I have my main computer hooked up to DSL via usb. I would like to add a second computer which I already have. My modem has a port for both usb and.ethernet. Can I just run an ethernet cable to my second system or do I need to go with a hub or a router?
-
spellling champion Lexington region 1982 -
You could always hook the second computer up using the ethernet cable and see what happens, I have mine hooked up using the ethernet cable to the modem and my wife is using a wireless usb adapter and a wireless router hooked into the DSL Modem I have also used an laptop with a wireless adapter out in my shop and been able to get on the net from there. I think it should work.
TomLast edited by TB Roye; 12-28-2006, 11:05 PM. -
Not sure if your modem will support that... never tried it, never seen it.
If it doesn't work, you can use one computer as a server, and use internet connection sharing to allow others to use the connection as well. In this instance, you would use the ethernet port on your computer that is connected to the modem for the interface to the second computer.
For just two computers, and only two computers, you generally can network them with what is called a "crossover" ethernet cable. (Crossover refers to the fact that the transmit signal pair is connected to the receive signal pair on the other end, etc.). It's a special version of the ethernet cable, likely available at a well-stocked electronics store.
Setting up your computer to be the internet server... well, that's where my advice begins to fade. I do know that Window's Internet Connection sharing is fussy. It requires that the server has a particular IP address, ending in zero, I believe. Your DSL modem may not support that.Comment
-
I've had Qwest DSL for 3 years. When I first set it up, I used th USB port to connect to the machine by the DSL modem, and the Ethernet to run to another room. Worked fine for accessing Internet and email, but I could not set up a home network, and have the systems recognize each other, and share drives. I finally disabled the USB, adding a Linksys (Cisco) 5 port hub, and everything works as expected. I only paid $10 for the hub, and you usually always see them for cheap, and occasionally free after a rebate.
Ditch the USB connection, and I'll bet your troubles go away. Also, my DSL modem had wirelss turned off by default. It is easy to turn on, but be sure to enable encryption so you do not have neighbors accessing your system!
Now I can share files, and access printers, from any machine, including laptops with a wireless card. I am not IT expert, and I set it all up myself.LeeComment
-
Ethernet switches are inexpensive (I forget how much mine was but it was less than $25). Plug the switch into your DSL modem's Ethernet port, then both computers into the switch via Ethernet cables. The DSL modem should assign IP addresses to both computers.
You could use a hub if you want, but you'll get better speed with a switch. Almost all switches nowadays are self-configuring, which means the switch will figure out which port leads to the DSL modem, and which lead to the computers. A hub is more stupid, and you have to make sure you plug the DSL into the "uplink" port on the switch.
I haven't had to do this for several years now, so I'm a little fuzzy on the details. IIRC it was pretty easy.
OTOH, since we're talking about Windows boxes, there's probably some futzing around with network settings that needs to be done. Can't help you with that!
The Mac guy,
g.Smit
"Be excellent to each other."
Bill & TedComment
-
I think this is the solution you should use. Don't bother with the USB to the modem, USB does not make good networking.
Instead of a N-port hub you could spring for a 802.11G wireless Router with four hard wired ports and a wireless capability as well for much better networking. I can't tell you how nice it is to be sitting in the family roon, a laptop on the lap and be watching TV and spending time with the family. Fress up the computers to be anywhere.
Loring in Katy, TX USA
If your only tool is a hammer, you tend to treat all problems as if they were nails.
BT3 FAQ - https://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/di...sked-questionsComment
-
There are a handful of solutions that will work - it just depends on how much internet security you want/need and how much you want to spend for the solution. Fortunately a great solution can be had for around $50.
1. You could use what you have and just hook up a CAT5 cable to the dsl modem and computer #2 - I've never tried this, but I suspect that it would work. Pros: No cost, no trip to the store. Cons: Probably no file/printer sharing between the 2 computers, as mentioned USB isn't really all that great for networking. Probably no firewall built into the dsl modem, so may have a security risk.
2. You could use a crossover CAT5 cable between the 2 computers and use internet connection sharing (ICS) if built in to your version of windows. Pros: very little cost, file/printer sharing. Cons: ICS is clunky, computer #2's ability to connect to the internet is dependent on computer #1 being up and running. No firewall - security risk.
3. You could get a cheap 10/100 switch or hub (preferably switch) for very little and connect the dsl modem to the switch (using the uplink port on the switch if it has one, or using a crossover CAT5 cable if not) and connect the 2 computers to the switch with straight-thru CAT5 cables. Pros: little cost, better networking, file/printer sharing ability. Cons: some cost, trip to store. No firewall - security risk.
4. You could spend around $50 and get a 4-port router with firewall built in. You may want to get one that can do wireless if you think that may ever be a benefit (most of the ones that you will find in the stores will do wireless and only cost a few$ more than the non-wireless products). Linksys makes one that I have used for a few years and I really like it. http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satel...VisitorWrapper
I'm sure that Netgear, D-Link, etc. make similar products that may be as good but I've not encountered anything as good as the Linksys for as little money (others opinions may vary).
Pros: Security, better networking, file/printer sharing, no need to get more equipment should you get a laptop later
Cons: Cost, trip to the store, a little bit of configuration (you wll want to disable wireless networking for now if there is no present need for it, use the encrypted wireless networking when needed)
Good luck!!BillComment
-
You really should just go with a router. First, USB, as was mentioned before, isn't designed for networking. It is probably the slowest link between you and the internet right now, or close to it. Just plugging a switch or hub in to the modem probably will not work. If you do that, each computer would need to get it's own IP address from your phone company. They probably will not allow that without upgrading your account to something more expensive. Using one computer for internet sharing will work, but it will slow that computer down a little bit, not the best way. Just go out and get a cheap router and everything should work easily. It takes care of the IP issue by creating a private local network and doing some fancy work to map that to the internet. It also provides a basic firewall. You get extra security for your computers. Wireless is nice if you have a laptop, or plan to get one. Otherwise, it might not be worth the money.
JimComment
-
Many good recommendations here and I'll add my own.
1) Get a linksys router (they all include a firewall). It's a bad idea to have any PC direct connected to the internet regardless if it's running a firewall or not. Each PC can connect to the router. Make sure it's a router and not a hub.
2) Wireless: Good but only if you know how to secure it. Based on your question, I think this is a bad idea as it could leave all your computers open to attack.GaryComment
-
Get a broadband router and set up a home network.
Hooking up a second PC to modem via Ethernet might work, but I think there might be conflicts.
Making one PC an 'Internet gateway' - grossly inconvenient. Unless you have it on 24/7, the need to turn it on anytime another user wants to use Internet - ick.
And if you only do stuff like web browsing and email, it does not concern you, but if either PC is to do any sort of intensive activity like online gaming, router is a must.
When you have your PC connected directly to a DSL modem, you need a connectivity software running on the PC. As any other software, it has to share resources (CPU, RAM), meaning anytime you do anything strenuous on a PC (like gaming) you get flaky connection - at least this was the case with me before getting a router. I'd start an online game, and my connection would putter out within minutes.
A router maintains all of the connectivity in hardware, maintaining quality of connection no matter what PC is doing. It also provides an additional security layer via built-in firewall. It adds great flexibility - you can easily add more PCs as needed. Or, you can add network printers, scanners, cameras, and other gadgets.
If you get a wireless router (you want at least one PC connected via wired in order to do setup etc), you gain even greater flexibility. I.E. take a laptop with you to workshop and have internet access right there. Just be sure to secure your router - set a strong admin password, change network SSID, disable SSID broadcast, and set up encryption. One thing to keep in mind though, is if you got 2.4GHz cordless phones in the house, you are going to have conflicts. If your phones are 900MHz or 5.8GHz, you are fine.
Far as price - go to www.newegg.com, and select 'Wireless Networking Devices' under 'Networking'. Right now they got a deal: D-Link DI-524 router that, after a $25 rebate, comes out to only $20. (Plus $6 shipping). And since you are in PA, you'll get it in about 2 days max.
P.S. all wireless routers have option to switch wireless off so only the wired ports (usually 4 of them) work. Saves you the trouble of security setup, but keeps your options open.Last edited by scorrpio; 12-29-2006, 07:43 AM.Comment
-
I think that you'll find that the router / home network option is universally considered the best solution - I listed the other options because different people have different needs and financial situations. If his dsl modem has a firewall built-in, a less expensive solution may work for him. (I doubt that it does, but several different models have popped up in the last few years.)
Wireless may never be a benefit to him, but it can be easily turned off in the configuration utility. A few months ago, I helped my brother share his broadband connection and a trip to BestBuy and Staples revealed 0 routers that weren't able to do wireless on the shelves. He could have ordered one for $5 less and waited a few days for the store to get it. He opted to get the wireless version and disabled the wireless function (his wife was later issued a laptop from work, so he turned the wireless function back on and it worked out well).
I am amazed at how good and inexpensive the broadband routers have gotten. I think that I got one of the first Linksys soho routers for my old work 6-7 years ago for around $200 (and thought that it was a good deal at the time), now you can get one that's a whole lot better, more secure, easier to configure - with wireless for $50 (a slow old wireless access point alone used to be $100+). I guess most computer stuff has gotten that way. (Things have come along way since the days when my brother and I would "network" our computers with a direct-cable connection through the printer ports and some DOS commands to play Doom (or some other shooter) against each other.BillComment
-
First, thanks for all the help. I must first admit that I gave you some bad info. The computer I now have is hooked using an ethernet cable. It seems clear that ethernet is the way to go. The second computer will be used for web surfing and an occasional E-Mail. The rub is that it does not have an ethernet connection. I suspect that is not a difficult situation to rectify.I do not know about the cost. That leaves me needing ethernet cable,an ethernet port for the PC and either a hub or switch. Does that sound about right? I am using a Wirespeed B90 DSL router.Last edited by messmaker; 12-29-2006, 08:52 AM.spellling champion Lexington region 1982Comment
-
It's very easy to add a network card if you have a free PCI slot, and cheap too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124107
I've used several (older versions, I suspect) of these cards, they work fine. About $10 after shipping and rebate. Basically, anything from one of the major brands is fine.
It sounds like you have it about right, assuming the DSL router can do what you need. You should probably pick up a couple extra network cables just to be sure you have what you need.
JimComment
-
I would definitely go wirless in that case. Buy a wireless interface card instead of an ethernet interface card for the second PC. Place a wireless access point with more than one ethernet port athe DSL modem to provide connectivity wired pc as well as the wireless one.
JRJRComment
LCHIEN
Comment