Best way to share cable internet between 2 computers?

[katzdvd]

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]

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

[anonymez]

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

[soup]

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]

I use a wireless router. Works brilliantly.

Regards

[Chewy]

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]

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 time

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
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]

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]

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]

If I understand correctly, if I purchase a D-Link Router
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]

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
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]

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!

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

[MikeyBK]

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!

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]

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]

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%2EJPG%2C33%2D124%2D010%2D06%2EJPG&CurImage=33%2D124%2D010%2D03%2EJPG&Description=LINKSYS+WRT54G+IEEE+802%2E3%2F3u%2C+IEEE+802%2E11b%2Fg+Wireless%2DG+Broadband+Router+%2D+Retail

D-link is a good brand.