Hi again.

I want to thank those that responded to my last queries regarding my
proposed mini-network with a desktop and laptop computer at home. I want to
share a cable modem, but also files and print services. My desktop is
running Win98 and the laptop has Win98SE.

I have a couple of additional questions. The two options I am considering
are to buy a second IP address from my cable modem ISP, and use a simple hub
for my mini-network, or else buy a router and do it that way. I would prefer
the second option since I can expand the network to my other computers if I
ever get the guts to do the cabling through my house etc.

The questions.

1. If I use the simple hub approach, and have 2 IPs , I am worried about
security for file and printer sharing. In essence, as I understand it, my
local network services are vulnerable, even if I put personal firewall
software on my two machines. Is this correct? If so, can I secure my file
and print sharing by simply unbinding my network functions (Client for MS
Windows, file and print sharing) from TCP/IP (where they defaulted) and
binding them to NETBuei instead. I have been reading about this, but am not
sure if I comprehended the nuances right. Comments/advice?

2. If I use the router approach, my concern is a different one. Both my wife
(laptop) and myself (desktop) access our workplaces via VPN tunnels. I use
"Secure Client" from Red Creek and she uses Alta Vista Tunnel (although that
is scheduled to be replaced but as yet I do not know by what). I know from a
colleague who uses Win98SE and ICS that he cannot configure the Red Creek
Secure Client, so there are issues there. That is one reason I want to avoid
ICS in my set-up. My worry is that if I choose a router that provided good
firewall protection (desirable), will it also interfere with my ability to
use both of our VPNs. If I were to buy a router and find that the VPNs would
not work, then essentially I will have purchased a doorstop, since it will
be useless to me. Are my fears groundless, or are there issues with routers
and VPN software. If so, how easily are they likely to be resolved, if at
all. I noted that some routers say that they have support for VPNs, but is
this a particular one, or is there some kind of generic support that makes
it all work? This could be an expensive experiment if I am not careful.
Advice?

Thanks in advance,

Michael

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