DSL - How to allow two computers gain internet access?

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cyber

I have DSL access. I have two computers need to have access to the
Internet. They are networked with a hub right now. Do I need another
piece of hardware to get both systems online? Thanks.
 
cyber said:
I have DSL access. I have two computers need to have access to the
Internet. They are networked with a hub right now. Do I need another
piece of hardware to get both systems online? Thanks.
Click to expand...

No. If you're running Windows XP, you need only a hub.
Run "Network Setup Wizard" on both computers. On one,
select "This computer connects directly to the Internet".
On the other, select "This computer connects to the Internet
through another computer...".

-- Bob Day
 
No. If you're running Windows XP, you need only a hub.
Run "Network Setup Wizard" on both computers. On one,
select "This computer connects directly to the Internet".
On the other, select "This computer connects to the Internet
through another computer...".

-- Bob Day
Click to expand...
But the first computer needs to be running to allow the second
computer to reach the Internet, right?
 
"cyber" said in
But the first computer needs to be running to allow the second
computer to reach the Internet, right?
Click to expand...

Exactly. Whenever you use one host as a gateway for other hosts to gain
access to another network, that gateway host must not only be up but
also running whatever is the portal software. If you leave your
computers up (plus the gateway host is NOT configured to ever go into
Standby mode which will disable the network interface) then use the
software solution. Unless you are running your own "lab" at home where
all the computers are in one room, you probably don't want to be using a
gateway host that has to be always up if your computers are spread
throughout your house. Sneaking into the kids bedroom to turn on their
computer and waking them results in whining, and you might want to turn
off the computer in your bedroom so you can sleep at night without the
fan noise or sounds of "You have new mail".

You might instead want to get a NAT (network address translation)
router. Most of these also come with a built-in firewall. The firewall
isn't super but it's on par with the Windows XP firewall (both only
protect against inbound connections), but something is better than
nothing and the firewall in router affords the same protection for all
hosts on your intranetwork.

Some ISPs try to screw over their customers by letting them get only one
IP address assigned from their DHCP server and want to charge you more
to give you more IP addresses so more of your computers can be
concurrently connected to the Internet. The NAT router gets that
ISP-assigned IP address and the router's DHCP server assigns IP
addresses to host on your intranet, so you could have lots of hosts
concurrently connected. However, the router acts like a switch and has
a processor inside which can handle up to some max load. Most home- or
consumer-grade routers get strained past 15 hosts concurrently trying to
transfer data to/from the Internet or even between themselves through
that router on your intranetwork. The router acts as a gateway to the
Internet (or whatever is on the other side) and also as a switch (to
replace your hub) for the hosts on your intranet.

Whether you decide to go software or hardware for a firewall, visit
http://grc.com and run its Shields Up to see how well your firewall will
stealth your computer(s).
 
You need a Router. Linsys makes very good ones for a reasonable price
($59).
Click to expand...

I have 3 computers connected to a compaq switch, which is
connected to a dsl modem.

Each connects to the internet separately. They work with windows 98
and xp.

The switch cost about $19. It can connect 4 computers.
 
I have DSL access. I have two computers need to have access to the
Internet. They are networked with a hub right now. Do I need another
piece of hardware to get both systems online? Thanks.
Click to expand...

No. You can do it with software...which may already be included with
your operating system.


Have a nice week...

Trent

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
 
But the first computer needs to be running to allow the second
computer to reach the Internet, right?
Click to expand...

Theres a lot of cheap sales on Wireless gear nowadays if you wait for
the right sale in the US. Newegg even had some rebate deals going last
time I looked.
 
cyber said:
I have DSL access. I have two computers need to have access to the
Internet. They are networked with a hub right now. Do I need another
piece of hardware to get both systems online? Thanks.
Click to expand...

You fail to give enough information for anyone to offer a serious reply. For
example: what sort of a DSL modem do you have? How is it connected (USB or
ethernet)? If you were lucky and had something like a modern Westell modem
which has an ethernet connection you could just hook the modem to the hub,
and since the modem has a router built in you would be in business with no
added expense (well, maybe you'd need to buy a short piece of cable). On the
other hand, if you were stuck with a DSL modem with only USB connection you
would be pretty well stuck with the worst of both worlds. You could try to
find a USB router but they are scarce and expensive. Or you could use ICS
(Internet Connection Sharing) which is built into Windows but you haven't
said what sort of computers or OSs you have so even that might be
impossible. But if you do want to try ICS, remember that the computer to
which the modem is connected has to be running before the other one can
access the interent.
 
Just get a small Router. Many people make them now.

Best buy will have something they can sell you. The Router allows for
multiple PC's on the same IP address or connection and provides some
firewall support.

Most of them use Ethernet.

You have to have an ethernet connection to take advantage of this. If yu
have a USB DSL modem that might be difficult.
 
Then what's your idea?
Click to expand...

Idea? That's not what you initially asked. And I already sent you a
reply to your original query.

But Dave said you need a router. And you don't. Indeed. you may
already have all you need to connect both...simultaneously...to the
Internet.


Have a nice week...

Trent

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
 
Dummy said:
Just get a small Router. Many people make them now.

Best buy will have something they can sell you. The Router allows for
multiple PC's on the same IP address or connection and provides some
firewall support.

Most of them use Ethernet.

You have to have an ethernet connection to take advantage of this. If yu
have a USB DSL modem that might be difficult.
Click to expand...

Or if one of your PC's is always-on, you can connect the modem to that one
and share the internet connection with the other computer through your LAN.
If you have an ethernet modem, you'll need two network cards in the
'server'-PC to get this working. Works great here :). Don't know if it'll
work with USB modems though...
 
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