to buy any other brand of router but for those of you who are security oriented and you need to probe your pc firewall security from an external viewpoint, you can't use any pc behind this router to probe the external ip address.
in fact, I've returned all 4 brands of router/bridges to PK computer/suntronics and PK told me to take my business elsewhere cos they can't just keep open/close new box for me to test.. which I accept.. cos I was troublesome too.. but i blame the brand manufacturers..
take note though that this was in 2003/3/31, so they may have improved their firmware by now *cos I complained to ALL the brand manufacturers*
this is my current setup.
Dlink DI-804V
Creative ADSL blaster/oem broadxent briteport