cant renew IP address

[sawiggins]

hey I'm not a computer wiz so take it easy on me, but i cant get my Internet to work. I have two computers i am trying to run through a hub, but they won't both work. i can get one to work, but the other has low or no connectivity. when i try to repair the connection it says it cant renew my ip address. I'm using a netgear hub, and a cable modem through timewarner. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

[lenwest]

You need a router, not a hub to connect more than one computer to your broadband modem.

[sawiggins]

6

[sawiggins]

what is a hub for?

[lenwest]

Hubs - that aren't also switches, are becoming relics these days. They are basically a dumb switch. A router assigns internal IP addresses to each computer connected to it. If you need to, you could connect the hub to one of the ports on the router to add additional computers, but a switch would do a better job.
A router usually has a built in switch ( a smart hub) to route data to the various computers connected to it. If not, a switch could be connected to the router.
But you do need a router unless you get extra IP addresses from your ISP (who will charge you for them)

[press2esc]

Are you connected via cable or DSL? Also, if DSL, what kind of modem are you using....

Most current DSL modems are also routers, so the hub should work fine with your 2 PCs.

P2E

hey I'm not a computer wiz so take it easy on me, but i cant get my Internet to work. I have two computers i am trying to run through a hub, but they won't both work. i can get one to work, but the other has low or no connectivity. when i try to repair the connection it says it cant renew my ip address. I'm using a netgear hub, and a cable modem through timewarner. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

[lenwest]

hey I'm not a computer wiz so take it easy on me, but i cant get my Internet to work. I have two computers i am trying to run through a hub, but they won't both work. i can get one to work, but the other has low or no connectivity. when i try to repair the connection it says it cant renew my ip address. I'm using a netgear hub, and a cable modem through timewarner. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

As you mention a cable modem (not a DSL modem) and you're not getting an IP address, it's likely that there is no router capability with the cable modem.
Your symptoms indicate no router and I suggest using a router between the cable modem and the 2 computers. I did mention earlier that you could use the hub (instead of the router) if you really want to as long as you're prepared to pay your ISP an additional monthly fee for the 2nd IP. Routers are quite cheap, particularly so if you don't want/need wireless capabilities. If you are considering wireless, then look for a good wireless router (you can connect to it either by wire or wireless).