Configuration wit Linksys WAP/router befw11s4

[cdunne]

Hi,
This is my first time on the forums here, I am glad to found them. I am setting up a network with a linksys WAP cable/dsl router with 4 port switch. 3 of the PCs will be hardwired to the network and in their own workgroup. I want to connect 2 additional PCs wirelessly and put them in thier own workgroup so they can share files as well as broadband independently from the 3 hardwired PC's. Is this possible? If so what problems can I anticipate?

Thanks in advance

Charles

[Greenstead]

It depends what you are trying to achieve. All PCs will be able to access the internet. Its not a secure way to stop the PCs accessing each others shared folders.

[cdunne]

Basically I want to end up with 2 networks 1 ethernet 3 pcs and the other 2 pc's connected through wireless adapters. I would like to keep one isolated from the other if possible while allowing all of them to access the internet. Can I achieve this by using different workgroup names and password protecting shared folders. Also I am using win98 on all pc's. Thanks Charles

[Greenstead]

I don't use win98 so I didn't know you could password protect shared folders there. That would be useful.

If your aim is to structure the network for two groups of friendly users then it will work. If your aim is to secure the workgroups from each other (i.e. keep out determined prying eyes) then its not a good method.

To fully isolate (i.e. secure) the wireless network really needs a separate subnet. That is getting quite complex for a small network.

There is another way (avoiding extra cost). You can put a firewall on each PC and deny access from specific IP addresses. Zone Alarms firewall will do this and it is free.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/zonealarm/znalm_details.jsp
(You don't need Zone Alarm Pro).

[cdunne]

These folks are friendly and share a small office and want to split the expense of the hardware and cable modem. Zone Alarm is a good idea. I am hoping to convert their machines to XP in the near future. When the head of security for Microsoft states publicly that there is no way to secure win 95/98/ME it is time for all small business people to upgrde that and the realativly low cost of equipment. BTW thanks for your help. I just sarted my business (User Friendly) and have not done that much in the way of networking for business needs. At home I went wireless but that is my equipment not a customers so I want to be as careful as I can given the limitations of the OS.

Thanks again,

Charles

[Greenstead]

OK - good luck with your business.