Best way to share cable internet between 2 computers? [Archive]

katzdvd

20 Jan 2007, 10:35 AM

I need to know the best way to share cable internet between 2 computers?
Easiest trouble free connection/price/reliability? I guess I only want 1 IP address, in which I would need a hub or switch. I want to share the single connection, & not have to pay for 2.

Would this be a good way?
External cable or DSL modems connected via USB
In this case, one Ethernet NIC is needed to connect to the LAN, but since the cable / DSL modem is connected via USB, you don't need a second NIC.

LT. Columbo

20 Jan 2007, 10:44 AM

i just bought a router ($40) up to four connections

anonymez

20 Jan 2007, 10:51 AM

Would this be a good way?

no, not for me anyway. the PC that's connected to the modem via USB must be on for the other to have internet access, ethernet is recommended. better to get yourself a hub IMO. they're inexpensive http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7017/smile6ku.gif

soup

20 Jan 2007, 11:03 AM

I have router/modem AIO, hardwired to second computer, also have 4 connections available. Almost forgot, I still have the modem & router I was using before packed away in a box somewhere. so more connections.

blutach

20 Jan 2007, 01:44 PM

I use a wireless router. Works brilliantly.

Regards

Chewy

20 Jan 2007, 02:18 PM

a good cable or dsl modem had a built in 4 port router switch, if you have a modem with only one cat 5 ethernet plug available and it has a decent nat, hardware firewall then a switch is the simplest way to go.

many usb or ethernet modems don't work on both connections, just one at a time

katzdvd

20 Jan 2007, 10:14 PM

chewy - If I used a switch, wouldn't I need an IP address for each pc?
many usb or ethernet modems don't work on both connections, just one at a timeI don't quite understand what you mean by that.
My Motorola Surfboard modem has 1 ethernet jack & 1 USB jack.

If I understand correctly, if I purchase a D-Link Router (http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=155465&cmArea=SEARCH)
I will be able to connect to the internet with 2 pc's simultaneously, by connecting the ethernet from my cable modem to ther router?

Chewy

20 Jan 2007, 10:28 PM

My Motorola Surfboard modem has 1 ethernet jack & 1 USB jack.

which model?

I'll take this model
Advanced Time Division Multiple Access (A-TDMA) technology significantly increases your upstream data throughput in A-TDMA-enabled cable systems up to 30 Megabits per second (Mbps), approximately three times higher than the 10 Mbps maximum upstream throughput in DOCSIS 1.0 systems today. This allows you to send large files in less time, thereby saving you precious time and money.

spuddog

21 Jan 2007, 01:10 AM

I have cable internet, my modem is a Motorola surfboard SB5100. I have it connected to a Netgear WGR614 router. It allows me to share internet connection between two computers by Cat5, and one wireless. When my son is home he connects wirelessly also. I have my printer connected to the router so anyone can print. I got the router around 1 1/2 years ago at BestBuy for ~$20 US.
The router assigns internal addresses, but to the outside world there is only one, (this may depend on your service provider). I would go with a wireless capable router, to leave all options open.

LT. Columbo

21 Jan 2007, 01:32 AM

If I understand correctly, if I purchase a D-Link Router (http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=155465&cmArea=SEARCH)
I will be able to connect to the internet with 2 pc's simultaneously, by connecting the ethernet from my cable modem to ther router?

you got it, i also went with d-link:)

jm1647

21 Jan 2007, 02:22 AM

chewy - If I used a switch, wouldn't I need an IP address for each pc?
I don't quite understand what you mean by that.
My Motorola Surfboard modem has 1 ethernet jack & 1 USB jack.

If I understand correctly, if I purchase a D-Link Router (http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=155465&cmArea=SEARCH)
I will be able to connect to the internet with 2 pc's simultaneously, by connecting the ethernet from my cable modem to ther router?

I went with a wired Linksys BEFSR41 over 2 years ago. 4 connections that can be increased by switches or hubs and file and printer sharing is possible also. The cable modem is seen by the outside world and the router creates its own lil network inside that can't normally be seen by the outside world. And ya don't hafta pay your ISP any more money for the additional connections

katzdvd

21 Jan 2007, 05:30 AM

MikeyBK

21 Jan 2007, 05:42 AM

Okay!
Thanks to all for the info./suggestions. Guess I'm off to purchase a router. I am thinking that I will go wired just to make it easy as far as security goes, with the wireless issue.

I live out in the woods, but you never know who may be listening! :D

Also, with the router, I do not need to run a firewall on either pc?

You can get a wireless router that can also go hardwire. Start off hardwired and then if later you'd like to go wireless.

I'd recommend each PC to have it's own firewall installed. Zonealarm is free and does a terrific job.

katzdvd

21 Jan 2007, 05:47 AM

You can get a wireless router that can also go hardwire. Start off hardwired and then if later you'd like to go wireless. Does mostly all of the current crop of routers have both options, or is that something I have to look for specifically?

MikeyBK

21 Jan 2007, 05:52 AM

Does mostly all of the current crop of routers have both options, or is that something I have to look for specifically?

There are routers that only have hardwire ports, but most wireless ones have hardwire ethernet ports.
Here's a pic/Example..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.asp?Image=33%2D124%2D010%2D04%2EJPG%2C33 %2D124%2D010%2D03%2EJPG%2C33%2D124%2D010%2D02%2EJP G%2C33%2D124%2D010%2D06%2EJPG&CurImage=33%2D124%2D010%2D03%2EJPG&Description=LINKSYS+WRT54G+IEEE+802%2E3%2F3u%2C+IE EE+802%2E11b%2Fg+Wireless%2DG+Broadband+Router+%2D +Retail
D-link is a good brand.

drfsupercenter

21 Jan 2007, 07:38 AM

I use a wireless router. Works brilliantly.

I use one too, the nice thing is the computers can be anywhere in the house. It also has 4 ethernet outputs, so one goes to the main PC, it can go to another if it's in range.

My computer just has a USB wireless-B adapter, those are around $50.

jm1647

21 Jan 2007, 08:07 AM

I'd recommend each PC to have it's own firewall installed. Zonealarm is free and does a terrific job.

:thumbs_up I agree and use the free ZoneAlarm as another wall to break thru on the way in and also to control things going out and have most asking for permission to go out. If I have a program asking for permission to go out and I ain't using it then I know something ain't right. :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

21 Jan 2007, 11:22 PM

Chewy

21 Jan 2007, 11:32 PM

Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs?

they tried that at first, my local dsl provider ships a modem with built in nat,
usb and ethernet(4 port router w/wireless) standard equiptment

spuddog

21 Jan 2007, 11:42 PM

With my provider it really doesn't matter, I pay for a certain bandwidth. how I split it up is up to me.

jm1647

22 Jan 2007, 02:31 AM

I was wondering; Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs? Seems to me that they would, since I am only paying for one hookup.

Guess I have to hide the router when they come out for a service call :D

Renting the equipment from the cable company would cost ya more. I have left my router hooked up with ComCast when they came out and no problem.

I rent the modem and whenever they start using a better one I trade the one I have in. I went from the old 3Com to the new Motorola Surfboard a while back. :toast: :beer:

LT. Columbo

22 Jan 2007, 05:26 AM

I was wondering; Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs? Seems to me that they would, since I am only paying for one hookup.

Guess I have to hide the router when they come out for a service call :D

mine don't. they even gave me advice on which router to buy. everybody has routers these days. much like cable tv splitters.

katzdvd

22 Jan 2007, 10:31 PM

My local pc store has a "generic brand" router for around $28.00. The next closest is a D-Link for aound $49.00. Would the cheapo one be fine? Anyone have any experience with an off brand router?

drfsupercenter

23 Jan 2007, 10:30 PM

I was wondering; Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs? Seems to me that they would, since I am only paying for one hookup.

My ISP is like "routers aren't supported, but go ahead and use one" - most do that nowadays

Dan

24 Jan 2007, 12:06 AM

I sold my router when my ISP gave me a new modem with 4 port router and wireless built in.

Haven't used any generic routers, but I liked both D-Link and Linksys.

LT. Columbo

24 Jan 2007, 03:02 AM

my store talked me out of the el cheapo modem, several places all rec the d-link.

katzdvd

24 Jan 2007, 11:22 AM

my store talked me out of the el cheapo modem, several places all rec the d-link.

Well, I did it; I cheaped out & went with the $28.00 "budget router" :D

I have 14 days to return it to the store if it doesn't work out. I have been doing speed tests with both pc's & so far all seems to be working great.

Next question; how do I get access to the other pc for files/printer,etc.?

:cat:

LT. Columbo

24 Jan 2007, 12:14 PM

my computer>my network places>set up home or small office network

you have to do this on both pcs.

doctorhardware

24 Jan 2007, 07:29 PM

You have to enable the file and printer sharing on both computers I think.

katzdvd

24 Jan 2007, 09:51 PM

Chewy

25 Jan 2007, 12:10 AM

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
sounds like that modem is more than just a modem and the router and it will need some help?

katzdvd

25 Jan 2007, 12:16 AM

I found this in a google search;
Configuration for video steaming; If you run a network with a router you will need to open some ports & redirect them to your computer.

What is my next step?

Chewy

25 Jan 2007, 12:57 AM

I would doublecheck an ipconfig /all and make sure the addresses are in order

jm1647

25 Jan 2007, 01:24 AM

I have noticed that after I am online for awhile, that Zonealarm starts to block my internet access completely. If I turn Zonealarm off, I am able to surf w/ no problems.

Am I safe enough behind the router alone? I guess I could lower the settings in Zonealarm, they are at High/Medium now, which is default, I think.

EDIT: Another "quirk" has happened. I am unable to view streaming video; youtube, google, cnn, etc. Will stream for a few seconds & freeze. Will continue to stream/freeze until end of clip.

Any one else experience this w/ a router setup?

I'm at High and Medium in ZoneAlarm free edition and no problems whatsoever and all streaming content works fine on 3 PCs hardwired to my Linksys router. File and print sharing is OK too with each PC IP entered into the Trusted Zone of ZA :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

25 Jan 2007, 06:02 AM

I would doublecheck an ipconfig /all and make sure the addresses are in orderLook right?http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/525/ip1mr.png (http://imageshack.us)

I had to leave eariler today & powered down. When I returned & booted the pc, I am able to view stream vid. now.
What would cause this to happen after being online for several hours?

EDIT - I only have the one pc online right now - I am changing the HD in the other one.

Chewy

25 Jan 2007, 07:13 AM

with dsl I see a different ip listed for gateway and primary

would somebody with cable check?

katzdvd

25 Jan 2007, 08:09 AM

would somebody with cable check?yeah, somebody check! :)

At this point, I just have the main pc connected directly to my modem, as I am installing a larger HD in the other pc.

I have been having ISP issues as well the last week or so. I can do a speedtest at several different sites with results from 3.5 to 5 Mbp, but my general web page surfing seems to be erratic/slow.

Comcast looked at my modem from their office, says its' my Zonealarm/avast...
I think they are "throttling" :D

jm1647

25 Jan 2007, 08:39 AM

I have the actual outside IP 68.... addresses for DNS and DHCP Servers and not the internal 192......with my Linksys :toast: :beer:

Chewy

25 Jan 2007, 08:43 AM

kind of wonder if his cable modem has a built in nat with dhcp

that will screw everything up unless you surf into the router and give it a different ip

jm1647

25 Jan 2007, 08:49 AM

kind of wonder if his cable modem has a built in nat with dhcp

that will screw everything up unless you surf into the router and give it a different ip

I dunno with Comcast my old 3Com and Surfboard 5101 modems work fine where I'm at.

Katz did you configure anything manually on the PC or have it assigned to get IP automatically? :toast: :beer:

jm1647

25 Jan 2007, 08:53 AM

Mine looks like this

drfsupercenter

25 Jan 2007, 12:54 PM

Configuration for video steaming; If you run a network with a router you will need to open some ports & redirect them to your computer.

I have all ports open so I can download and stream faster - it's dangerous but works :) (use router config for this)

katzdvd

25 Jan 2007, 01:13 PM

jm - Katz did you configure anything manually on the PC or have it assigned to get IP automatically?Get IP automatically. I didn't change any settings.

I decided to take the cheapo router back & got a D-Link. I am in the process of getting the other pc back up & running, will be a day or so before I can test the router setup again.

Chewy

25 Jan 2007, 01:15 PM

do an ipconfig without a router hooked up

jm1647

25 Jan 2007, 02:09 PM

I have all ports open so I can download and stream faster - it's dangerous but works :) (use router config for this)

All open is bad, closed is worse, stealth is best which I have and still can get streaming video

Port Authority Edition — Internet Vulnerability Profile
by Steve Gibson, Gibson Research Corporation.

This textual summary may be printed, or marked and copied
for subsequent pasting into any other application:

----------------------------------------------------------------------

GRC Port Authority Report created on UTC: 2007-01-25 at 04:02:21

Results from scan of ports: 0-1055

0 Ports Open
0 Ports Closed
1056 Ports Stealth
---------------------
1056 Ports Tested

ALL PORTS tested were found to be: STEALTH.

TruStealth: PASSED - ALL tested ports were STEALTH,
- NO unsolicited packets were received,
- NO Ping reply (ICMP Echo) was received.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

:toast: :beer:

katzdvd

25 Jan 2007, 10:58 PM

do an ipconfig without a router hooked up

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9348/ipcon7jw.png (http://imageshack.us)

When I called my ISP yesterday to complain about my surfing speeds, he asked me; "Are you running a router?" lol

He assured me that nothing was wrong with my connection, but after my phone call, I was surfing websites like mad - go figure...

katzdvd

30 Jan 2007, 11:55 AM

I connected my new D-Link router today. Things seem to be working great, although I only have 1 pc on it at this time. Question; D-Link recommends that I install their "Network Magic" software to use for transferring files/sharing folders, etc. between pcs.

Is this necessary; do any of you use the "Network Magic" software?

Chewy

30 Jan 2007, 12:24 PM

I wouldn't follow any D-Link reccomendations on software, with windows xp and especially pro you get some very good networking capabilities, why crap it up with third party stuff.

I learned to reboot an office computer that had been left on too long and was behind a locked door so I could refresh the brousemaster list on our network, my buddy just pulled the ethernet cable.

MikeyBK

30 Jan 2007, 12:59 PM

I'm with Chewy here, there is absolutely nothing to gain, :)

katzdvd

30 Jan 2007, 04:06 PM

I have both pc's on the network right now - the speed is amazing. I don't understand why there seems to be such an improvement speedwise since I installed this router, but I'm not complaining :D

I won't install any of the D-Link software, as you guys recommended not to. I am trying to get these systems running as clean as possible so I can iron out some other issues.

As Chewy stated once, "I'm thru with experimenting" - "Run lean & mean" :D

jm1647

30 Jan 2007, 06:38 PM

@katzdvd - I'm glad to hear everything is working out with the new router :clap: and my Linskys router also works great and doesn't need any additional software to work. IIRC it didn't come with any software, plug it in, configure it and it worked.

If the Dlink came with a default password like the Linksys, I recommend changing it :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

30 Jan 2007, 10:32 PM

jm1647

30 Jan 2007, 10:37 PM

I have noticed an issue, but I can live with it; After I am online for awhile, several hours, I lose the connection (again). But, if I turn off Zonealarm, restart I.E., I get the conenction back.

I then restart Zonealarm & all is well again. Another glitch with software, I guess...

try adding the router IP to the truted zone in ZoneAlarm and also each of the PC IPs for file and print sharing :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

30 Jan 2007, 10:43 PM

try adding the router IP to the truted zone in ZoneAlarm and also each of the PC IPs for file and print sharing ?

Where do I do that at, exactly? Under program control in ZA?

jm1647

30 Jan 2007, 10:45 PM

?

Where do I do that at, exactly? Under program control in ZA?

Under Firewall then Zones :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

30 Jan 2007, 10:48 PM

jm,

I believe my IP address changes periodically...I don't think it is a static address, I think I recall the tech telling me that.

jm1647

30 Jan 2007, 10:48 PM

I had a typo, that should be trusted zone in ZoneAlarm :( :toast: :beer:

jm1647

30 Jan 2007, 10:50 PM

jm,

I believe my IP address changes periodically...I don't think it is a static address, I think I recall the tech telling me that.

The internal IP of the router and the PCs it gives them...192.168.1.XX :toast: :beer:

jm1647

30 Jan 2007, 11:00 PM

Here is how my ZA settings look and it works OK, no problems with the internet or file and print sharing :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

30 Jan 2007, 11:03 PM

Did that on both pc's. Will keep tabs on it - see how it goes :)

jm1647

30 Jan 2007, 11:07 PM

Did that on both pc's. Will keep tabs on it - see how it goes :)

Works fine with my Linksys and the free ZoneAlarm . Good Luck :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

31 Jan 2007, 06:19 AM

lovesdvds2

31 Jan 2007, 06:29 AM

i'm new here and just curious how to post a question about setting DMA. i read about it and did reply, but no response, wondering if i did it right. can anyone help please. thanks

jm1647

31 Jan 2007, 12:41 PM

jm - came back to the pc just now, after sitting idle for 7 hrs., no internet. I turned off ZA, connected fine. I then turned on ZA, & surfing back to normal. I have it configured just like your pic. I am running vers. 5.5, I know there is an update avail.

@katz - I'm at 6.5.737.000....that might be it, did you change any of the default permissions in Program control?

katzdvd

31 Jan 2007, 12:50 PM

did you change any of the default permissions in Program control?I didn't. This problem seems to be intermittent as well as my "sound" problem in the other thread! :D

I have been connected for the past 7 hrs. just fine, no probs.:confused:

jm1647

31 Jan 2007, 12:54 PM

I didn't. This problem seems to be intermittent as well as my "sound" problem in the other thread! :D

I have been connected for the past 7 hrs. just fine, no probs.:confused:

I didn't see the other problem yet....I would upgrade to the latest ZA anyway :toast: :beer:

katzdvd

1 Feb 2007, 08:49 AM

Do you guys unplug your router from AC when not in use, or leave it connected 24/7?

LT. Columbo

1 Feb 2007, 09:09 AM

Do you guys unplug your router from AC when not in use, or leave it connected 24/7?

24-7. why unplug it?:)

Dan

1 Feb 2007, 09:19 AM

24-7 :thumbs_up

katzdvd

1 Feb 2007, 09:26 AM

24-7. why unplug it? I usually power my pc down overnight, unless I am I multi-shrinking, etc. I then kill the power to the pc. I know most of you guys run your systems non-stop. :)

doctorhardware

1 Feb 2007, 10:02 AM

I leave my netgear on 24/7, unless I have a problem then I power cycle the wireless router. BTW I have Comcast.

soup

1 Feb 2007, 12:06 PM

24/7 & hopefully 365.

jm1647

1 Feb 2007, 02:38 PM

24/7 & hopefully 365.

Me too, I keep 3 on 24/7

folding, folding, folding :D :toast: :beer:

Chewy

1 Feb 2007, 02:50 PM

here's a good experiment, throw a towel or sweater over the top of your router

see how long before you have to cycle it

NightTran

1 Feb 2007, 03:41 PM

here's a good experiment, throw a towel or sweater over the top of your router

see how long before you have to cycle it

that is the test I would never try :-)

katzdvd

4 Feb 2007, 08:02 AM

Working with fresh install of xp here, & would like to try to keep it as clean as possible. :D

Since many of us are behind a router;

How many here just rely on the windows firewall to do the job for you? I was thinking of not re-installing ZA if the windows firewall can keep things secure enough.

soup

4 Feb 2007, 08:30 AM

Most programs don't even recognize Windows firewall as a firewall. If I remember right from when I used it, HiJackThis didn't.

Chewy

4 Feb 2007, 08:53 AM

I have been running over a year without any problems just with windows firewall and the nat in the router

Dan

4 Feb 2007, 09:07 AM

Same here.

MikeyBK

4 Feb 2007, 09:52 AM

I'm surprised ZoneAlarm gave you some problems. I have it on several PCs without any issues (two desktops and two laptops). I am planning to install it along with the free AdAware and AVG Anti-virus on my son's and another daughter's laptops as well.

So far this combo of freeware has been a winner. :thumbs_up

katzdvd

4 Feb 2007, 10:39 AM

I'm surprised ZoneAlarm gave you some problems. The new vers. seemed to work well. I just was thinking of keeping the pc as clean as possible & not reinstalling any extra programs that I on't really need.

jm1647

4 Feb 2007, 10:41 AM