Cool, I will give it a try. Thanks for the help. I'll let you guys know whats up after I try it...I run win2k by the way,

Cool. That seems to work. I set up IP's on both systems and stuff, and turned off the DHCP server on the router, etc etc...Streaming seems to be working better now as well, on both systems, but still not at 100% (100% being the quality comming straight from the dsl modem to the computer).
So what if my friend comes over w/ his laptop? Do i need to setup an IP on his system before he can plug in? Or can he just plug in....the question im asking is, with this setup, how easy is it to expand? plug and play?
 
thanks
-oXide

Does linksys make routers without firewalls? Or is there a way i can turn on off mine? Its giving me hella problems in AIM when i want to direct connect and stuff...stupid firewalls. I tried to put the IP of my system on the DMX host thing that supposedly lets this system act outside the wall, but it doenst seem to work on aim...
any suggestions?

It's not a firewall, it's NAT (Network Address Translation) and it's a needed function for multiple machines to hold sessions to the outside world. I know what you mean about the issues with AIM, but what I did was have AIM search out for another port (edit preferences>connection) using Auto Configure. You can also forward a port on the router to the workstation in question (if you are using static or reserved IPs), and then set AIM to use that port. AIM will still misbehave sometimes if you are trying to connect to someone else behind another NAT device.
 
Also, if you disable DHCP on your network then you will have to assign an IP to it when your friend connects his laptop. DHCP will not affect network speed. It either works, or it doesn't. I have always used DHCP, and over the last 6 years I have never seen a speed issue related to it. If you plan on having systems connect to your network like your friend's laptop, I would suggest that you re-enable it and find the real issue. In addition, don't enable RIP on the workstations as that pertains to a routing function, and your PCs are not acting as routers. Do you by chance have access to packet sniffing software (Sniffer Pro, Etherpeek, Network Monitor, etc)?
 
------------------
Regards,
 
clutch

Oxide first of all you don't enable RIP on a workstation. It's in the Linksys router settings themselves. They are accessed via IE by typing in 192.168.1.1 and opening them. 192.168.1.1 is a generic gateway for routng devices (you mayhave assigned it another I don't know) What RIP does alot of times after you enable it is "free up" a "clogging" of mis-directed packets throughout your network. Once you have the results desired, you can disable the RIP function as it creates extra packet traffic on your network while it actively/passively seeks the routes. It is good to enable it many times then disable it after everything is cool. If it doesen't run well without it, then you have other issues on your network.
 
Are you on firmware version 1.37? If you are cool.
 
Yes, if you disable the DHCP function and assign static IP's, then you will have to go into network settings and manually assign an IP to your friends computer when hooking up to your network. Make sure you set it back when he leaves or he will be stuck with info for your network and he won't be able to logon anyone else's.
 
Yes, the BEFSR11 is a "pain" sometimes. It can take a great deal of patience and Linksys
tech support sucks major horse dick. They are so dumb, I swear it. I have so much experience in routers that if you need help, then just ask me. NP. I'll do my best!
 
Good luck!
 
You can also forward ports for special service functions, if needed.
 
Who is your DSL/cable provider? They use PPOE?

Hey Oxide I was thinking a lag might also exist from your hub. Hubs spread the bandwidth over several ports. Switches give intermittent full access to each port individually allowing for quicker network access. Try getting a switch if you can and see if that helps. Linksys switch like $ 50.00. Also kill everything in your network panel except for what you are using. Minimally you should have:
 
Client for MS networks.
TCP/IP
Network adapter
File and printer sharing.
 
If you have anything else, and you are not using it (like IPX/SPX etc.), then kill it.
It will slow you down!

I think my problem is the RWIN and MTU settings in my registry. I went to dslreports.com, dl'ed a registry tweak, and It seemed to have fixed my problem with streaming media...weird huh
 
I think I will enable DHCP again on my router, as it makes it easier, and I will upgrade my router's firmware.
 
I did get a new hub, btw, which is 100mbit and it says it is a switch as well.
 
thanks for all the help !

No, it's not that weird. But when you reinstalled your OS, the defaults should have sufficed. Glad to see you are working again.
 
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Regards,
 
clutch