DSL and ICS or NAT

[surfandsand]

Objective: Use DSL to allow server to manage internet connectivity to workstations.

Scenario: I am running a home network using w2k server and several workstations for future business. I ahve website built already and DHCP is being offered up to my private network. I have AOL DSL (no choice in this matter)to allow Internet connectivity. I don't have a router currently, simply a hub for now. I am using my server as the gateway with no-ip.org as my DNS and my server is configured for forwarding. The private addreses are as follows.
IP 192.168.1.3
Mask 255.255.255.0
Gateway 192.168.1.3
DNS offered by NO-IP.org


Question: Since AOL offers up PPP leases should I add an additional NIC to my server? Should I allow my server to use RRAS options to allow ICS or NAT? My understanding is AOL already uses NAT so NAT on NAT might be outta the question? Is the DNS address I need inserted correct?

Lot of question I know but I hope this is enough to assist? in the meantime I am looking for FAQ's

Regards,
New to this but learning

 

[bcastner]

You cannot use ICS with AOL broadband.

You can use most broadband dsl/cable routers if they support PPoE authentication.

You really should look for alternative providers if you need to host Web Services, remote access through RAS, and many of the other features you state you want.

With some effort you should be able to support a local LAN with internet access. But I suspect under AOL the rest of what you want to do is possible only for the very experienced network folk. And most would never touch AOL broadband, and in particular AOL's version of DSL.

 

[surfandsand]

Thank you very much for the advise...I will look into a better provider...AOL is a pain in the rear at times...:0)

 

[bcastner]

You are being far too nice about AOL DSL service. You can work around most of the problems, but what is not told in any clear an unambiguos fashion by AOl is that:

. It is not traditional PPoE DSL service, but rather a modified PPTP service;

. Your MTU values will always be mis-judged by your operating system. Rather than MTU=1492, AOL uses MTU=1400, and this requires a manual change by the user;

. There are deliberately introduced barriers to hosting a Web Page, and pass-thrus for IPSEC and PPTP, as well as opening ports for remote access, including game server settings.

If it is possible, just say no to AOL. I have no personal grudge against the company, it is just over-thought as a broadband service, and as a technical user I really find the restrictions it places to make the internet "family safe" a barrier to make it flexible for internet use.

I just want a clean, unrestricted pipe to the internet. I want it fast and configurable. AOL is disappointing in both regards, and the mickey mouse workarounds are insulting to have to even consider doing.

<done rant>

Some people really love the AOL mail service, and in that case I would recommend using the &quot;BYO&quot; option AOL offers, where you can still maintain your AOL mail service while using a different ISP for general internet chores.

One man's opinion.

 

[surfandsand]

I heard they were bad but I did not know that bad...WOW...thank you greatly

 

[bcastner]

It is not bad, just different.

The differences are not acceptable to my needs, but I am sure they satisfy a lot of others.

I do not want to pick on AOL DSL service, a lot of people find it a good transition from AOL dialup.

It just does not suit me.

Just wanted to be sure I did not mislead people with a rant about its implementation. It was not for me, but could well suit another users needs perfectly.