Networking with cable

[pompey]

Ok i read through alot of these threads but they gave me different answers. So I want the best one. I have two computers rogers cable internet access. Now i want to network them and share internet access. Can u plz tell me exactly what I need to network them with one ip. And also network them if i decide to get two ip's one for each computer.

Thanx

[BDillon21]

The easiest way would be to use a router. Each computer would also need a network card stuffed in it too. If you decide to buy another IP, then ditch the router and go with a switch.
A router however would be a much better way to go. They incoporate a switch which is much quicker than a hub, and have built in firewall protection. Plus you don't have to purchase a second IP. Other methods could involve setting up a Internet server and throwing 2 network cards in it. One for Internet, and one for your Intranet. You could use something like WinGate, Analog X, WinProxy, or Windows own ICS to route your IP's. I dont recommend the previous mentioned set up if you are a novice though. Those type of setups can be tempermental and difficult to maintain. I would only go with 2 nics in the same machine if money was an issue, as this way can be a lot cheaper than a router.
I think most would agree that a router would be the best way to go. You can get a good quality router for around 70 bucks. Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link are all good ones to choose. I prefer the Netgear RT314.

[dragon0123]

When I wired up my cable modem with charter.net. I wasnt sure if it was going to work as they said I only had one IP address. I had bought a hub and 2 cards and installed them and a crossover cable ($5) which goes from the hub to the modem. The two computers are connected to the hub. Too my surprise the thing works. no router or switch. it assigns another IP address to the second computer. I really dont know if this is a mistake on charters part or not, but my IPs are different. The second computer doesnt get used that much so I needd a cheeper alternative. you might want to give it a try..:rotfl:

[TXJustin]

Hey Dragon -

Likely an issue with your provider. A few years ago, Southwestern Bell stated that their DSL service only supported 1 computer -- but they used standard DHCP software, which basically gives out an IP address to anyone that asks if they are available.

Enjoy the easy setup while it lasts, as it may not be for too long.

[fastchevy]

Dragon...

actually that is if you just use the Xover cable from the 2nd NIC on the server maching to the NIC on your client it will work...and it's the simply way of doing ICs and works great.. your provider will not see the other computer....


Pompey...if you wanna save $100 on a router, ICS is easy to set up...if you have W2K just make sure the ICS service is set up to automatically start at startup..otherwise after you reboot your machine ICS won't be running. Be default, it's set up to be turned on manually. For 9x or ME machines it's basically a just set there and let windows do its thing. The server should have the computer name of whatever your cable co gave you and the cable modem NIC to obtain IP's. Then your LAN NIC (to your hub) should be IP 192.168.0.x (x=1 or whatever). For your client machines NIC just have it's NIC to obtain IPs..and make sure you rename your client machine other than what the cable co gave you.. it has be different. then your set....and you have an extra $100 to play with. U will not see a performance difference between the two and processor speed doesn't play a role if that's all the server machine does is act as a ICS server. Hell I've used P 90's before and it's all good.