Posted: 1/22/2005 6:17:44 PM EDT
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I am subscribing to a cable ISP, and I am wondering about splitting up the line so that I can surf the internet on my desktop and my girlfriend can do the same on her computer simultaneously. Does this merely involve getting a router and two ethernet cables? My girlfriend was under the impression that we might have to pay more to the ISP because each computer would use two different IP addresses. Does anyone have any knowledge of the subject? My ISP is Roadrunner (south TX). Thx in advance! 45 |
So you would recommend a minimum of 4 'ports' (i assume this is an outgoing jack?) for our two computers? ETA: No wait, I got it, two comps, two ports. Misunderstood ya.  Thanks for the input, gentlemen. Gotta love the ARFCOM knowledge base! 
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Go to radioshack, get yourself a linksys router. Just tell em that's what you want, they'll give it right to you. Go home, plug the cable modem into the internet/wan port, plug your computers into ports 1 and 2. turn everything on and you're done. |
And don’t forget to smile real big when you tell your girlfriend she was wrong. |
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Go wireless, then you don't have to fight the cables. You plug an ethernet cable from the cable modem's output to the WAN port of the wireless router. These routers will still have RJ-45 ports so that you can plug in ethernet cards. I assume your modem is next to your desktop. Then this router just plugs in between your cable modem and your computer's ethernet card as it was before. If your girlfriend's computer is a laptop, you can get this bundle (router + wireless card) for $45 after rebate: www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1022156&CatId=370 Now she can move around the house with the laptop. Or you can buy just the router (for about $40 from tigerdirect) and for some really good range, this wireless card: www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=562324&CatId=367 I can attest personally to the greatly improved range and solid link with this SMC card. One hint, if she uses Win XP, do not install the SMC utility. It conflicts with XP. Instead, turn off the computer, plug in the card, boot up. The computer will recognize new hardware, ask for the CD to install the drivers, do so. Let Win XP's Wireless Zero operate the card, and you will not have any problems. If your girlfriend has a desktop in another room, no need to run wires, you can get this: www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=81237&CatId=370 No need to remove an ethernet adapter, you computer can have phone modem, ethernet, and wireless adapters all at the same time. |
Yea but: If the computers are in different rooms and wire won’t be easy to run go wireless... but if not there is no need to incur 3 times the cost and potentially more setup problems when you can run wire. |
If you go wireless, please remember to change the default settings (password, encryption, etc). My buddy could sit in his living room and browse his neighbor's LAN because the dude left the default settings on his wireless router. |
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I just set up a linksys router ($40 at Walmart) on a Roadrunner Cable Internet earlier today. The CD that comes with it will automatically hook up the two computers. Went real easy for me. You'll also need two ethernet cables to run to the two computers from the router. You can use the one that currently runs from your cable modem to the computer to go to the new router. |
DITTO WHAT HE SAID. |
Yea another problem with wireless unless you have some knowledge (which I assume you don’t from the initial question) you can open yourself wide open if you setup a wireless router security incorrectly. Of course you can get help here. |
Don't forget, alot of networks are left open to share the access.. My wireless router is an example of this. Just because you can access my internet connection does not mean you have free reign over my computers on my network, though. |
Yes but that is a dangerous thing for someone who does not know exactly what they are doing. You know how to secure your network he don’t |
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Another cheap option if you meet the following criteria: 1-Running a wire between the computer is OK 2-Both computers have a network card 3-You only want 2 computers on your network 4-May require Windows XP (not sure about 95, 98, etc) ??? Get a "crossover cable" (looks much like a network cable, but has a different configuration of wiring), plug it onto the 2 network cards. Use the Network Wizard to get the machines talking. Turn on ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) and allow printer sharing if you need it. I went this route (using dial up Internet) with a laptop and desk top, had it working in a matter of minutes. The IT guy at work made the cable for me so I've got $0 invested in it. |
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OK my 2 cents worth. # of ports is not an issue other than to save you on additional hardware (hub or switch). IIRC a router can support 253 boxes on the subnet. If going wireless be sure to get a unit that supports 802.11G. With alittle work (or the XP wizard  ) you can share files between your 2 systems and the speed of a "G" system can come close to a hardwired 100TX connection. ( 802.11B is about 1/9 the speed  )Personally I stick with hardwired and a good switch. You would be shocked to see how fast my friends ( M$ Employees ) could own your network even when you have followed all the proper security settings and procedures. Finally - something I use all the time - the shared printer(s). |
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I thought you were meaning one of these freud-tools.com/freudft2000e.html |