hooking two computers to one modem...help

  • Thread starter Thread starter rferoni
  • Start date Start date
R

rferoni

All,

I need to hook two computers up to the internet at my moms house.
The two computers do NOT have to be networked to each other, just need to
make sure each computer can use the internet independently of each other. I
told her she needs a second IP(which she called and got) but now I'm not
sure what I need to do. I figure I have two options....1.use a hub to run
both computers to the cable modem 2. Have her get a second cable modem and
run it totally independent of the other. One question I have is does the
speed of cable diminish over distance as the computers are about 60-70ft.
apart......please advise....

Ron
 
The HUB solution would work. Don't think you'll see a problem, with speed
degradation on CAT5e at that distance.

Conversely, you can call and cancel the extra IP address and use a router
with a built-in switch to share one IP, using NAT. It would, also, be a bit
more secure.

-
rferoni stood up at show-n-tell, in (e-mail address removed), and
said:
 
thanks for the reply...with the router/switch can both computers be on the
internet at once or can only one computer access the internet at a time?
Also, with both computers running virus software and firewalls why is it
that using the router is more secure?


Ron
 
rferoni said:
thanks for the reply...with the router/switch can both computers be on the
internet at once or can only one computer access the internet at a time?
Also, with both computers running virus software and firewalls why is it
that using the router is more secure?


Ron
Click to expand...


The router solution would be the best. Yes, both can be on the internet at
the same time. With the router, the PC's are more secure because they will
only show the router IP to the outside. Running the virus software and
firewalls is still advisable, but with the router that's one more obstacle
the hackers will have to deal with.

bluestringer
 
-
rferoni stood up at show-n-tell, in (e-mail address removed), and
said:
thanks for the reply...with the router/switch can both computers be
on the internet at once or can only one computer access the internet
at a time? Also, with both computers running virus software and
firewalls why is it that using the router is more secure?
Click to expand...

bluestringer gave a pretty good answer to your queries. And, in agreement
with their statement, I would also advise the use of AV and firewall
software even with the router.
 
Ok......so how much is a router, and how do I go about hooking them up. One
thing I forgot to mention is that this will be a temporary hookup, only
lasting about 6 months. I already have a hub, but if using the router is
better and doesn't cost alot I'll go that route......

Ron

Thanks again for all the help....
 
Guess that depends on what you consider to be 'a lot'. A regular wired
router can be had, for about $50 or less. A good site that can show you
what you need as far as connecting everything is www.wown.com Another
useful site: www.practicallynetworked.com


-
rferoni stood up at show-n-tell, in (e-mail address removed), and
said:
 
rferoni said:
Ok......so how much is a router, and how do I go about hooking them up. One
thing I forgot to mention is that this will be a temporary hookup, only
lasting about 6 months. I already have a hub, but if using the router is
better and doesn't cost alot I'll go that route......

Ron

Thanks again for all the help....
Click to expand...

Go to eCost and add the D-Link DI-604 Router to your cart for $49.98
Send in the $15 rebate and the $19.99 rebate (both expire 12.31.2003) for a
final price of $15.00
eCost is offering free ground shipping on this item
 
Will I have to have one computer on at all times with a router? I want to
have only the computer on that is being used.....I checked out the links
that were posted but cannot find the inforamtion I want. I want to share
the internet connection ONLY, don't care about the computers being able to
pass information to each other.....\

Ron
 
rferoni said this...
Will I have to have one computer on at all times with a router? I want
to have only the computer on that is being used.....
Click to expand...

If you connect via a router then each computer in effect has it's own link
to the internet. It is not necessary to have any particular machine
powered on to allow others to connect. HTH
 
rferoni said:
Will I have to have one computer on at all times with a router? I want to
have only the computer on that is being used.....I checked out the links
that were posted but cannot find the inforamtion I want. I want to share
the internet connection ONLY, don't care about the computers being able to
pass information to each other.....\

Ron
Click to expand...


No, each computer can connect without the other being on, only the modem and
router need be on. You can share the internet without setting up file
sharing. Just connect the modem to the router and the PC's to the router,
then run the internet connection wizard on both computers, and choose the
LAN connection, the wizard will do the rest. The router will come with
instructions on how to set it up.

bluestringer
 
For my money - best site for beginners and intermediate users.
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/

More information than I could put in a post. Poster below gave good
advice - router/switch best way to go. No appreciable slow down that I have
ever noticed and most secure for the average home user.

Linksys/Netgear cable/dsl switch around $40 bucks at your local Best Buy if
you watch the adds.

Kind Regards

Mark
 
ok here's where I'm at after reading all posts here and talking to some
computer guys at the local pc store here......

First of all I KNOW now that the router is the safest bet but,

1st option....Mom already has second IP address(@ $10/ month. She got
it just recently for this purpose cuz I told her she needed one, possibly a
mistake??) so I can use the 4 port hub I already have....all I need is a
100' of caT5 cable($30 at local pc store). Remember, this hookup is only for
an estimated 5-6 months so I'm looking for the cheapest way out....total
cost...about $80($30 for cat5 and $50-60 for second ip over 5-6 months)

2nd option... get a wireless router/card adaptor.. I have no idea what
kind I would get as I have NO experience with wireless routers(or wired
routers for that matter). This route looks to cost about $70 for a wireless
router, $40 for the card...total cost...$110

3rd opton.. The people at my moms cable company said she can use the
hub without a second IP...Is this possible? I didn't think it was. If it
is, I will definately go this route...

Ron











| All,
|
| I need to hook two computers up to the internet at my moms house.
| The two computers do NOT have to be networked to each other, just need to
| make sure each computer can use the internet independently of each other.
I
| told her she needs a second IP(which she called and got) but now I'm not
| sure what I need to do. I figure I have two options....1.use a hub to run
| both computers to the cable modem 2. Have her get a second cable modem and
| run it totally independent of the other. One question I have is does the
| speed of cable diminish over distance as the computers are about 60-70ft.
| apart......please advise....
|
| Ron
|
|
 
does the modem support DHCP? if yes, it will give a (max of so many) IP's to machines hooked to a hub/switch. This would require 1
IP WAN address only.
 
rferoni said:
ok here's where I'm at after reading all posts here and talking to some
computer guys at the local pc store here......

First of all I KNOW now that the router is the safest bet but,

1st option....Mom already has second IP address(@ $10/ month. She got
it just recently for this purpose cuz I told her she needed one, possibly a
mistake??) so I can use the 4 port hub I already have....all I need is a
100' of caT5 cable($30 at local pc store). Remember, this hookup is only for
an estimated 5-6 months so I'm looking for the cheapest way out....total
cost...about $80($30 for cat5 and $50-60 for second ip over 5-6 months)
Click to expand...

A mistake, yes if you take the view you could have done it without, however
since you have it already, using the hub and 2x IPs will get you going right
now, however you say 100' of cable for 30 notes, are you also including the
cost of the rj45 plugs PLUS the cost of the special crimper tool that you
might want to get so you can use the 100' of cable?
2nd option... get a wireless router/card adaptor.. I have no idea what
kind I would get as I have NO experience with wireless routers(or wired
routers for that matter). This route looks to cost about $70 for a wireless
router, $40 for the card...total cost...$110
Click to expand...

Its the best option however over wifi, the latency for online gaming might
not be all you wish for. Your milage may vary.
3rd opton.. The people at my moms cable company said she can use the
hub without a second IP...Is this possible? I didn't think it was. If it
is, I will definately go this route...
Click to expand...

Possible if you have one connected to the net all the time - the machine
must be on for the other to connect, and you dont want that.
 
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