subnet mask ?

[64bit]

Hi,
I am very new to networking but here goes. I recently purchased the Linksys 4port Etherfast Cable /DSL Router. I am very happy with it but I have a question. I have a mediaone RR(AT&T) account by the way. My question is, in the documentation it says that the subnet masks for the LAN and WAN should be the same. Well Mine is not. My Wan subnet is 255.255.252.0 and the LAN subnet is the Router default(255.255.255.0) Should I change the default to match the Wan subnet or should I just leave it be(if it aint broke....)??
Thanks, any help is welcome.

[ExarKun]

Does It currently Work, in the config you have it set with?
If so dont touch it, if not set your subnet mask 255.255.255.0, then you should have no problem.

[wardo]

router default is correct 255.255.255.0
that is my default when specifying IP on lan

[64bit]

Yes it does seem to work but my real concern is that my ISP can't see more than one node. Is this a possibilty with the subnets being diffrent.

[dissident75]

No it's not possible, even a little for your isp to see more than one node. The linksys works via a process called NAT. In simplest term its a way of making one IP address look like many. In the case of the linksys up to 255 (minus the gateway and the broadcast but you don't need to know that its jargon for most people anywayz). If you change it to match you immediately limit yourself to the same amount they have alloted you. Usually one but in rare cases (where you pay for it) you get a few more.

[64bit]

Thanks dissident. I will start reading all the way through the manual from now on.

[dissident75]

No prob...