Should I get a router or a hub?

[tonysolomon]

I want to get a cable modem. I have two PCs. One is Win 98SE and the other is WinME. I'm going to hook the cable modem up to the WinME PC. I want to allow both computers to share files, two printers that are connected to the WinME computer and I want them both to be able to surf the Internet simultaneously. Should I get a hub or a router?

Can I make my IP address change if I shut down and restart the cable modem, the PC, or the IE browser?

[Budfred]

I think whether you get a switcher or router depends on whether it is an external or internal cable modem. I think most are external, so you will probably want a router. I don't think a hub would be relevant for a 2 computer network, but I may be wrong about that.

I am not sure about this either, but I think with a cable connection, you get a stable IP so it is the same no matter what you do... Someone who knows more about it will correct me if I am wrong hopefully....

[computer mutt]

Get the router. It makes sharing the modem much easier.

With the hub you need to run internet connection sharing, and have two ethernet cards in the host computer. One to connect to the hub, and one for the modem. I use this kind of set up now. The main drawback is that the host computer has to be on, for the other machine(s) to access the internet.

With the router all you have to do is connect pc's and modem to router and your in business! OK, that may be a little over simplified, but it is easier:D Best of all you don't have to turn on another machine to connect yours to the web.



Can I make my IP address change if I shut down and restart the cable modem, the PC, or the IE browser?

That depends on your ISP. Mine is fixed, I keep the same IP unless I convince them to change it for me. When I was with another company, it was variable. It could, and often did, change upon reboot. I could also change it by running the WINIPCFG utility in Win9x/ME and selecting Release and Renew all.

[tonysolomon]

Thanks guys, I'll get the router.

@computer mutt, the ISP will be Earthlink and they said that they refresh the IP addresses to their cable modems daily, but I don't understand that. What do you think?

Where's the WINIPCFG utility?

[Japhanser]

tonysolomon,
Yes, buy a router. My IP-adress change also by the ISP-provider. That way you have to be sure, whene you install the router, that you don't take "static IP-adress". Most of the routers can be installed in 3 staps. It's easy to install (even i can do it):)
Japhanser.

[tonysolomon]

Thanks Japhanser. The reason it doesn't make sense to me is that Earthlink said that only their corporate customers get a non-static-IP address, so how can their residential line change it's IP address daily?

[yawningdog]

If it were me, I'd forget all about the router, and just install another NIC in one of the machines and set it up to share internet with the other. A new router is going to set you back about $100, while just a NIC runs about $20.

The IP address "refresh" issue is a little alarming to me. If they mean they are providing a dynamic host, then I'd rather have a static IP address.

[computer mutt]

Where's the WINIPCFG utility?

You can launch Winipcfg from the run prompt in the start menu. Type winipcfg, and press OK. Check out this article on winipcfg. (http://www.ncsu.edu/resnet/help/winipcfg/)

More about Internet connection sharing can be found here. (http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article04-003) Both methods are discussed there.

[tonysolomon]

Thanks computer mutt, I'll check them out.

[classicsoftware]

Get a router. Not only will irt act like a hub, it will also act a firewall and prevent access. As for DSL/Cable, you usually have to pay extra to get a static IP address.

You DO NOT have to worry about the IP address as the cable modem and the router handle that. The router will also distribute IP address to the individual PC's.

As for the second NIC, why limit yourself to 2 PC's. You can get a router with up to 16 ports.

As for the price, way less than $100.00.....

Do the router. I personally like Linksys. I have seven PC's in my house on line and it's great.....

[jabarnutcase]

Whenever Classic jumps in there with a plug for a linksys router, I can't help but agree with him.
I've had a linksys BEFSR41 for quite some time now- (With Cable).
It's been great! Back when I bought it, I think I paid over a hundred bucks, but they still make the same model and I think I've seen it in the neighborhood of 40.00 or so with rebates....Or there's always ebay...Where some really cheap deals can be had- If the seller is 'reputable" :rolleyes:

Since I already wired my house with cat5, haven't gone the wireless route....Which is still a lot more expensive.

[tonysolomon]

I called brighthouse today and they said that my IP address will be dynamic. So, I'll know this weekend.

[Japhanser]

tonysolomon,
Here's a link with some technical specifications (most in PDF-format) and prices (€ euro) about routers.
http://www.dlink.com/products/broadband/di604/
I've the di604 router and i'm satisfied with it. You can go up to 4 PC and that quite enough for a little Belgium guy like me.;)

Japhanser (Hans).

[deddard]

IP addresses can change due to many circumstances, including the node connection your cable is connecting to. All of the IP addresses are leased, and if an ISP reroutes your signal, it could just as easily change your IP. This isn't normally a problem though, as it is the IP for the cable connection that is actually switched. If you are behind a firewall of any kind (including NAT) then that address will not change, as it is determined by the software/hardware.

[tonysolomon]

Thanks for the link hans, but I'm more interested in the price than the brand.

@deddard, I'm hoping to get a dynamic IP address. I don't want a static IP. I'll be using a router and Norton Internet Securities 2003.

[bassman]

After starting my response to your other thread, I decided I had better read this one to make sure we were not double posting;)
You are intending to set up a network for file and print sharing and internet connection sharing.
Get your internet connection set up on your first machine before you spend money on anything else. You may find that all your concerns go away due to the cable modem having more then one point of connection.
Not sure what they serve in your area, but I know some of the cable companies here advertise this very thing.

Good luck

[tonysolomon]

Thanks bassman, I'll find out Saturday.