The best way to split an internet connection

[Guest_imported]

Hi, I need to split a cable internet connection between 2 computers at home and I don`t know what hardware I should use. Should I use a simple network card a hub or a router. Can you tell me the difference between those three ways of doing it?

 

[knporter]

A Network card will be needed for each machine regardless of anything else. These are the devices that allow each computer to "talk" to each other. To complete a simple network you can connect a cable from each computer (using the network cards) to a hub. This will not automatically share your internet connection. To do this you would either need to Configure Win98,Win2000, or WinXP for internet sharing. The alternative to a software solution is to use a router. This will act as a hub and an Internet sharing device. Most routers also will act as a firewall to help protect your machine. This is probably your best option if you can afford it. You can also buy a wireless router. This has the advantage of not having to run cable through your house.

 

[CharlieJax]

If you have DSL or Cable modem you can do the following:

1) Hook your Cable Modem up to a LinkSys (or competitors) Cable/DSL modem hub, this will act as a PC to the outside world and allow you to network your PCs off of it.

2) Hook each PC up to the hub (via ethernet cards and cables)

3) Your PCs should now be networked to access the internet

OR, if you are sharing a dialup connection you will have to have the modem connected to 1 machine, then a network connection comming out of that PC to a hub and that connected to your other PC(s). On the PC that has the modem you will need to set up ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) puch that into a search engine and you will get a 1000+ results on how to setup ICS.

Hope this helps ya out! CJ
- Jr. Rocket Man

 

[shybull]

You could use a Phoneline Network. I have 3 PC's sharing a cable modem using the existing phoneline in my house. You don't need a Hub or Router. But you have to have the host PC on for the other PC to share the connection. It does not affect phone calls at all. You might have to notify your cable provider that you will be networking inable to share the connection. You can buy the network cards pretty cheap at

http://www.directron.com/phoneline.html

I'm very surprised that more people don't use this type of network.