OrbitNet Computer
Do I need to run OrbitNet on all the machines
on my network, or only on the computer connected to the Internet?
You only run OrbitNet on the computer that is connected to the Internet.
Then doesn't the OrbitNet computer have to be a Server?
OrbitNet will run on just about any computer. OrbitNet is a proxy server, but
in this context 'server' describes OrbitNet's relation to other software on
the network, not the type of computer that it runs on.
What else do I need on my computer to run OrbitNet?
OrbitNet will need two network connections - an external connection (to the
internet) and an internal connection to rest of your local network, usually
via a network card. The external connection can be either a second network
card or the Dial-Up Adapter already on your computer. Both of these connections
will need to be configured to use the TCP/IP protocol.
When do I need a second Network Card?
If your computer connects to the internet through a network card, then you will
need a second card to connect to your local network. For example, most DSL
and Cable modems connect to your computer through a network card. You would
need one card for the modem and one for the rest of the network. You cannot
connect the modem to a hub; if you do, you lose your firewall and all sorts
of other things break.
Client Computers
What do I need on my client computers?
No special client software is required. Each of the computers on
your local network will need to have the TCP/IP protocol installed so that their
Internet applications can communicate with OrbitNet. This protocol is a part
of every Windows operating system. As long as your local network is configured
properly, most applications will work through the Transparent Proxy with no
changes to their settings. The client computer network card settings can be
found at our Tech Support site.
Do my client computers have to be running Microsoft
Windows?
No, they dont. Any computer that is capable of using the TCP/IP protocol
can be a client. This includes Macs, OS/2, Unix, Linux, and just about any
other you can think of. The rule is: if it can connect to the Internet without
OrbitNet, it can also work as a client.
What does 'three
users' mean, exactly?
OrbitNet will allow simultaneous connections from three different computers.
If you have several applications running at the same time on a single computer,
it still counts as one connection. The OrbitNet computer itself is a special
case. The applications on this computer will only count against the limit if
they are configured to go through the proxy; if they are left to go straight
out they will not count against the limit. This configuration will allow a total
of four computers to access the internet simultaneously, though you give up
the convenience of having a single program handle the dialing when you do so.
Slower Browsing on Clients Using
DIRECWAY 2
Satellite return
Customers with the slow speed on the client
systems were using DIRECWAY Navigator version 4.0.0.24. We tested OrbitNet with
DIRECWAY Navigator version 4.0.0.36 & had no problems. Updating that software to
the latest release seemed to solve the slow connections for the customers.
You should be able to get a copy of the latest from your ISP. Version
4.0.0.40 or higher should also be available now.
DIRECWAY has the drivers Earthlink might not.
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