WinGate 6.0: Your Gateway to Internet Connectivity for the Entire LAN Introduction to Internet Connection Sharing Forrest Stroud
If you want to connect a LAN to the Internet, you basically have three options. The first is to set up each workstation as an independent connection point to the 'net. This can be done using analog modems, cable modems, DSL or similar lines, or even leased lines. The cost of this option quickly mounts as the number of workstations on the network increases due to the fact that each station needs its own modem (or similar connection equipment), phone line, and in some cases, Internet account.
Another option is to purchase an external router or similar network-to-Internet piece of hardware. While inexpensive routers are available for smaller networks and home use, this option can also quickly become quite expensive, as the cost of such equipment can easily reach the thousands of dollars range depending on the types of services offered and the number of users supported. Neither of the first two options makes sense for many medium-to-larger-sized networks and even some SOHO networks because of the substantial costs involved. Thankfully, there's another alternative available.
The final and in many cases most cost effective option is to purchase and install a specialized network-to-Internet software tool such as WinGate, MidPoint, or Trumpet FireSock. These software applications allow you to share a host computer's modem and Internet connection with other users on your LAN.
Internet connection sharing clients require only one modem and connection at minimum and can generally work over a variety of mediums, including analog and cable modems, DSL/ISDN lines, and leased lines. Some of these software solutions even provide the capability to combine, or "team," multiple mediums, resulting in faster connection speeds for users.
WinGate: Your Gateway to Internet Connectivity for the Entire LAN
One of the oldest and most popular software applications for Internet connection sharing and management, WinGate is currently available in three different releases: a standard edition specifically designed for home users and attractively priced at $74.95 for a 3-user license and $109.95 for a 6-user license; a WinGate Professional edition for small businesses (pricing ranges from $164.95 for a 6-user license to $1699.95 for a 250+ user license); and WinGate Enterprise, a scalable Internet access sharing solution for large organizations, with pricing starting at $224.95 for a 6-user license and maxing out at $2249.95 for an unlimited user license. A fully functional, thirty-day evaluation release is available for download from the Qbik website.
