router / home networking problems...

okay well i set up a network between the upstairs and downstairs computers and my brothers xbox.

the router is connected to my computer, and my dad connects to the internet with a wireless networking card, my brother uses a linksys... wireless... thing.

my dad is running win xp home, i am running win xp pro. wireless zero configuration is disabled on both computers, because i read it can make a connection "unstable".

my internet is supposed to be 'always on' but it disconnects every 19 hours or so.

anyways.
the thing is, when i am on the internet, i dont seem to connect directly to it...? i go through an "internet gateway". is this supposed to happen since my computer/router is supposed to be the one the other computer and the xbox connect via?

the "LAN" is connected at the same time the "internet gateway" is connected.

im not a computer wizard [obviously], and i dont know why this is happening/dont understand what is going on, haha.

here is a picture of my network connections page:


if someone could explain what is going on, and a way to stop my internet disconnecting aswell, id be grateful.

and, if someone could explain how to create static IP's, and word it the way you would if you were talking to a retard, id also be grateful for that.
i read portforwarding.com and i didnt understand it completely... i get confused with how youre supposed to pick unique IP addresses...

thanks. :]

OK! I will try and help!

1). You can not have a Static IP on the WAN interface of the router unless you pay for it. You can use whatever range you like on the LAN/Home because its hidden behind the router, however the router must be aware of the IP range you are using on the LAN clients as it negotiates to the WAN addressing scheme provided by your ISP.

2). The reason you are experiecing connection drop-outs maybe down to the ISP releasing your IP address from their DHCP servers and allocating you a new one.

3). What local addressing scheme do you have assigned to the router, i.e. 192.168.xxx.xxx on a subnet of 255.255.000.000?

4). Also ensure all client Network Interfaces are set to obtain an IP address AND DNS address automatically.

5). Windows XP with service pack 2 is fine for Wireless networking IMHO... should be fine for home network full of Microsoft products anyway... There is no need whatsoever to disable it.

6). Disable all networking/firewire interfaces that are not required until you are happy the LAN is running ok.

I was going to say something but it lookes like GM coverd it all

I just have one thing to say. Number 2 that GM wrote can be fixed by creating an account at http://www.dyndns.org/ and fix an Dynamic DNS and write it in in the router at the menu DDNS(Atleast at my router, Mine is some Zyxel)

and the internet gateway is your router, its normal to see that..