Sharing an ISDN connection over LAN

Question

I'm thinking of updating my Main computer and need some advice/help.
Currently I can only get ISDN where I live in Australia, which may be slow but it's also unlimited. I have a PC set up with the ISDN modem (USB connection) which it then shares to the Mac's on the Ethernet 10/100 LAN.
I was considering moving My G4 PowerMac into that roll, but I have several concerns.
First Running does Telstra (Australia) support Mac's running ISDN, their site is unclear. I will contact them to clear this up.
Second how easy is it to share a connection with other Mac's and PC's, can this be done wirelessly also?
But more important how long will the aging G4 last running 24/7, right now normally at night or when not in use (when I go out) I put it in to deep sleep but how long will the Mac last running all the time?
The main reason I need to think about this is the only 2yo PC might have a fault and I don't want to be left Internetless if it fails and I need to think about how to spend the limited money I have. I would prefer getting a cheap PC to use as my Internet and file server leaving my Mac's to actually use everyday. I have not had any security issues with this set up as I have firewalls set up on the PC and Mac's and security software on the PC.
Message was edited by: Craig Best

Answer 1

While there are Mac boxes listed at the Telstra Bigpond site, I'd tend to look for an IDSN-capable firewall with Ethernet capabilities.
There appear to be several of these devices around that claim Telstra Bigpond compatibility. Cisco, NetGear, Traverse Technologies, Draytek and other vendors all appear to be in this market.
You'll probably want a network box with an ISDN port (or ADSL over ISDN, depending on what Telstra offers in your area), a firewall, and with some number of Ethernet ports (an Ethernet switch) and/or wireless networking. I'm not familiar with Telstra Bigpond ISDN in any detail, though I'd expect one of these devices to connect into the provided ISDN modem.
Cisco 801 and 803 routers come up in discussions fairly regularly, though Cisco routers aren't the easiest devices for new-to-Cisco folks to configure and manage. And these are comparatively expensive, even if you find them used.
You might also check with some Australian local vendors; there were substantial electronics stores in Sydney and Melbourne. They're likely rather more familiar with the local router/firewall options.