Running 2 computers on the Internet with 1 cable modem?

[djmz]

I have 2 computers , one is running the Internet with a cable modem and I want to run the other on the Internet at the same time, so can it be done? Currently I can access the cable modem on the other computer only when the main computer is disconnected from the Internet with the software (a message comes up if I try both and says I can log on with only 1 password).The second computer has a network card and I have an Ethernet Hub between them.
Thanks.
David

[hiredgoonz]

The easiest way is with a cable/dsl router...several companies make them, I have a linksys and it works great...

Since you have a hub, you can save some money and buy the 1 port version, or get the 4-port and save your hub for other uses...

Once you get it, read the manual, it explains everything (at least the linksys does) but basically you will have to do one of a couple things...

As far as I've seen there are two ways that cable companies provide access to their service: 1) by assigning your computer a username along with the other network settings so that you essentially log on to their network and access the internet from there and 2) by registering the mac address of your network card and modem, and allowing the computer with those devices to access their service

In the first case, if you buy a linksys router, you just have to assign the router all the settings of the machine that the isp connects to the internet (they probably won't hook up your router for you and certainly don't like or tech support them)

In the second case, you have two alternatives: 1) you can either change the mac address of the router to that of the network card that is registered with the isp so that they think your router is the network card, but if you do this, you cannot use the network card you have "borrowed" the mac address from in any computer connected to that network. or 2) call the company and tell them you bought a new network card, give them the mac address of the router and have them register that mac address in their system (a little white lie, but far easier than getting them to cooperate when they know you're setting up a router)

In any event...when all is set up, the router will connect to your isp and then act as a server for the computers connected to it either as a DHCP which will allocate ip addresses as needed, or, if you want to use the more advanced features of the router, you can set the computers up with static ip addresses...these options are addressed in the linksys manual which I HIGHLY recommend you read before starting the project...
As far as which router, I like the linksys and have yet to hear anything bad about it...since you already have a hub, you can purchase the one-port version and save yourself a few bucks, although you'll probably get better performance out of the 4 or 8 port version since it has a built in switch...

The reason you need the router or internet sharing software and why you can't just hook all the computers up to the hub is that in order to access the service, the computers have to provide some specific unique information (like a computer bname or mac address) and no two computers on the same network can have this same info...

The routers are faster than internet sharing software and don't place a huge load on the "gateway" computer that is connected to your isp...sorry it's so long, I tried to anticipate any other questions...

This is pasted from the last time I answered this question...sometimes searching the forums is faster than waiting for replies...

[djmz]

Thanks for the reply. I found a router here in Australia for $400.00Aus that will do the job. I also heard that Windows 98 second edition (or 2000) has software that will do the job by their network sharing setup somehow. Do you know about this or heard anyone who has tried it?
Thanks
David

[tlvsd]

if you have a hub and a cable modem,,you can plug the cable modem into the uplink port of the hub. a rouer is nice ,but there is no need to spend the extra money
when you get the pcs pluged in,,just go to the internet setup wizard and choose the lan option

[Randy_tx]

I was of the impression that using Win 98 SE modem sharing you could easily share a cable modem or dsl without additional equipment...is this incorrect??

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[Randy_tx]

Obviously you have to connect them by NIC's & cable .......but I didnt think you needed anything else.......do you???

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[Ghost_Hacker]

Here's a link that explains all you ever wanted to know about Internet connection sharing.
Q234815 (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q234/8/15.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=Q234815&rnk=1&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=CHS)


And if you need help troubleshooting here's another
Q238135 (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q238/1/35.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=Q238135&rnk=1&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=CHS)


Hope this helps http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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"It's just a whisper in my Ghost"



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 03-05-2001).]

[Travlur]

The cheapest way (but also the most inconvenient) is to run a crossover cable between the 2 PC's. (Both need an ethernet card). The drawback is
the host PC must be running in order for the 2nd PC to be able to connect.
Cost me $24.00 for the cable and 2nd E-card. A little configuration of both
PC's is also required.
I have since changed to a Linksys Router for the convenience tho. (250.00+)